Department Chair Cody Bremner – PEB 209	Faculty & Staff
MAT Program Director Nathan Slaughter – PEB 212	Student Success Advisors
MSSCP Program Director Merrill Funk – PEB 211	Website
ORPT Program Director Kelly Goonan – PEB 205
Administrative Assistant Caleb Paulson – PEB 216

Overview of Programs

The Exercise Science degree is designed to prepare students to promote safe, effective, and efficient human movement; encourage excellence in athletic performance, strength training, and conditioning; design exercise programs for diverse populations that will prevent and/or treat disease; motivate individuals to improve their quality of life through exercise, rehabilitation, and nutrition; and educate others on nutrition, injury and illness prevention, and healthy living. Students graduating with a B.S. in Exercise Science are competitive applicants for entrance into graduate school in the exercise sciences; physical and occupational therapy school; chiropractic school; athletic training and physician assistant programs; medical, dental, or optometry school; nursing programs; and alternative medicines. Students with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science have career options in community fitness, corporate fitness/wellness, and clinical fitness/exercise science. For degree-specific information, please see Exercise Science (B.S.) .

The Physical Education - Teaching Emphasis and Physical Education - Coaching Emphasis degrees have two primary applications. First, the PE - Teaching Emphasis is a certifiable major approved for secondary teaching licensure at SUU. Please see Secondary Education Licensure . Some classes required for licensure cannot be taken until the teacher candidate has been admitted to the Teacher Education Department. Please consult your advisor or the Department of Teacher Education  for further information. Second, the PE - Coaching Emphasis degree is designed to develop high-quality coaches who possess an excellent understanding of coaching techniques and strategies. The program of study provides students with an understanding of coaching effectiveness, mental preparation and performance in sport, nutrition and conditioning for athletes, skill analysis, and athletic training. For degree-specific information, please see Physical Education - Coaching Emphasis (B.S.)  and Physical Education - Teaching Emphasis (B.S.) .

The degree program in Outdoor Recreation in Parks and Tourism is intended to provide students with training that qualifies them to work in a variety of professional settings including recreation management agencies, outdoor and experiential education organizations, outdoor tourism companies, and outdoor recreation service and instruction programs. Employment opportunities typically exist with local, state, and national agencies, protected natural areas, outdoor leadership and service programs, commercial recreation enterprises, educational organizations, and wilderness adventure/therapy organizations. Combined with the broad educational background provided by SUU’s baccalaureate core, this program will give students a wide range of opportunities upon graduation including solid preparation for graduate studies in fields such as recreation resource management, parks and recreation, and tourism, or related areas of graduate study. For degree-specific information, please see Outdoor Recreation in Parks and Tourism - Natural Resource Recreation Emphasis (B.S.) , Outdoor Recreation in Parks and Tourism - Outdoor Education Emphasis (B.S.) , and Outdoor Recreation in Parks and Tourism - Tourism Emphasis (B.S.) .

The Master of Athletic Training degree is designed to educate, mentor, and prepare students through didactic instruction, research investigation, and hands-on application of evidence-based practice to enter the profession of athletic training. This degree provides students with a personalized learning environment that fosters meaningful development through traditional course instruction and experiential education opportunities. With a focus involving the Head, Hands, and Heart (knowledge, skills, and disposition), students will become competent and effective healthcare professionals who positively impact their patients’ health-related quality of life and contribute to the professional field of athletic training. For degree-specific information, please see Master of Athletic Training (M.A.T.) .

The Master of Science Sports Conditioning and Performance (MSSCP) degree is an innovative approach to meet the needs of coaches, physical educators, personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, physical therapists, athletic trainers and other fitness professionals. The MSSCP program provides advanced education in the area of sport conditioning and human performance for working professionals and those looking to further build upon the knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired during their undergraduate studies. Integrating research-based knowledge with practical application is the “Hallmark” of the MSSCP program. This degree offers extensive online course work in sports conditioning, enabling professionals to design safe and effective exercise and conditioning programs. Three intensive summer courses will require students to attend clinical workshops on campus at SUU for two (2) weeks. For degree-specific information, please see Master of Science in Sports Conditioning and Performance (M.S.) .

Mission

Undergraduate

The mission of the Department of Kinesiology and Outdoor Recreation is to equip future leaders, practitioners, and scholars in Kinesiology and Outdoor Recreation to contribute to a diverse society through innovative and engaging instruction, scholarship, and professional service.

