Master of Science in Kinesiology (Biomechanics and Motor Behavior)

Website: https://twu.edu/kinesiology/graduate-programs/biomechanics/

Graduate courses in the School of Health Promotion and Kinesiology are designed to provide qualified individuals with the opportunity to pursue advanced study beyond the baccalaureate level. Biomechanics, exercise physiology, biochemistry, and motor behavior/pedagogy laboratories have been dedicated specifically to teaching and research. 

Marketable Skills

Defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's 60x30 Strategic Plan as, "Those skills valued by employers that can be applied in a variety of work settings, including interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skills areas. These skills can be either primary or complementary to a major and are acquired by students through education, including curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities."

1. Skillfully handle and set up various biomechanical analysis equipment in different settings.

2. Skillfully operate various biomechanical analysis software.

3. Skillfully conduct motion capture projects and collect biomechanical data.

4. Skillfully write programs using a computer programming language.

Admissions

All students must meet the University requirements as outlined in the Admission to the TWU Graduate School section of the catalog.

This 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)

Kinesiology Core6
Methods of Research
Applied Statistical Principles
Biomechanics & Motor Behavior Emphasis12
Mechanical Analysis of Human Motion
Human Motor Control
Biomechanical Analysis I: Motion Analysis
Biomechanical Analysis II: Data Acquisition and Instrumentation
Biomechanics & Motor Behavior Electives6
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 5983Thesis3
KINS 5993Thesis3
Total SCHs30

 Publishable Manuscript Option (36 SCH)

Kinesiology Core6
Methods of Research
Applied Statistical Principles
Biomechanics & Motor Behavior Emphasis15
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 Electives12
Select 12 SCH in consultation with advisor
Professional Affiliation
Special Topics
Independent Study
Motor Learning and Performance
Independent Study
Culminating Experience3
Professional Paper and Project
Total SCHs36

Optional Minor (6 SCH)

Students pursuing M.S. with Biomechanics and Motor Behavior emphasis typically do a minor in Math.