Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences

Kinesiology is an academic discipline which involves the study of physical activity and its impact on health, society, and quality of life. Nutrition, as a scientific discipline, is the study of how food and its components affect growth and development, metabolism, health, and disease as well as mental and physical performance. The graduate degrees offered by the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences are designed to prepare students for advanced study in biomedical sciences, clinical healthcare positions, and leadership positions in the disciplines of exercise and nutrition sciences. The department is committed to an interdisciplinary approach to professional preparation and scholarship and to creating an environment in which both basic and applied research in the fields of kinesiology and nutrition sciences is stimulated. Comprehensive laboratories and centers have been developed for the study of human performance, injury rehabilitation, skill acquisition, and clinical nutrition practice.

Students are afforded the opportunity to work closely with faculty in all areas of academics, clinical practice, and research. The faculty members are recognized internationally through their scholarship and research and are enthusiastically committed to graduate education.

Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences offers programs of study that lead to a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences and Master of Science degrees in Kinesiology or Nutrition Sciences. The Kinesiology degree programs allow students a choice of preparation and opportunities to specialize in biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor learning/motor control and sports medicine. The goal of the graduate program in kinesiology is to provide students with the theory, knowledge, and skills necessary to apply the principles of human movement in a variety of community, research, clinical, or athletic settings, or to pursue advanced study at the doctoral level. The Nutrition Sciences degree program has options for students wising to earn the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential and allows students to explore a specialty area within nutrition and develop a culminating experience to foster expertise in the chosen area.

John Mercer, Ph.D., Acting Chair

James W. Navalta, Ph.D., Graduate Coordinator, M.S. Kinesiology program

Laura Kruskall, Ph.D., RDN, CSSD, LD, Graduate Coordinator, M.S. Nutrition Sciences program

Program Information 

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty  

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Courses  

Department Website

Plans 

Master of Science - Exercise Physiology (ON HOLD)  

Master of Science - Kinesiology  

Master of Science - Nutrition Sciences