Master of Science (M.S.) in in Kinesiology - Concentration in Nutrition & Physical Activity James Madison University

This 33-35 credit hour master's program permits students to major in kinesiology with a concentration in nutrition and physical activity. This graduate program has been planned for registered dietitians or persons with an undergraduate degree in dietetics, kinesiology or a related area. This program is designed for the student who has an interest in nutrition and its role in physical activity and wellness.

Mission and Goals

The graduate programs in health sciences are dedicated to preparing students to become evidence-based critical thinkers in the health sciences. Specifically, these programs build upon the undergraduate health sciences programs by providing a more detailed knowledge base that is fortified by self-directed learning experiences and the development of practical, clinical and/or research skills.

The specific goals of the graduate programs in health sciences are designed to help students develop their critical thinking abilities while expanding their knowledge in the rapidly changing health-related environments. Specifically, students will be able to:

1. critically evaluate the current research in the ever-broadening field of health.
2. access current literature in the health fields.
3. interpret current health-related research.
4. develop basic research skills.
5. describe and evaluate various health education models.
6. critically evaluate past and present health care administration strategies.

The mission and goals are based, in part, on the Standards for the Preparation of Graduate-Level Health Educators.

In the Master of Science programs, courses must be selected with the approval of the major adviser in accordance with the program requirements. Students electing a major in the health sciences department are expected to have adequate undergraduate preparation in the chosen area of graduate study and satisfactory Graduate Record Examination scores.

Students entering the dietetics or nutrition and physical activity concentrations of the health sciences graduate program who do not possess the required prerequisites must obtain them before beginning the program.

Minimum Requirements

Dietetics Diversity, Inclusivity, and Equity Inventory

General faculty efforts include:

• Multiple assessment approaches within one class (i.e. not just exams).
• Purposeful representation of various population groups, ethnicities, SES backgrounds, and other aspects of diversity in course implementation and use of various perspectives as a lens for course content.
• Use of various learning mediums (ie: taped lectures with notes written in the slides, provide access to textbooks that not only allow students to read, but have options for students to listen to text)
• Engagement in class discussions as current events arise and they can be incorporated into the course material.
• Guest lectures/presentations that allow students to be exposed to different perspectives on various topics.