KEVIN M. GUSKIEWICZ, Chair
Kevin M. Guskiewicz (24) Sports Medicine, Anatomy
Anthony C. Hackney (21) Exercise Physiology, Metabolism and Endocrinology
Ronald W. Hyatt (05) Intramurals, Health Education, Sport Administration, Social Issues
Robert G. McMurray (13) Exercise Physiology
Frederick O. Mueller (07) Sport Administration, Sports Medicine
William E. Prentice (15) Athletic Training, Sports Medicine
John M. Silva (17) Sport Psychology
Bonita L. Marks (26) Exercise Physiology
Barbara Osborne (29) Legal Issues, Sport Administration
Edgar W. Shields Jr. (10) Applied Statistics, Research Design
Claudio L. Battaglini (32) Clinical Exercise Physiology, Exercise Assessment and Prescription
Diane G. Groff (34) Recreation and Leisure Studies
Darin A. Padua (22) Anatomy, Biomechanics, Sports Medicine
Nathan T. Tomasini (31) Economics and Finance in Sport, Sport Marketing
Robert Cantu, Neurosurgery
Michael T. Gross, Biomechanics
Timothy Taft, Sports Medicine
William T. Generous, Physical Education
Elizabeth Hedgpeth (30) Sport Psychology
Daniel Hooker, Sports Medicine
Spero Karas, Sports Medicine
Laurence M. Katz, Emergency Medicine
M. Deborah Bialeschki
John E. Billing
Karla A. Henderson
Frank Pleasants Jr.
H. Douglas Sessoms
The mission of the Department of Exercise and Sport Science (EXSS) is to discover, create, and promote knowledge of human movement to improve the quality of life of individuals and society. We prepare individuals to function as scientists, educators, and practitioners. Our program offers a Master of Arts degree in each of three specialization areas: athletic training, exercise physiology, or sport administration. We seek to provide students focused, in-depth knowledge and skills, and an understanding of the challenges facing the areas of athletic training, exercise physiology, and sport administration (as well as a global understanding of exercise and sport).
In pursuit of maximum fulfillment of our mission, we also offer quality practical experiences to our students. EXSS has an association with numerous other campus and local area units such as athletics, emergency medicine, orthopaedics, the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, HEELS for Health, the Orange Cardiovascular Foundation, Campus Health Services, Carolina Adventures, Campus Recreation, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association, and local public parks and recreation departments. Supervised assistantships and internships outside the department help students develop practical skills in the specific fields of study. Furthermore, the thesis, a required research experience, is an integral part of every student's program of study. Additional research experience opportunities are numerous, and it is an expectation of the department that graduate students will become actively involved in conducting research while studying at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Additional information regarding the Department of Exercise and Sport Science can be found at www.unc.edu/depts/exercise.
The mission of the athletic training specialization is to develop outstanding athletic training clinicians, teachers, and researchers. This specialization is one of only thirteen programs in the United States accredited by the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA). We recruit graduate students who are NATA Board of Certification certified athletic trainers or who have completed requirements for certification by NATA. We provide the means for each graduate student to gain advanced knowledge and experience in a chosen area of expertise through a combination of didactic lecture in the classroom, supervised practical application of this knowledge in a clinical setting, and a strong research experience oriented toward clinical practice. All students admitted to this program serve as graduate assistant athletic trainers in the UNC-Chapel Hill Department of Athletics. Strong research and practical experience in the prevention, evaluation, management, and rehabilitation of athletic-related injuries are provided to all students. Thirty-four hours of graduate coursework are required, including a minimum of twenty-two hours specific to athletic training/sports medicine: EXSS 730, 732, 733, 735, 736, 739, and HMSC 793.*
Go to www.unc.edu/depts/exercise/sport_medicine.htm on the World Wide Web for additional information.
The mission of the exercise physiology specialization is to prepare individuals for careers in the wellness industry, including hospital and corporate fitness centers as well as clinical settings, or to pursue research careers in exercise physiology related fields. Students seeking a focus in fitness/wellness are provided the background, knowledge, testing skills, and practical experience to prescribe safe fitness/wellness programs in a variety of settings, as well as the knowledge to act as a liaison between the medical community and the layperson regarding the health implications of exercise. Students preparing for further advanced study in a PhD program are provided in-depth understanding of how physiological constructs are applied to exercise and the environment, as well as an understanding of the research process. Concomitantly, the student develops laboratory techniques and skills. Many graduate students present their thesis research findings at national and regional meetings of the American College of Sports Medicine, and at other professional meetings or conferences. Thirty-one hours of graduate coursework are required, including a minimum of twenty-one hours specific to exercise physiology: EXSS 410, 410L, 780, 781, 782, 783, 785, and 789.*
Go to www.unc.edu/depts/exercise/exercise_physiology.htm for additional information.
