The request for multiple revisions to the Clinical Exercise Physiology MS program

The program name change to Kinesiology was approved by UNC General Administration on January 15, 2013.

f.  Change the designation of the degree from CEXP to KNES to more accurately reflect that there is both an exam option and a thesis option.

UNDERGRADUATE CATALOG CHANGES:

At the end of the current catalog copy:

EARLY-ENTRY INTO M.S. IN KINESIOLOGY PROGRAM

The Early-Entry program leads to completion of all requirements for the B.S. and M.S. degrees in only five academic years and one or two summers. In this program, students complete requirements for the B.S. degree and begin graduate coursework and research in their Senior, or fourth, year. The Kinesiology Early-Entry program is accelerated; that is, up to twelve credit hours may be taken at the graduate level and double counted towards both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students may leave the program after four years with the B.S. degree, or they may complete an additional academic year and summer of full-time study and research to earn both the B.S. and M.S. degrees in Kinesiology.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

B.S. students may be admitted to the M.S. program without entrance examinations if they have a

3.25 overall GPA and at least 3.25 in the major, have completed the standard B.S. curriculum with 75 credit hours, and have taken the Graduate Record Examination. The application process and all the required documentation (e.g., test scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation) are the same for Early-Entry students as for other applicants to the program. The status of the accepted early-entry applicant is provisional pending the award of the baccalaureate degree (including sitting for examinations required by their B.S. program). Early-Entry M.S. students will be expected to complete the requirements for the undergraduate degree by the time they have completed 15 hours of graduate work. Students should consult with the Kinesiology M.S. Graduate Coordinator about their eligibility for this program and to discuss requirements for selection of a research advisor during their Junior year.

GRADUATE CATALOG COPY CHANGES

IN THE SECTION ENTITLED: “Related Courses”

KNES 6099. Special Topics in Kinesiology. (1-3) Topics and special problems related to issues, practices or sufficient trends in Kinesiology. Institutes, workshops, seminars and independent studies. Course may be repeated for credit as topics vary. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

KNES 6115. Research Methods in Kinesiology. (3) Methods of inquiry for research will be explored and critiqued within the fields of Kinesiology. Emphasis is on developing skills useful for conducting and evaluating basic, applied, and clinical. (Fall )

KNES 6120. Advances in Clinical Exercise Physiology. (3) This course introduces students to concepts and topics associated with Clinical Exercise Physiology, including areas of practice in Clinical Exercise Physiology and professional development. (Fall)

KNES 6121. Clinical Practice in Exercise Physiology. (3) Knowledge and skills required in the clinical setting including operational standards, examination of current drug therapies, and legal and social considerations related to practice as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist. (Fall)

KNES 6134. Exercise Prescription for Cardiopulmonary and Metabolic Disorders. (3)

Study of responses and adaptations to exercise, assessment techniques, exercise prescription, leadership and programming. (Spring)

KNES 6151. Exercise Testing Methods. (3) This course aims to introduce the basic Exercise Testing methods used by Clinical Exercise Physiologists.  The course will focus on the theory and application of specific skills as well as developing clinical proficiency in assessing outcomes of physiologic function and fitness. (Spring)

KNES 6170. Neuromechanics of Gait & Posture (3).  The influence of central and peripheral mechanisms on gait and posture will be emphasized by reviewing experimental protocols that have perturbed human movement.  Instruction will include both normal and pathological studies and the effect that interventions may have on disturbances in gait and posture. (Fall)

KNES 6232. Physiology of Human Aging. (3) This course focuses on the normal physiological alterations that occur as the human progresses from a young adult to the latter stages of life. Special attention is given to interventions commonly promoted to combat the physiological changes that result from aging. (Fall)

KNES 6260. Clinical Exercise Nutrition. (3) Principles of nutrition, dietary guidelines, dietary relationships to diseases and health, special populations, computerized dietary analysis. (On demandFall)

KNES 6280. Advanced Exercise Physiology. (3) Advanced study of the functioning of physiological systems during exercise with emphasis on current literature and research. (Spring)

KNES 6285. Advanced Cardiopulmonary Physiology. (3) This course is designed to develop a thorough understanding of cardiovascular physiology, ECG interpretation, and health-related applications. This course examines in detail, the various parameters of the cardiovascular system, the implication of disease and structural abnormalities to these parameters, and the relationship of cardiovascular function to exercise adaptation. Emphasis will be placed on usage of the information in the clinical setting. (Spring)

KNES 6292. Exercise Prescription for Musculoskeletal Disorders. (3) Advanced study of the clinical applications of common therapeutic modalities and rehabilitation in the treatment of athletic related injuries and illnesses associated with physical activity. (Summer)

