Health and Human Performance M.S. - Coaching and Athletic Performance Concentration
Director: Lisa Griffin, School of Health & Human Performance
Office Coordinator: Toyia Barnes, toyia.barnes@gcsu.edu
The School of Health & Human Performance offers the Master of Science degree with a major in Health and Human Performance (HHP) with specializations in either Health Promotion or Coaching and Athletic Performance. There is a sequenced curriculum that provides opportunities for scholarly investigation in professionally relevant areas and a capstone experience that provides application of administrative topics across specialization area. A thesis option or a significant project in a relevant professional setting is also available for a more in-depth research experience. The Health Promotion concentration is completely online and students take all 36 hours online.
Graduate students may pursue either concentration while remaining in a professional employment position. Once finished with the program, graduates utilize their newly acquired knowledge and skills to improve job performance and to improve the quality of services to clients. Candidates may also pursue advanced study following an undergraduate program or choose to leave a job to engage in a full-time study at Georgia College. These individuals are often looking to make a career change or to seek a new position to commensurate with a Master’s degree. For additional information about specialization options or career information, contact the relevant Program Coordinator.
Master of Science (M.S.) with a Major in Health and Human Performance: Coaching and Athletic Performance
The Master of Science with a major in Health and Human Performance: Coaching and Athletic Performance meets the needs and interests of physical education teachers, sport coaches, athletic trainers, and health and fitness professionals interested in the design and delivery of performance enhancement programs for individuals and team performance. Students will develop knowledge of social and psychological variables that impact physical performance and apply theoretical foundations to professional practice. Coursework includes Kinesiology common core (9 hours.) and human performance specialization courses (27 hours.) Part-time enrollment is accommodated and students may expect to take laboratory intensive courses at the Milledgeville Campus where our state of the art facilities are located. Students complete one of two synthesis options: a thesis, or a project and related elective.
Online Course Structure
The School of Health & Human Performance offers both synchronous and asynchronous online courses. Virtual attendance during synchronous sessions listed at the time of registration through the official Georgia College Course Schedule is mandatory. Any clinical and/or student teaching requirements must be completed in-person unless approved by Program Coordinator, Graduate Coordinator, and Director of the School of Health & Human Performance.
Regular Admission Requirements
The following are elements used to determine eligibility for regular admission:
1. Academic Requirements
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Minimum upper-level undergraduate GPA of 2.75
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Completion of a 3-hr statistics course (equivalent to GC MATH 1401 or higher) with a grade of C or higher
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Completion of Human Anatomy & Physiology I and II or equivalent
2. Application Documents
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Cover Letter/Letter of Application - State why you have chosen the program, how your background has prepared you for the program, and how the program fits with your career goals.
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Professional Resume - Include education; honors, achievements, and awards; observation and/or internship experiences; volunteer experience; professional memberships; certifications; military services; and work history.
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References - Provide the names, titles, phone numbers, and email addresses for three references, one of whom must be academic (either faculty or advisor).
Conditional Admission
Applicants who apply too late for full consideration for admission and/or have not submitted all required documents or met minimum entrance requirements for evaluation may be assigned conditional admission status for one semester only with permission of the School of Health and Human Performance Graduate Coordinator. This option is discouraged because students failing to submit all required documents or do not meet admission requirements will be required to withdraw from the University. After one semester on conditional status, students must have achieved regular admission.
Academic Dismissal Policy
A graduate student will be placed on graduate academic probation if the student's institutional graduate grade point average falls below a 3.00 at any point during his or her graduate studies.
A graduate student will be dismissed if the student is placed on academic probation for more than one semester, receives more than one C (or lower) during his or her graduate studies, or fails to comply with policy, procedures, and expectations as defined in current versions of the Graduate Student Handbook.
Transfer Credits
Up to 9 semester hours of graduate coursework with grades of B or better may be accepted from other institutions at the discretion of the School of Health and Human Performance Graduate Coordinator and the advisor.
Time Limitations for M.S. with a Major in HHP: Coaching and Athletic Performance
The requirements for the degree program must be completed within a period of 6 years from the date that the student begins taking courses at GCSU. Courses completed more than 6 years prior to completion of the requirements for the Master's degree will be regarded as outdated and will not be applied toward the degree program. This includes courses that may be transferred from other institutions. Outdated courses may be updated through appropriate means at the discretion of the School of Health and Human Performance Graduate Coordinator and the advisor.
Student Liability Insurance
The School of Health & Human Performance requires Human Performance and Athletic Training students to maintain valid Student Liability Insurance for all courses that include a practical/clinical element. Proof of insurance must be provided to the School of Health & Human Performance prior to the first day of classes.
Program of Study
Required Courses
| KINS 6803 | Research Meth/Stats Health Sci | 3 |
| KINS 6813 | Applied Research in Health Sci | 3 |
| KINS 6673 | App Ath Monitor & Perf Assess | 3 |
| KINS 6863 | Masters Thesis in Kinesiology | 1-6 |
| or | |
| KINS 6873 | Masters Project in Kinesiology | 1-6 |
| and | |
| Approved elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Human Performance Courses
Total Credit Hours: 36
Steps in Completing the M.S. HHP:Coaching and Athletic Performance
- Submit a completed application and all supporting documents to the Graduate Admissions Office
- Consult with the faculty advisor to develop a program of study for the specialization in Human Performance
- Complete courses with a GPA of 3.0 or better
- Complete the master thesis or project in compliance with the Department of School of Health and Human Performance Synthesis Policy
- Submit the completed graduation application by the date specified in the official university calendar