The mission of the sport administration specialization is to prepare students for leadership positions in collegiate-level athletic administration. This program combines formal course work and practical experiences with a full-time, one-year internship in an administrative capacity with the UNC-Chapel Hill Athletics Department. Thirty-two hours of graduate coursework are required, including a minimum of twenty hours specific to sport administration: EXSS 740, 744, 746, 748, 749, and 755.*
Go to www.unc.edu/depts/exercise/sport_administration.htm for additional information.
The dual degree program provides an opportunity for students who are interested in both law and sport administration to earn both degrees over four years of study. Students benefit from a respected law curriculum, combined with a sport administration curriculum with a unique focus on intercollegiate athletics. There is a growing market in college athletics for professionals with both degrees. Graduates of the dual degree program are likely to work in athletic compliance and enforcement at a university, conference office, or national governing body such as the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Legal positions in athletic departments, fundraising and development, and at law firms that represent colleges and conferences are also likely. Students must apply and be accepted by both the School of Law and the Department of Exercise and Sport Science, and the student will be responsible for paying tuition and fees separately to each program.
* Departmental Requirements
In addition to specialization course requirements (see above), statistics and research methods (EXSS 700, 705, or RECR 950, 951, and EXSS 993, RECR 992) are required of all graduate students in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science. Other formal requirements for the master's degree include: passing the written comprehensive examination covering content specific to the student's specialization, as well as statistics and research methods; a formal written thesis; and an oral defense of the thesis.
The master's degree programs in Exercise and Sport Science are open to individuals from differing backgrounds. However, the majority of past entrants into the program have earned undergraduate degrees in exercise science, kinesiology, physical education, or recreation/leisure studies. The department offers only fall admission. The department does not admit non-degree seeking students. Candidates should check with the department for admission information pertaining to their specific area of specialization.
Go to www.unc.edu/depts/exercise for additional information.
An interdisciplinary doctoral program in human movement science is offered with the cooperative effort of the following departments at UNC-Chapel Hill: allied health sciences - division of physical therapy; exercise and sport science; biomedical engineering; physical medicine and rehabilitation; orthopaedics; and the Program on Aging.
This curriculum is designed to provide students an opportunity for doctoral study in areas that will increase knowledge of human movement performance. The program focuses on contributing to the scientific basis of human movement, developing theory and methods for maintaining health, preventing disability, and improving movement ability. Areas of concentration include: 1) biomechanics of human movement, 2) physiology of human movement, and 3) neuromuscular control of human movement.
Go to www.alliedhealth.unc.edu/hmsc for additional information.
The Department of Exercise and Sport Science awards a number of graduate assistantships annually to help fund students' education and to provide practical experiences related to their area of study. Assistantships may involve any of the following activities or combination of activities: exercise and fitness instructor, certified athletic trainer, cardiovascular rehabilitation consultant, athletic department assistant, recreation programmer, recreation research assistant, or teaching assistant in exercise and sport science. Students wishing to apply for one of these assistantships should complete and return the appropriate application form. Contact the student service assistant in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science for additional information at (919) 962-0018.
EXSS 410 [110] EXERCISE PRESCRIPTION AND TESTING IN A HEALTHY POPULATION (3). Prerequisites, EXSS 175, 276, 376, (C or better) required. EXSS 181, 188, 300, 360, 380, 385 are recommended, or permission of the instructor. Methods and protocols for screening, evaluating, and prescribing exercise programs in apparently healthy and higher risk adult populations. Emphasis is placed on exercise testing procedures and the interpretation of the data results to promote a healthy, physically active lifestyle. Spring. Battaglini, Marks, McMurray.
EXSS 410L [110L] LABORATORY FOR EXERCISE PRESCRIPTION AND TESTING (0). Available to upper-level undergraduate and graduate students who have completed EXSS 175, 276, 376. EXSS 410L is a laboratory course that accompanies EXSS 410. Spring. Battaglini, Marks, McMurray.