KNES 6490. Advanced Practicum in Clinical Exercise Physiology. (1) Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.  Acquisition and application of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for the Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist while gaining experiential hours in an appropriate clinical setting. Three (3) credit hours of Advanced Practicum are required for graduation; this course may be repeated for up to 6 credit hours. (Every semesterFall, Spring, Summer)

KNES 64696800. Directed Independent Study. (1-3) Directed study in areas of specialization in Clinical Exercise PhysiologyKinesiology and related fields. Graded on a Pass/Unsatisfactory basis only. (Every semesterFall, Spring, Summer)

KNES 6899. Special Topics in Kinesiology. (1-6) Topics and special problems related to issues, practices or sufficient trends in Kinesiology. Institutes, workshops, seminars and independent studies. Course may be repeated for credit as topics vary. (Every semester)

KNES 6900. Research and Thesis in Kinesiology. (3) Prerequisite: KNES 6115completion of at least 24 hours of graduate program; and permission of instructor overseeing thesis research. Design, implementation, presentation, and evaluation of an approved research project in student's specialty area. The applied project is of the student's own design under the supervision of an advisor and graduate committee. Graded Pass/Unsatisfactory only. (Fall, Spring, SummerEvery semester)

KNES 7999. Master’s Degree Graduate Residency Credit. (1) Meets Graduate School requirement for continuous enrollment during final term prior to graduation when all coursework has been completed. (Fall, Spring, SummerEvery semester)

IN THE SECTION ENTITLED: “Degree Programs Offered”

Clinical Exercise PhysiologyKinesiology

• M.S. in Clinical Exercise PhysiologyKinesiology Department of Kinesiology

226A Belk Gym 704-687-46950873 kinesiology.uncc.edu

Graduate Program Coordinator

Dr. Susan TsivitsePeter Magnussen

Graduate Faculty

Susan Arthur, Assistant Professor

Reuben Howden, Assistant Professor Tricia J. Hubbard-Turner, Assistantociate Professor Peter Magnusson, Professor Susan Tsivitse, Assistant Professor

Michael J. Turner, Associate Professor

Erik A. Wikstrom, Assistant Professor

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CLINICAL EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGYKINESIOLOGY

The Master of Science in Kinesiology program prepares graduate students to advance the fields of Kinesiology through evidenced-based patient care and translational research.  The program emphasizes basic and clinical interdisciplinary education and research in areas of Kinesiology

The Department of Kinesiology has two concentrations within the M.S. in Kinesiology program that include a clinical (non-thesis) and research (thesis) degree option.

1.         Applied Physiology and Kinesiology (Thesis required) The Applied Physiology and Kinesiology concentration is excellent preparation for those planning to continue their education through the PhD, either in Kinesiology or a related field (Biology, Rehabilitation Sciences, Biomechanics, Motor Control, Physiology, etc).  Students selecting this Concentration will also be well qualified for employment in aspects of the health industry or in research labs. An early-entry option is available for well qualified UNC Charlotte undergraduate students majoring in Exercise Science or Athletic Training. The early-entry option allows students to begin work toward a graduate degree before completion of the baccalaureate degree.

(described in the UNC Charlotte Undergraduate Catalog) .

2.         Clinical Exercise Physiology (Non-thesis) The Clinical Exercise Physiology concentration is a CAAHEP-accredited program that is designed to prepare students to become Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologists. Clinical Exercise Physiologists are employed in inpatient and outpatient clinical/rehabilitation settings (e.g. Cardiopulmonary Rehab programs), general wellness/fitness commercial and corporate settings, and industrial settings that provide health care services for both diseased and healthy populations. Through a blend of classroom instruction and clinical experience, the degree program teaches a wide variety of specific health care skills, knowledge, and behaviors within the cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, neoplastic, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and immunologic practice areas. An early-entry option is available for well qualified UNC Charlotte undergraduate students majoring in Exercise Science or Athletic Training.  The early-entry option allows students to begin work toward a graduate degree before completion of the baccalaureate degree. (described in the UNC Charlotte Undergraduate Catalog) .

A complete description of the program, concentrations, and course offeringssequence of courses can be found at kinesiology.uncc.edu.

Degree Requirements

Both concentrations require 36 credit hours approved by the Department of Kinesiology and a minimum of 15 credit hours presented for the degree must be in the courses numbered 6000 and above.  Both concentrations require the same 12h of core courses but differ in their specific courses and the number of elective hours.  Courses for which undergraduate credit has been awarded may not be repeated for graduate credit.  A minimum grade point average of 3.0 is required on all coursework attempted for the degree.  At the time of admission up to 6 semesters hours of graduate transfer credit may be accepted if approved by the Department of Kinesiology and the Graduate School.

