2023-2024 Graduate Catalog 
    
    Jul 27, 2024  
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog

Kinesiology-Coaching, MS


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The online Master of Science in Kinesiology-Coaching program (non-licensure) is designed to promote individual change within the professional practice of professionals enrolled in the program. The philosophical foundation of the master’s degree is to extend the students’ prior knowledge and experiences and provide growth in the seven Core Responsibilities within the National Standards for Sport Coaches.  The responsibilities include:  a) set vision, goals, and standards for a sport program; b) engage in and support ethical principles; c) build relationships; d) develop a safe sport environment; e) create a positive and inclusive sport environment; f) conduct practices and prepare for competition; and g) strive for continuouse improvement.

Students will be able to demonstrate competencies outlined by the National Standards for Sport Coaches as well as the competencies that have been established for the graduate programs at Southern Arkansas University. The program will be delivered online to enable working professionals greater flexibility in completing their advanced educational studies. The online format enables working professionals to complete their master’s degree in a timelier manner. Many professionals working and/or living in communities within our region, due to restraints of time and distance, are unable to attend evening courses during the school year. The online environment allows more educators/coaches greater access to graduate education.

Note:


(See program website for course rotation)

Admission to the Online MS in Kinesiology-Coaching Graduate Program:


Admission to the School of Graduate Studies does not guarantee admission to online MS in Kinesiology-Coaching degree program. Students who are seeking entrance into this program must also meet all the requirements listed below prior to enrolling in graduate courses.

  • Make contact with the program director, Mr. Steven D. Dingman, either by phone (870-235-4383) or email (sddingman@saumag.edu).
  • Complete and return the application for acceptance into the Online MS in Kinesiology-Coaching Program packet which includes the following:
    • Cover letter and resume including a minimum of three references
    • “Acknowledgement of Program Requirements” form
    • The Cooperating Agency / Mentor Approval Form
    • If required by the cooperating agency, you may be required to provide a copy of your Criminal History background check. You must complete one for acceptance to the program when required by the cooperating agency.

Procedure for Criminal History Check


  1. The ASP form 122, Individual Record Check Form, must be completed in its entirety.
  2. A check or money order in the amount of $25 made payable to the Arkansas State Police must be included for an Arkansas record check. An additional check or money order for $19.25, made payable to the Arkansas State Police, must be included for the FBI (national) record check.
  3. The signature on the ASP form 122 or approved agency form must be notarized.
  4. Return form and fingerprint card to:

Arkansas State Police, Identification Bureau
#1 State Police Plaza Drive, Little Rock, AR 72209

To contact the Identification Bureau, you may call 501.618.8500.

The ASP form 122 and the fingerprint card are available by contacting the Program Director.

  • Purchase a LiveText™ subscription

It is the responsibility of each student to read and understand the Student Handbook for the Online Master of Science in Kinesiology-Coaching Degree Program and the Portfolio Guide for the Online Master of Science in Kinesiology-Coaching Degree Program

Criteria for Selection into Online MS in Kinesiology-Coaching Program


To ensure quality on-line instruction, the class size for each course is set at twenty students. In the event we receive more than twenty applicants to start each rotation the following criteria will be used to determine who will be selected:

  1. Undergraduate degree area/GPA
  2. GRE or MAT scores
  3. Graduate Assistantship at SAU
  4. Coaching experience

Only those applicants who have completed all admission requirements will be considered for selection into the program.

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