EXSS 476 [114] THEORY AND APPLICATION OF STRENGTH TRAINING AND CONDITIONING FOR FITNESS PROFESSIONALS (3). Prerequisites, EXSS 175, EXSS 276, and PHYA 243. This is an intermediate- to upper-level course designed to provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge of the physiological, biomechanical, functional, and administrative aspects of designing and supervising conditioning programs for various populations. Fall and spring. Graduate faculty.
EXSS 478 [116] PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS (3). The Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) course is designed for students in the allied health professions interested in creating individualized, integrated training programs. Spring and summer. Graduate faculty.
EXSS 700 [220] APPLIED STATISTICS AND RESEARCH METHODS IN EXERCISE AND SPORT SCIENCE (3). Prerequisite, undergraduate statistics course. Applied statistical analysis and interpretation of data from the field of exercise and sport science. Selected statistical techniques and methods, with emphasis on choosing proper method of analysis, using statistics software to create data sets, run analyses, and produce proper output. Major topics include experimental and non-experimental research design, sampling, hypothesis formulation and testing, power calculation, t-tests, ANOVA, correlation, simple and multiple regression, and chi square within the context of planning, conducting, writing, and reporting of research in the field of EXSS. Fall and spring. Shields.
EXSS 705 [225] APPLIED STATISTICS AND RESEARCH METHODS LABORATORY (3). Prerequisite, undergraduate statistics course required. Builds heavily upon material presented in EXSS 700. Planning, conducting, and reporting of research. Thesis writing and writing for publication. Problem-solving and practical experience in applied statistical analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data from the field of exercise and sport science. Fall and spring. Guskiewicz, McMurray, Shields.
EXSS 730 [230] MANAGEMENT OF ATHLETIC INJURIES (3). Prerequisite for nonmajors, permission of the instructor. Designed to provide basic knowledge and skill that aid in the prevention and treatment of injuries common to athletics. Fall. Prentice.
EXSS 732 [232] HUMAN ANATOMY FOR ATHLETIC TRAINERS (4). Prerequisite, graduate standing in exercise and sport science or permission of the instructor. The study of gross human anatomy, with emphasis on the functional and clinical aspects of the neck, back, and extremities as related to athletic injuries. Fall. Guskiewicz.
EXSS 733 [233] PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR INJURY AND REHABILITATION (3). Prerequisite, athletic training graduate students. This seminar is designed to assist the athletic training graduate student in exercise and sport science to understand the psychological impact that injury and rehabilitation has on the injured athlete. The stress resulting from injury will be addressed, along with a working knowledge of coping skills to deal with the rigors of rehabilitation. The athletic training graduate student will learn to improve communication skills in order to improve the relationship between the athletic trainer, the injured athlete, and the injured athlete's coach. Fall. Hedgpeth.
EXSS 735 [235] SPORTS MEDICINE ANALYSIS: SPECIAL PROBLEMS RELATED TO SPORTS MEDICINE (3). Prerequisite, permission of the instructor for nonmajors. Problem and research oriented. Spring. Prentice.
EXSS 736 [236] CLINICAL METHODS IN ATHLETIC TRAINING (3). Prerequisite, EXSS 730. Analysis of theories and techniques used in clinical sports medicine settings. Spring. Prentice.
EXSS 737 [237] ADVANCED MUSCULAR ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT (3).Prequisites, EXSS 730, EXSS 732, EXSS 736, permission of the instructor. Discussion of mechanical properties and healing of musculoskeletal tissues throughout the life cycle, and laboratory/seminar units concerned with assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal pathology. Fall. Gross.
EXSS 739 [239] PRACTICUM IN ATHLETIC TRAINING (3). Prerequisite, graduate standing in exercise and sport science or permission of the instructor. The implementation of theories and practices in a professional setting under the direction of a competent practitioner. Spring. Prentice.
EXSS 740 [240] ADMINISTRATION OF SPORT (3). Prerequisite, instructor's permission for nonmajors. Policies and problems of organization and administration of athletic programs in colleges. Fall. Mueller.
EXSS 742 [255] SOCIAL ISSUES IN EXERCISE AND SPORT (3). A comprehensive study of race and gender discrimination, adherence, value development, violence, and other socialization factors in youth, collegiate, and Olympic sport. Fall. Hyatt.
EXSS 744 [248] COLLEGIATE SPORT MARKETING (3). Prerequisite, graduate standing. This course is designed to develop a thorough understanding of sport marketing principles and their application to collegiate athletics. Spring. Tomasini.
