Graduate Academic Programs

Master's Degree Programs

Master of Science in Kinesiology Degree (MSK), Motor Learning/Control Major

Description of Program

The program in motor learning and control focuses on the neuromuscular aspects related to the execution of human movement and learning. Students take a variety of neuroscience courses related to the control of human movement. General research topics include strength acquisition, goal-directed movement control, and the effects of human aging on movement execution with emphasis given to postural control and balance.

Degree Requirements

A minimum of 35 credit hours is required for the motor learning/control program. A minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. A minimum grade of C is required in each course. All electives for completing the degree must be approved by the advisor.

Complete the following list of requirements:


Public Health Foundations Requirement (0 credits)
All new Master's degree students should complete the Public Health Foundations online course prior to registering for their first semester courses. Complete details and registration information for this course can be found at the following Website: https://iu.instructure.com/enroll/MNG3L6.

Motor Learning/Control Major Requirements (21 credits)

Complete each of the following core courses (12 cr.):

  • SPH-K 530 Mechanical Analysis of Human Performance (3 cr.)
  • SPH-K 535 Physiological Basis of Human Performance (3 cr.)
  • SPH-Q 502 Intermediate Statistics in Public Health (3 cr.)
  • SPH-X 590 Introduction to Research in Health, Kinesiology, and Recreation (3 cr.)

Complete each of the following motor control courses (9 cr.):

  • SPH-K 542 Neuromuscular Control Movement (3 cr.)
  • SPH-K 543 Cortical Control Movement (3 cr.)
  • SPH-K 599 Master's Thesis (3 cr.)

Remaining Electives (14 cr.)
Complete electives to reach the required minimum 35 graduate-level credits. Electives must be selected with advisor approval
Courses may selected from the following list of recommended electives. Other elective courses may be selected with the approval of the student’s academic advisor.

  • COGS-Q 500 Intro to Cognitive Science (3 cr.)
  • COGS-Z 551 The Brain and Cognition (3 cr.)
  • MSCI-M 555 Medical Neuroscience (3 cr.)
  • NEUS-N 500 Neural Science I (4 cr.)
  • NEUS-N 501 Neural Science II (4 cr.)
  • PSY-P 503 Complex Cognitive Processes (3 cr.)
  • PSY-P 504 Learning and Motivation (3 cr.)
  • SPH-K 630 Biomechanics of Human Performance (3 cr.)
  • SPH-K 641 Topics in Motor Integration (3 cr.)
  • SPH-K 691 Readings in Kinesiology (ARR)
  • SPH-K 694 Seminar Human Performance (3 cr.)
  • SPH-K 792 Research in Human Performance (3 cr.)
  • SPH-M 525 Psychological Foundations of Exercise and Sport (3 cr.)

Special Opportunities

Students at the undergraduate and graduate levels can assist in a wide variety of ongoing research experiments in the motor control laboratories.

Careers

Careers for the M.S. degree—Students pursuing the M.S. degree are well prepared for research-related positions at research laboratories and/or research rehabilitation clinics. The M.S. degree also serves as preparation for pursuing the Ph.D. degree.

Careers for the Ph.D. degree—Students earning the Ph.D. in motor control are well prepared for faculty research and teaching positions at colleges and universities.

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