Psychosocial/Behavioral Aspects of Physical Activity
Overview
This specialization in the Psychosocial/Behavioral Aspects of Physical Activity is directed toward students who possess a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Psychology, Public Health, or other related fields and are interested in earning a Master’s degree for the purpose of: 1) pursuing future study in a doctoral program in the psychology of exercise/physical activity, or 2) working for organizations with an interest in the promotion of regular physical activity (including corporations and government agencies).
Generally, the URI Kinesiology Master’s curriculum emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the multiple forces and conditions – from the global to the cellular – which influence how and why humans are physically activity. Specifically, the specialization in the Psychosocial/Behavioral Aspects of Physical Activity within the Kinesiology Master’s degree focuses academic inquiry into the understanding of physical activity behavior. This perspective includes knowledge of the physiologic foundations of the behavior, its role and manifestations in society in various forms, and a focus on the patterns, determinants, and physical and psychological outcomes of physical activity participation, as well as an understanding of theoretically guided interventions to promote regular physical activity. Students take numerous foundational, required, courses, but have the flexibility to tailor their additional coursework towards career goals.
Program Requirements
Core Kinesiology Courses (11 credits)
- KIN 515 Physiology of Physical Activity and Health (3)
OR
- KIN 562 Advanced Exercise Physiology
- KIN 578 Cultural Studies of Physical Activity (3)
- KIN 508 Physical Activity Promotion: Theory and Practice (3)
- KIN 501 Seminar in Kinesiology (1) – must be repeated twice
* It is recommended that students in the Psychosocial/Behavioral Aspects program select KIN 515
Research Courses (select 6 to 9 credits)
- KIN 530 Research Methods and Design in Kinesiology (3)
- KIN 599 Master’s Thesis Research (6)
OR
- KIN 591 Special Problems plus Comprehensive Exams (3)
* Students taking KIN 591 Special Problems must also complete the comprehensive
examination
Required Courses (6 credits)
- KIN 563 Epidemiology of Physical Activity (3)
- KIN 581 Psychological Aspects of a Healthy Lifestyle (3)
Recommended Electives (select 6-9 credits)
- PSY 479 Health Promotion (3)
- PSY 505 Community Psychology (3)
- PSY 606 Social Psychology (3)
- PSY 532 Experimental Design (3)
- PSY 533 Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology (3)
- PSY 601 Physiological Psychology (3)
- Up to 9 credits of: 1) courses in a related discipline; 2) additional psychology classes; or 3) additional KIN classes; as approved by the Major Profess
ANNOUNCEMENTS
**National Strength and Conditioning Association and the ERP Logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of the NSCA in the U.S.A. and/or other countries.
Rhode Island State Clinic
April 13, 2013 CLICK HERE to learn more
2013 Kinesiology Internship Meeting
Students need to attend three meetings during the spring semester if they plan to go out in the summer or in the fall CLICK HERE to learn more
2013 KIN585 Summer Course
Come join KIN585 Disability Sport this summer, session I May 20-June 21 CLICK HERE to learn more
Strength & Conditioning Program
For successfully meeting establised criteria, the National Strength and Conditioning Association officially recognizes University of Rhode Island’s Program in Strength and Conditioning.
Kinesiology Graduate Research Night
Every year, the Department of Kinesiology hosts a graduate research night CLICK HERE to learn more
Kinesiology in the News
Kinesiology is a broad field encompassing all facets of human movement. CLICK HERE to learn more
HSS Living and Learning Community
HSS Living and Learning Community
in Butterfield Hall is a great opportunity for Kinesiology students to network with each other during their first year on campus.