We hope that graduates from KOR programs will

• appreciate, apply, and teach technical, communication, and awareness skills;
• demonstrate knowledge of rules, strategies, and appropriate behaviors for selected disciplines and physical activities which include coaching, athletic training, intramurals, and health education;
• demonstrate competency in outdoor leadership, wilderness medicine, land management, programming and administration, and interpretation;
• identify benefits, costs, and obligations associated with regular participation in physical activity and outdoor recreation as well as recognize the risk and safety factors associated with participation;
• understand that wellness involves more than being physically fit and sport and leisure provide an opportunity for enjoyment, self-expression, environmental awareness, communication, and a common unifying experience that transcends social and cultural differences;
• cherish the feelings that result from regular participation in physical activity and outdoor recreation; and
• respect the role that regular leisure plays in the pursuit of lifelong health and happiness.

Graduate

Master of Athletic Training

The mission of the Master of Athletic Training Program (MAT) is to provide students with a personalized learning environment that fosters meaningful development through traditional course instruction and experiential education opportunities. With a focus involving the Head, Hands, and Heart (knowledge, skills and disposition), students will become competent and effective healthcare professionals who positively impact their patients’ health-related quality of life and contribute to the professional field of athletic training.

Master of Science in Sports Conditioning and Performance

The mission of the Master of Science in Sports Conditioning and Performance (MSSCP) program is to provide graduate students with educational knowledge and skills to enhance the practical application of strength and conditioning.

Department/Program Learning Outcomes

Students graduating in KOR programs should be able to:

Exercise Science

1. Demonstrate a sound foundational knowledge and understanding of the applied and basic sciences as they relate to responses and adaptations to physical activity and exercise among the healthy, diseased, and athletic population.
2. Perform basic laboratory skills pertaining to assessments, laboratory methods, and sound experimental and analytical practices, data acquisition, and reporting in the exercise sciences.
3. Understand the importance and influence of physical activity and exercise on health and become an advocate for physically active lifestyles as a means to improve quality of life and reduce the risk and prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases.
4. Demonstrate requisite skills and abilities for a career or continued education in various fields related to the exercise sciences.

Physical Education in Teaching/Coaching

1. Describe and apply physiological, bio-mechanical, and motor learning principles and theory related to skillful movement, physical activity, and fitness.
2. Identify philosophical and social perspectives of PE/Coaching issues.
3. Analyze and correct critical elements of motor skills and performance.
4. Demonstrate personal competence in motor skill performance for a variety of physical activities.
5. Plan and implement progressive and sequential instruction/practice plans aligned with lesson/practice objectives that address the diverse needs of all students.
6. Implement effective demonstrations, explanations, instructional cues, and provide effective feedback for skill acquisition and student learning.
7. Select, create, and use appropriate assessments to evaluate student learning and achievement of instructional goals and objectives.
8. Demonstrate behaviors that are consistent with the professional ethics of highly qualified teachers and coaches.

Outdoor Recreation in Parks & Tourism

1. Demonstrate competence as a capable leader.
2. Demonstrate competence as a steward for outdoor recreation valuing natural and cultural resources in their life and work.
3. Utilize interdisciplinary knowledge in social science and sciences to make decisions and solve problems. Course work will include geology, biology, natural resources, hospitality management, and psychology.
4. Demonstrate competence as a risk manager.
5. Demonstrate competence in entry-level administration and management skills and abilities
6. Demonstrate competence as an effective communicator, able to communicate with co-workers, supervisors, participants, peers, and appropriate public.
7. Utilize common knowledge, technology, tools, and processes in their emphasis.
8. Value the history, philosophy, economic impact, and scope of outdoor recreation, including comparing US outdoor recreation practices to other countries.

Master of Athletic Training

1. Properly apply prophylactic taping and bracing to active individuals for the purpose of injury prevention;
2. Employ techniques for clinical evaluation and diagnosis of athletic injuries and illnesses;
3. Explain and demonstrate appropriate emergency procedures and immediate care of life-threatening conditions common to physical activity;
4. Explain and apply theoretical and practical application of therapeutic modalities;
5. Utilize the concepts of range of motion, strength, power, endurance, and return to activity for implementation of rehabilitation programs for the injured patient; and
6. Understand and administer necessary policies and procedures while effectively communicating with athletes, coaches, administrators, and other healthcare professionals.

Master of Science in Sport Conditioning and Performance

1. Demonstrate command of content knowledge commensurate with a professional holding a master’s degree.
2. Apply their content knowledge and skills to think critically and ethically in examining issues and solving problems associated with the discipline.
3. Interpret, evaluate, synthesize, and apply the professional literature of the discipline.
4. Effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, in academic and professional settings.
5. Demonstrate behaviors that are consistent with professional ethical standards.