MS in Kinesiology Core Courses (12 hours)

KNES 6115 Research Methods in Kinesiology (3) KNES 6232 Physiology of Human Aging (3) KNES 6280 Advanced Exercise Physiology (3) KNES 6285 Advanced Cardiopulmonary Physiology (3)

Applied Physiology & Neuromechanics Concentration Concentration Specific Courses (15 hours)

RSCH 6110 Descriptive & Inferential Statistics (3) KNES 6170 Neuromechanics of Gait & Posture (3) KNES 6800 Directed Independent Study (3) KNES 6900 Research & Thesis in Kinesiology (6)

Applied Physiology & Neuromechanics Elective Courses (9 hours)

Clinical Exercise Physiology Concentration Concentration Specific Courses (18 hours)

KNES 6120 Advances in Clinical Exercise Physiology (3) KNES 6121 Clinical Practice in Exercise Physiology (3) KNES 6134 Exercise Prescription for Cardiopulmonary & Metabolic Disorders (3) KNES 6151 Exercise Testing Methods (3) KNES 6292 Exercise Prescription for Musculoskeletal Disorders (3) KNES 6490 Advanced Practicum in Clinical Exercise Physiology (1) (taken 3 times)

Each Practicum credit is equivalent to 200 clinical hours. Clinical practicum usually begins in the third semester of the student’s program and are arranged through the Practicum Coordinator within the Department of Kinesiology.

Clinical Exercise Physiology Elective Courses (6 hours)

Comprehensive Examination

All candidates for the degree must pass a comprehensive examination.  A student selecting the Applied Physiology and Neuromechanics concentration must present credit for at least 6 credit hours of KNES 6900 and pass a thesis defense. A student selecting the Clinical Exercise Physiology concentration must pass the Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist examination (RCEP), administered by the American College of Sports Medicine as this concentration prepares students to become Clinical Exercise Physiologists. 

Additional Admissions Requirements

In addition to fulfilling the university’s general requirements for graduate admission at the Master’s level, applicants seeking admission in to the MS in Kinesiology program must also:

1) Present sSatisfactory scores on either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the

Miller Analogies Test (MAT) Combined math and verbal score of 300 or greater and a writing score 3.5 or better.

2) Possess an overall cCumulative GPA of 3.0 25 or better in all college coursework and possess an overall GPA of 3.25 on all upper division coursework (courses completed in the Junior and Senior year of their undergraduate program)

3) Present satisfactory grades (C or better) on specific pre-requisite courses

Applied Physiology & Neuromechanics requires Successful completion (grade of

C or above) of a minimum of 4 credit hours of Anatomy and Physiology, 3 credit hours of Exercise Physiology, 3 credit hours of Biomechanics or Motor Control, 3 credit hours of Exercise Prescription, and 3 credit hours of Statistics

Clinical Exercise Physiology requires a minimum of 4 credit hours of Anatomy

and Physiology, 3 credit hours of Exercise Prescription, and 3 credit hours of Statistics

4) Present satisfactory scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language, if the applicant is from a non-English speaking country.

5) Demonstrate evidence of sufficient interest, ability, and preparation in Kinesiology to adequately profit from graduate study, as determined by the Kinesiology Graduate faculty. This information should be included in the statement of purpose and specifically speak to the following: a) strengths, b) concentration of interest, c) career aspirations, and d) research interests (if pursuing the Applied Physiology and Neuromechanics concentration)

Assistantships

Positions as a graduate assistant or teaching assistant may be available. Grant funded assistantships may be available as well. Students seeking assistantships should contact the Graduate Coordinator of the Clinical Exercise PhysiologyKinesiology program. In general, graduate assistantship awards for the academic year are made by the preceding MarchApril 15.

Tuition Waivers

Tuition waivers may be available through a variety of sources. Students interested in pursuing tuition waivers should contact the Graduate Coordinator in the semester prior to enrolling for courses.

Financial Aid/Financial Assistance

A wide range of opportunities for financial aid/assistance is available to qualifying students, which may be accessed through the financial aid office. See the financial information section of this graduate catalog for more information on the opportunities that are available, and how to contact the financial aid office.

Advising

Each student in the MS in Kinesiology program must have a major advisor.  Students in the Applied Physiology and Neuromechanics concentration will work with their major advisor to develop an advisory committee.  The advisory committee must have at least 3 members (including the major advisor) and the majority of which must be from the Department of Kinesiology.  Students in the Clinical Exercise Physiology concentration will be advised by the Program Coordinator and Practicum Coordinator.  Upon acceptance into the program, an academic advisor is assigned to each student. Students are expected to meet with their advisors on a regular basis to plan their progression through their program of study. Any course substitution must be approved by the academic advisor. 

Research Opportunities/Experiences

A range of research opportunities exist in the Department of Kinesiology for qualified students. Students are encouraged to become engaged in the research focus of the department.

Program Certifications/Accreditations