Master of Science in Kinesiology (Biomechanics and Motor Behavior)
Website: https://twu.edu/kinesiology/graduate-programs/biomechanics/
The M.S. in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Biomechanics and Motor Behavior provides graduate students with a strong foundation in the study of human movement that can be applied in research and professional settings. The program emphasizes biomechanics, motor behavior, movement analysis, research methods, and quantitative approaches to the study of movement control, coordination, learning, performance, and rehabilitation. Graduates are prepared to bridge research and practice in areas such as sport performance, injury prevention, mobility, and movement in special populations.
Golf practitioners and sport scientists have recently recognized the Biomechanics and Motor Behavior program as a national and international leader in golf swing biomechanics research and training.
Marketable Skills
Marketable skills prepare students for success in a variety of professional settings. Developed through academic coursework, co-curricular engagement, and extracurricular involvement, these skills include communication, critical thinking, teamwork, ethical reasoning, adaptability, and digital literacy. Whether directly related to a student’s major or serving as complementary strengths, marketable skills enhance career readiness and reflect TWU’s commitment to producing graduates who are prepared to thrive in today’s dynamic workforce.
- Apply principles of biomechanics and motor behavior to analyze human movement in research and applied settings.
- Use movement-analysis tools and related technologies to collect, manage, and interpret human movement data.
- Design and conduct research studies using appropriate methods, measurements, and quantitative approaches.
- Communicate scientific findings effectively in written, oral, and professional formats for academic and applied audiences.
- Translate movement-science knowledge into practice in areas such as rehabilitation, injury prevention, mobility, and sport performance.
Admissions
All students must meet the University requirements as outlined in the Admission to the TWU Graduate School section of the catalog.
The academic program may have additional admission criteria that must also be completed as outlined on the program's website.
Degree Requirements
Prerequisites
- Anatomy (Functional Anatomy)
- Kinesiology & Biomechanics
- Motor Learning & Control
- Exercise Physiology
Prerequisite courses may be taken during the program but will not be counted toward the degree.
Total Semester Credit Hours Required
Thesis Option: 30 semester credit hours (SCH)
Publishable Manuscript Option: 36 semester credit hours (SCH)
Thesis Option (30 SCH)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Kinesiology Core | 6 | |
| Methods of Research | ||
| Applied Statistical Principles | ||
| Biomechanics & Motor Behavior Emphasis | 12 | |
| Mechanical Analysis of Human Motion | ||
| Human Motor Control | ||
| Biomechanical Analysis I: Motion Analysis | ||
| Biomechanical Analysis II: Data Acquisition and Instrumentation | ||
| Biomechanics & Motor Behavior Electives | 6 | |
| Select 6 SCH in consultation with advisor | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Research in Kinesiology | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Advanced Biomechanics | ||
| Motor Learning and Performance | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Culminating Experience | ||
| KINS 5983 | Thesis | 3 |
| KINS 5993 | Thesis | 3 |
| Total SCHs | 30 | |
Publishable Manuscript Option (36 SCH)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Kinesiology Core | 6 | |
| Methods of Research | ||
| Applied Statistical Principles | ||
| Biomechanics & Motor Behavior Emphasis | 15 | |
| Mechanical Analysis of Human Motion | ||
| Advanced Biomechanics | ||
| Human Motor Control | ||
| Biomechanical Analysis I: Motion Analysis | ||
| Biomechanical Analysis II: Data Acquisition and Instrumentation | ||
| Biomechanics & Motor Behavior Electives | 12 | |
| Select 12 SCH in consultation with advisor | ||
| Professional Affiliation | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Motor Learning and Performance | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Culminating Experience | 3 | |
| Professional Paper and Project | ||
| Total SCHs | 36 | |
Optional Minor (6 SCH)
Students pursuing M.S. with Biomechanics and Motor Behavior emphasis typically do a minor in Math.
SHPK Master's Program Policies
Culminating Experience
After completing 24 semester credit hours of required coursework (including core courses), School of Health Promotion and Kinesiology students are eligible to complete their culminating experience. Students in the Biomechanics and Motor Behavior emphasis area may choose one of two culminating options: 1) Thesis or 2) Publishable Manuscript. Students are responsible for reviewing their emphasis area degree requirements, consulting with emphasis area faculty, and familiarizing themselves with the available options. Specific steps to complete each culminating experience option are located within the School of Health Promotion and Kinesiology (SHPK) Graduate Student Handbook.
Thesis
All School of Health Promotion and Kinesiology master’s students who select the thesis option are required to prepare, present, and orally defend a thesis reflecting substantial and independent research. The Thesis Research Committee must be formed according to Graduate School policies. Committees must include a minimum of three faculty members, with one faculty member being from outside the major/emphasis area. The School of Health Promotion and Kinesiology stipulates that a 10-class day reading period be granted to every research committee member for any thesis-related documents. No thesis research committee meetings may be scheduled or conducted during the last two weeks (last week of classes and finals week) of any semester. Refer to the Graduate School policy for Thesis grading options. Any student in SHPK receiving two consecutive enrolled semesters of LP (Lack of Adequate Progress) and/or NP (No Progress) grades or three cumulative semesters of LP and/or NP grades will be dismissed from the program.
Publishable Manuscript
All School of Health Promotion and Kinesiology master’s students who select the manuscript option must independently prepare a publishable manuscript reflecting substantial and original research. Students must consult with the major professor to define and refine the project's scope then form a three-person graduate faculty Manuscript Committee to include the major professor and two additional members. One member must be from outside the major/emphasis area. Students are expected to continue working on the manuscript to prepare and submit it for journal publication within the three months immediately following graduation. Use and adherence to a formal authorship agreement are highly recommended. Three consecutive months of insufficient progress will result in the major professor assuming authorship responsibilities toward publication.
