Department of Kinesiology and Health Science

Dr. Jay Thornton, chair
Dr. Eric Jones, graduate kinesiology program co-coordinator
Dr. James Rowe, graduate kinesiology program co-coordinator
Dr. Linda Bobo, athletic training graduate program director
H.P.E. Complex, Room 204
(936) 468-3503
Fax: (936) 468-1850
sfasu.edu/kinesiology

Objectives of the Department

The Department of Kinesiology and Health Science offers two programs of study leading to the Master of Science. The purpose of the graduate programs is to improve the competency of human performance and to provide an educational and clinical background in athletic training. It also is the conscious intent of the department to serve as a center for conducting research and for interpreting new professional developments in kinesiology (human performance) and athletic training.

Program Descriptions

The Masters of Science in kinesiology/human performance studies is designed to prepare individuals for research, advanced graduate education and careers in academic, medical, corporate and clinical settings. It provides the theoretical and experiential framework needed to prepare for American College of Sports Medicine certification exams.

The Master of Science in athletic training program is a professional program designed to prepare students for an entry-level position by exposing them to hands-on application of clinical skills, experiences with diverse clinical settings and preceptors, and relatable course work that transitions to global work settings. The athletic training program begins in the summer and can be completed in two years. Within this time frame, students will be provided the necessary academic requirements to assist them in becoming eligible to attempt the Board of Certification national examination before graduation.

The athletic training program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education. Athletic training, as defined by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, “encompasses the prevention, examination, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of emergent, acute or chronic injuries and medical conditions. Athletic training is recognized by the American Medical Association, Health Resources Services Administration, and the Department of Health and Human Services as an allied health care profession. Athletic trainers are highly qualified, multi-skilled health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. Athletic trainers work under the direction of a physician as prescribed by state licensure statutes. The NATA Code of Ethics states the principles of ethical behavior that should be followed in the practice of athletic training.”

Graduate Faculty

Professors

Linda Stark Bobo, Ph.D., ATC, LAT, University of Southern Mississippi, Administration and Teaching
Eric Jones, Ph.D., University of Alabama, Exercise Physiology
DawnElla M. Rust, Ed.D., Oklahoma State University, Health Promotion

Associate Professors

Deborah Buswell, Ph.D., Texas Woman’s University, Physical Education
Mary Hawkins, Ph.D., University of Arkansas, Health Science
Christina Sinclair, Ph.D., University of New Mexico, Physical Education
Jay Thornton, Ed.D., Texas A&M University - Commerce, Supervision, Curriculum and Instruction - Higher Education
Todd Whitehead, Ph.D., University of Southern Mississippi, Applied Physiology

Assistant Professors

Derek Cegelka, Ph.D., University of Toledo, Health Education
Jeffery Forsse, Ph.D., Baylor University, Exercise Physiology
Dustin Joubert, Ph.D., Texas A&M University, Exercise Physiology
James Rowe, Ph.D., Texas Woman’s University, Exercise Physiology
Melinda Watts, Ph.D., ATC, LAT, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Athletic Training

Graduate Assistantships

The department has a number of graduate assistantships available. For information and applications for graduate assistantships, contact the chair of the department.

Research Facilities

The Human Performance and Biochemistry Laboratories of the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science are used extensively as both an applied learning center and research facility. Ample opportunities are provided for students to utilize the laboratory equipment and to solve research problems. The 4,500-square-foot SFA Sports Medicine Complex is an integral part of the graduate athletic training clinical experiences.

Programs

Major