Human Movement Sciences

MS Kinesiology Areas of Study

Biomechanics
Biomechanics is the "Study of the structure and function of human beings using the principles and methods of mechanics of physics and engineering." (Hoffman, 2005)

Exercise Physiology
Exercise Physiology is the "Study of acute physiological responses to physical activity and the changes in physiological responses to chronic physical activity." (Hoffman, 2005)

 Motor Behavior
"Motor behavior helps us understand the process of development, control and learning of motor skills." (Hoffman, 2005)

 Sport and Exercise Psychology
"Sport and exercise psychology involves the study of human thought, emotion, and behavior in physical activity." (Hoffman, 2005)

Sociology of Physical Activity
Sociology of physical activity is the study of sport and physical activity as a significant part of human culture and society. This subdiscipline is premised on the idea that sport, physical activity, fitness and health practices are socially constructed. That is, sociologists do not regard these practices as neutral objective realities, but rather as embedded in our social networks at the same time that they are created and shared by many people. Sociologists tend to be concerned about equity for all groups in society and therefore examine how social relationships such as race, gender, class, age, ability/disability, and sexuality influence sport/ physical activity and how sport/physical activity in turn shape our social relationships.

Hoffman, S.J. (Ed.). (2005). Introduction to Kinesiology . (2nd ed.) Champaign , IL : Human Kinetics.