Recent News

July 17
Teaching & Coaching professor prepares for Beijing trip to Olympics
Dr. Brad Vickers heads to China to study the coaching strategies of the head coaches of the US Men's and Women's National Swim Teams - Vickers has already presented in Japan and is slated to teach in Australia for a short stint this fall

July 11
Debby Funderburk invites all to "On Stage," an upcoming performing arts camp production
Students in the Teaching Rhythms course will assist in dance teaching skills to area students, ages 12-18.  The young campers will act, sing, and dance in the show slated for July 25 and 26 in the McComas Theater on the campus of MSU.  For more information, call Ms. Funderburk, the production's choreographer, at 662-325-9280

April 29
Teaching & Coaching Alum earns outstanding first year teacher honor
Jason Young, a recent graduate, earned recognition for his stellar work at Starkville High School

April 6
Debby Funderburk invites all to Terpsichore Dance Theater Recital
The Mississippi Dance University Dance Theater Company invite all to attend Thursday, April 17th at Lee Hall Auditorium, 7:00 pm, click HERE for ticket information

March 28
Kinesiology Department leads MSU with 5 Spirit of State recipients
Sports Comm students John Thompson and Jan Blaine earns distinguished award along with CLEP students Casey Carter, Hayle Guess and Seth Ladd as The Department of Kinesiology has produced recipients each of first three years of the award

March 26
Dr. Holly Wiley earns 2008 MSU Faculty of the Year honors
Wiley also spearheads the Kimberly Gee 5K race slated for Saturday, April 5th - see below

March 15
Sports Communication and Sports Administration students and alumni battle tornado at SEC Men's Basketball tournament as they participate in various capacities
Landon Ingram (manager), Billy Begley (player), Jason Husband and Jan Blaine (SEC media and event volunteers), David Gilliland (GA - spirit squad), Cole Bouleware & Shelley Pensworth (cheerleaders), Matt Dispenza (pep band), Mike Stough (intern with IMG Host Communications), Shane Power (CSS television - alumni), Meghan Odom and Bethany Hawkins (Colonnade Group - alumni)

March 4
Help the fight againt Ovarian Cancer at the 2nd Annual Kimberly Gee 5K Race and Fun Run on Saturday, April 5th
Click here for more details and registration information; location - the Sanderson Recreation Center

January 28
Dr. Chromiak, leader, scholar, family man, passes after long battle
Joseph Chromiak, a noted scholar in exercise science, a faithful leader of the Department of Kinesiology and a devoted family man will be greatly missed.  Visitation is Monday, January 28th from 5 - 7 pm at Welch Funeral Home with a prayer service at 5 pm.  The funeral service is Tuesday, January 29th in Starkville at St. Joseph's Church at 10 AM with a reception at the church to follow the burial at Oddfellows Cemetary.

January 13
Sports Administration student Erin Mullen slated to work ESPN "X Games"
First year graduate student heads to Colorado January 21st for ten days to build on her Sports Administration professional development through first-hand experience with ESPN's 12th edition of the Winter X Games

January 1
Dr. Joseph Chromiak finishes stellar term as interim department head
Dr. Stanley Brown, former Dean of Health Sciences at Our Lady of the Lake College in Baton Rouge, takes the reigns of the MSU Kinesiology department as the 2008 academic year begins

Archived News Headlines: Click here
 

The Mississippi State University Department of Kinesiology is housed within the Department of Education and features numerous exceptional areas of study for graduate and undergraduate students. Undergraduate students can choose one of four concentrations: Clinical Exercise Physiology, Fitness Management, Sports Communication and Teaching & Coaching. 

The Master of Science in Physical Education degree requires a minimum of 33 hours of graduate credit. Concentrations in Exercise Science, Sport Administration and Teaching/Coaching are available. The student will develop in cooperation with the major professor a program of study during the first semester in the Master of Science in Physical Education program. The student must successfully complete comprehensive examinations before being awarded the degree of Master of Science in Physical Education.

Clinical Exercise Physiology

The Clinical Exercise Physiology concentration provides students with the essential knowledge to assist in exercise and rehabilitation programs for improving the health, fitness and performance of fitness enthusiasts and athletes, as well as for the rehabilitation of individuals suffering from injuries or chronic diseases. Graduates of the clinical exercise physiology program are prepared to apply for various Allied Health Science post-graduate degree programs. Students completing the Clinical Exercise Physiology concentration are prepared to work as exercise specialists in cardiac rehabilitation and pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Students are qualified to work as exercise specialists in a variety of areas, such as fitness and wellness programs for individuals with diabetes, orthopedic limitations, arthritis, cancer, osteoporosis, as well as for the elderly, overweight and obese persons, and pregnant women. Students must complete a Teaching Internship in Physical Education. The Clinical Exercise Physiology concentration also prepares students for continuing their academic career in other allied health professions such as Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, as well as for graduate study.

Fitness Management

The Fitness Management concentration provides students with a basic understanding of the science behind physical fitness, and enables students to implement effective fitness programs. The Fitness Management concentration also provides students with a basic preparation in business to help meet the economic challenges within the profession. Students completing the Fitness Management concentration must complete a six-hour internship. Internship opportunities are numerous within hospital-based Wellness Centers, and corporate Fitness/Wellness centers. Students within the Fitness Management concentration are prepared to work as fitness instructors, exercise specialists, and directors or managers of Wellness and Fitness Centers in hospital, corporate and government settings. Students also can pursue careers in strength and conditioning for fitness enthusiasts and athletes.

Sports Communication

The Sport Communication concentration provides students with knowledge and skills necessary for careers in the field of communication with an emphasis in the business of sports and athletics.  Students completing the Sport Communication concentration must complete a six-hour internship. Internship opportunities are numerous within the media and sport promotion areas. Students within the Sport Communication concentration are prepared to work in the areas of university and professional sport media, sport videography, television and radio broadcast media, and sport promotions.
 

Teaching and Coaching

Students majoring in the Teaching and coaching concentration are prepared to teach Physical Education classes in K-12 public or private schools. The curriculum focuses on preparing well-rounded teachers who understand the value of quality Physical Education and the influence it has on the growth and development of young students. Students in the teaching and coaching concentration learn to understand and appreciate

developmentally appropriate physical activities and strategies used to meet the needs of all students they will potentially teach. Students must complete a Teaching Internship in Physical Education. Students graduating from MSU with a degree in Physical Education are eligible for a teaching license from the Department of Education of Mississippi.