Kinesiology and Lifestyle Medicine

Mission Statement

The mission of the Master of Science in Health in Kinesiology & Lifestyle Medicine program is to prepare students with the knowledge, clinical and analytical skills, and professional and ethical mindset to work as Exercise Physiologists and Lifestyle Medicine Epidemiologists in their respective fields. The Exercise Physiology curriculum and training will prepare students to work in leadership positions in the health and fitness industry as well as in clinical settings. The curriculum will provide the students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work and provide leadership in the area(s) of health and fitness, cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation, diabetes education, and lifestyle coaching. The Lifestyle Medicine curriculum and training will begin to prepare students to become independent investigators and lifestyle coaches by providing them with the tools necessary to conduct original research and disseminate research findings to influence lifestyle behavioral change. Students may be exposed to both primary data collection and secondary data analysis. The internship option culminates in a 150-300-hour experiential internship working under the direct supervision of a graduate degreed professional in the field of Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Epidemiology, Public Health, or Medicine.

Assessment Approaches

Direct measures will include direct observation of graduate student performance by qualified professionals and various course-related activities such as posters and oral presentations, written and oral examinations, and written and oral scientific critiques of the literature. Indirect assessment measures will include program exit interviews, alumni and employer surveys, and feedback from internship site supervisors and preceptors.

Student Learning Outcomes

Knowledge of Literature of Discipline (req)

• Understand epidemiological methods and demonstrate the ability to recognize and employ various study designs.
• Demonstrate the ability to appropriately utilize statistics and interpret results.
• Value integrity and ethics in life and in their profession.

Independent Research/ Professional Practice (req)

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in exercise science and epidemiology.
• Translate research into practice in developing evidence-based exercise prescriptions for individuals with chronic diseases.
• Employ clinical judgment in exercise/fitness, rehabilitation and educational settings.
• Engage in best-practice behaviors that are client/patient, subject, field, and society-focused.