Kinesiology and Sport Science

Division Chairperson and Graduate Program Director: Andrew Shim, Ed.D.
Division of Kinesiology and Sport Science
Patterson Hall, Room 132
414 East Clark Street
Vermillion, SD 57069
Phone: (605) 677-5336
sportscience@usd.edu
www.usd.edu/sportscience

FACULTY

Associate Professors:

Andrew Shim, Division Chairperson and Graduate Program Director, Ed.D., United States International University. Specialization: Exercise Science.
Robert Ammon, Ed.D., University of Northern Colorado. Specialization: Sport Management.

Assistant Professors:

Bryan Bracey, Ph.D., University of Maryland. Specialization: Sport Management.
Shannon Norman, Ed.D., University of Minnesota-Duluth. Specialization: Pedagogy.
Veronica Son, Ph.D., Michigan State University. Specialization: Sport Psychology.
Jae Yom, Ph.D., University of Georgia. Specialization: Exercise Science.

DEGREE

Master of Arts Plan A and Plan B

SPECIALIZATION

Exercise Science
Sport Management

Division of Kinesiology and Sport Science

Kinesiology is the study of physical activity as it relates to enhancement of human functioning. The Sport Science program is a graduate program comprised of two specializations, Exercise Science and Sport Management; and one non-specialization (M.A. in Kinesiology and Sport Science). The emerging student professional, whether in a laboratory, school, clinical, or business setting, is ultimately involved with improving the health and overall well-being of people. The Kinesiology and Sport Science master’s degree includes courses that explore human development or movement as it affects and are affected by physiological, mechanical, psychological, developmental, cultural, and organizational concepts.

Obtaining an international certification through the National Strength & Conditioning Association can be taken post-graduate. A Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) is available and can create more career opportunities along with your competed program of study. The Exercise Science specialization at the University of South Dakota has been certified by the National Strength & Conditioning Association as an Education Recognized Program through 2014.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the USD Graduate School and the specific requirements of the Kinesiology and Sport Science program. Additional requirements exist for international students and applicants with degrees from other countries. The KSS Division requirements for admission include the following:

An undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or better, based on a 4.0 scale is required for full admission.
A 500-word statement of purpose stating reasons for pursuing graduate study in Kinesiology and Sport Science, future goals, and how USD would enable this success.
Three letters of recommendation from academic professors who can attest to scholarly abilities are required.
Acceptable scores from any of the following are acceptable: A minimum combined score of 290 on the verbal and quantitative section on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or 400 or higher on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). Scores more than five years old will not be considered.
Applicants to the Exercise Science specialization must have completed a minimum of 16 credit hours in the prefix of exercise, sport, or fitness related area.