Saint Mary's College

Program Overview

The Graduate Kinesiology Independent Study program at Saint Mary's College offers advanced students the opportunity to pursue specialized research and scholarship in their areas of interest within the field of kinesiology. This program is designed for students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance and possess the intellectual curiosity and motivation to conduct independent research.

Our independent study options allow graduate students to work closely with faculty mentors to develop and execute research projects that contribute to the existing body of knowledge in kinesiology, while also preparing students for doctoral studies or professional careers in the field.

Research Areas

Graduate students in the Kinesiology Independent Study program may pursue research in a variety of specialized areas including, but not limited to:

• Exercise Physiology: Investigations into how the body responds and adapts to physical activity, examining metabolic, cardiovascular, and neuromuscular responses to exercise.
• Biomechanics: Analysis of human movement using mechanical principles to improve performance and reduce injury risk.
• Motor Learning and Control: Study of how people acquire and refine motor skills across the lifespan.
• Sport Psychology: Examination of psychological factors affecting performance, participation, and motivation in physical activity settings.
• Rehabilitation Science: Investigation of therapeutic approaches to restore function after injury or illness.
• Public Health and Physical Activity: Research on population-level strategies to promote physical activity and health.

Program Structure

The independent study experience is designed to be flexible to accommodate each student's research interests and career goals. Typically, students engage in independent study over one or two semesters, culminating in a comprehensive research paper, presentation, or other creative work.

Students begin the process by identifying a research question and contacting a faculty member whose expertise aligns with their interests. Together, they develop a research proposal outlining the question, methodology, expected outcomes, and timeline.

Throughout the project, students work independently while meeting regularly with their faculty mentor for guidance and feedback. The mentor provides direction on research design, methodology, analysis, and interpretation of results.

Student Outcomes

Graduates who complete independent study projects in Kinesiology at Saint Mary's College emerge with enhanced research capabilities, deeper knowledge in their chosen area of specialization, and increased confidence in their academic and professional abilities.

Many students have used their independent study work as the foundation for publications in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at professional conferences, and successful applications to doctoral programs or competitive professional positions.

Recent independent study projects have examined diverse topics including the effects of different exercise protocols on cognitive function in older adults, biomechanical factors in injury prevention for athletes, psychological interventions to enhance performance in competitive sports, and community-based approaches to increasing physical activity among underserved populations.

Eligibility and Application

Graduate students in the Kinesiology program who have maintained a GPA of at least 3.5 in their coursework and have demonstrated the ability to work independently are eligible to apply for the independent study program. Students should typically have completed most of their required coursework before undertaking an independent study project.

To apply, students must submit a brief proposal outlining their research interests, potential research question(s), and the name of a faculty member they have identified as a potential mentor. Proposals are reviewed by the department chair and the proposed faculty mentor.

Successful applicants register for KIN 590: Independent Study (3-6 credits, depending on the scope of the project). Students should discuss their interest in independent study with their academic advisor early in their program to plan their course of study accordingly.

Faculty Expertise

Our kinesiology faculty bring diverse expertise and active research agendas to the independent study program, providing students with exceptional mentorship opportunities. Faculty research interests include:

• Exercise metabolism and chronic disease
• Biomechanics of athletic performance
• Motor development in children and adolescents
• Psychological aspects of injury rehabilitation
• Physical activity promotion in diverse communities
• Sport nutrition and performance
• Neurophysiology of movement control