Graduate Admissions and Graduation Information

Master of Athletic Training

Requirements for Admission to the MAT Program

Admission to the program will be based on the following application criteria:

1. A completed bachelor’s degree
2. Grade of “C” or better in all prerequisite courses (coursework must be within 10 years of application)
3. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
4. GRE scores: Students that have a GPA of 3.0 or higher are exempt from taking the GRE.
5. Submission of application to the Master of Athletic Training Program (application processed through ATCAS)
6. Letter of application to the Master of Athletic Training Program
7. Two (2) letters of recommendation (one from a college-level instructor and one from a currently practicing certified athletic trainer)
8. Program interview (on-campus or via video conference)
9. Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
10. Documentation of at least 25 hours of observation with a Certified Athletic Trainer(s)

Upon acceptance, the following are to be completed within 30 days:

1. Proof of program-mandated immunizations
2. Completion of five-panel drug test
3. Completion of background check
4. Current professional-level CPR
5. Completed Technical Standards for Admission Form

Additional Admission Requirements for International Students

All international students and any applicant outside the U.S. must demonstrate proficiency in English. Those whose native language is not English, or whose language for their undergraduate degree was not English, will be required to submit a score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) which is not more than two (2) years old and on which a minimum score of 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) has been earned.

GPA Minimum

Students with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 are automatically considered for admission. Students with a GPA between 2.50-2.99 will be considered if the students show above average GRE scores.

Prerequisite Courses

Coursework in the following areas must be completed prior to beginning the MAT Program:

• Exercise Physiology (KIN 3070 )
• Biomechanics (KIN 3060 )
• Anatomy (BIOL 2320 )
• Physiology (BIOL 2420 )
• College Physics (PHYS 2010 )
• Chemistry (CHEM 1110 )
• General Biology (BIOL 1610 )
• Psychology (PSY 1010 )

Above course numbers are associated with SUU courses and are the recommended courses. Other courses in the above content areas may be considered.

Graduation Requirements

Candidates have three (3) years to complete the degree. All courses must be completed with a minimum grade of “C” (2.0) or better grade.

Master of Science in Sports Conditioning and Performance

Requirements for Admission to the MSSCP Program

Candidates must meet one of the following criteria:

1. Have a baccalaureate degree with a major or minor in physical education, exercise science, or sports medicine;
2. Have a baccalaureate degree and be a licensed or certified fitness professional (CSCS, NSCA-CPT, ACSM-CPT, ACSM Health/Fitness Instructor–must provide copy of certification); or
3. Have a baccalaureate degree and have completed undergraduate courses in exercise physiology (e.g., KIN 3070 ) and biomechanics (e.g., KIN 3060 ). These courses can be completed at a different university but must have covered similar subject matter. Check the course descriptions in the SUU General Catalog to compare your previous coursework to SUU’s classes. 

Candidates are expected to be computer literate, experienced in word processing, and have access to a high-speed Internet connection.

Prospective students must also have achieved a 3.0 GPA on the last 60 hours of their baccalaureate degree.

Application Process

Applicants are required to complete the following items:

1. Complete SUU Graduate Studies Application, including:
   • $60.00 nonrefundable application processing fee.
   • Verification of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with official transcripts.
   • Three (3) recommendation forms accessed through the online graduate school application process (excluding recommendations from SUU KOR professors).
2. Letter of application expressing career goals and expectations of success in this program. (Submit letter as an email attachment to gradapps@suu.edu and copy calebpaulson@suu.edu.)

A $15.00 readmission fee will apply if one (1) year has elapsed since last class registration. New letters of recommendation and graduate entrance exam(s) are not required.

Conditional Admission

Applicants who do not meet minimum requirements may be admitted for up to one (1) year on a conditional basis. The KOR Department will either admit or drop the student from degree-seeking status at the end of the one-year probation.

Transfer Credit

Students may transfer up to 12 semester credit hours if they align with current course content.

Graduation Requirements

Candidates have six (6) years to complete the degree. All courses must be completed with a “C” grade or better.

Schedule of Courses

The following schedule will be generally repeated each year:

Other Information

All undergraduate Kinesiology and Outdoor Recreation majors and minors are required to obtain a “C-” (1.7) or better grade in their major/minor coursework.

Programs

• Exercise Science (B.S.)
• Outdoor Recreation in Parks and Tourism - Natural Resource Recreation Emphasis (B.S.)
• Outdoor Recreation in Parks and Tourism - Outdoor Education Emphasis (B.S.)
• Outdoor Recreation in Parks and Tourism - Tourism Emphasis (B.S.)
• Physical Education - Coaching Emphasis (B.S.)
• Physical Education - Teaching Emphasis (B.S.)

• Clinical Exercise Science (Certificate)
• Pre-Allied Health (Certificate)
• Sport Performance (Certificate)
• Wellness/Health Promotion (Certificate)

• Exercise Science (Minor)
• Health Education (Minor)
• Outdoor Recreation in Parks and Tourism (Minor)
• Physical Education (Minor)
• Sports Coaching (Minor)

• Master of Athletic Training (M.A.T.)
• Master of Science in Sports Conditioning and Performance (M.S.)