EXSS 746 [246] ORGANIZATIONAL AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT OF SPORT (3). Prerequisite, graduate standing in exercise and sport science or permission of the instructor. The study of administrative structures and financial concerns of collegiate athletic programs. An intensive study of NCAA regulations is included. Fall. Tomasini.
EXSS 748 [244] LEGAL ISSUES IN COLLEGIATE SPORT (3). Provides an introduction to the United States legal system, legal principles, and legal issues related to intercollegiate athletics. Fall. Osborne.
EXSS 749 [249] PRACTICUM IN SPORT ADMINISTRATION (3). Prerequisite, EXSS 740. The implementation of theories and practices in a professional setting under the direction of a competent practitioner. Spring. Osborne.
EXSS 770 [270] MOTOR LEARNING (3). Prerequisite, EXSS 380 or permission of the instructor. A study of the physical and psychological factors that influence skill acquisition and performance in sport and exercise, including applications to teaching and coaching. Spring. Graduate faculty.
EXSS 780 [280] PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE (4). Prerequisite, EXSS 276, 376 or equivalent. The study of the physical, biochemical, and environmental factors that influence human performance. Emphasis is placed on metabolic, cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular, and endocrine systems. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. Fall. Hackney, McMurray.
EXSS 781 [281] CLINICAL EXERCISE PRESCRIPTION AND TESTING (3). Prerequisite, EXSS 376, 410 or permission of the instructor; pass EXSS 410 with B or equivalent. This course concentrates on the knowledge and skills necessary for providing exercise testing and prescription in the clinical setting, emphasizing cardiac rehabilitation. Fall. Battaglini, Marks, McMurray.
EXSS 782 [282] NUTRITIONAL ASPECTS OF EXERCISE (3). Prerequisite, graduate standing in physical education or permission of the instructor. Exploration of the role of macronutrients and micronutrients as they apply to exercise, physical conditioning, and competition. Students obtain experience in dietary analysis as it applies to athletic populations. Spring. McMurray.
EXSS 783 [283] ASSESSMENT OF PHYSIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS IN EXERCISE (3). Prerequisites: EXSS 780 or equivalent, permission of the instructor. Designed to develop laboratory techniques and experimental design skills as applied to the physiology of human performance. Spring. Hackney, McMurray.
EXSS 785 [285] SEMINAR IN EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY (3). Prerequisite, graduate standing in exercise and sport science or permission of the instructor. In-depth study of selected advanced topics in exercise physiology. Emphasis on metabolism, biochemical and cardiorespiratory physiology, with student presentations on selected topics. Fall. Hackney, McMurray.
EXSS 789 [289] PRACTICUM IN EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY (3). Prerequisites, EXSS 410, 780, or EXSS 781, or permission of the instructor. The implementation of theories and practices of fitness or cardiac rehabilitation in a professional setting under the direction of an experienced practitioner. Fall and spring. Battaglini, Hackney, Marks, McMurray.
EXSS 890 [300] SPECIAL TOPICS IN EXERCISE AND SPORT SCIENCE (1-3). Prerequisite, graduate standing or permission of the instructor. The study of special topics directed by an authority in the field. Fall and spring. Graduate faculty.
EXSS 990 [320] RESEARCH IN EXERCISE AND SPORT SCIENCE (1-3). Prerequisite, graduate standing in exercise and sport science or permission of the instructor. Individually designed research projects conducted by students under the direction of a graduate faculty member. Fall and spring. Graduate faculty.
EXSS 993 [393] MASTER'S THESIS (3-6). Fall, spring, and summer. Graduate faculty.
RECR 710 [210] LEISURE AND ORGANIZED RECREATION IN THE UNITED STATES (3). An analysis of the scope of leisure research, recreation services, the evolution of leisure, and the of individual recreation behavior.
RECR 770 [270] ADMINISTRATION OF THERAPEUTIC RECREATION SERVICES (3). Emphasis on information specific to the administration of therapeutic recreation such as fiscal management, quality assurance, evaluation, marketing of therapeutic recreation, and other general administrative topics.
RECR 775 [275] PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES IN THERAPEUTIC RECREATION (3). A study of the existing practices and principles of therapeutic recreation. An in-depth treatment of assessment/evaluation, goal setting and individualized planning, documentation, leisure counseling, and clinical skills.
RECR 790 [290] INDEPENDENT FIELD STUDY (3). Permission of faculty required. May be repeated for credit.
RECR 830 [230] MANAGING ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR IN RECREATION SERVICES (3). This course addresses organizational behavior and theory to promote insight into micro and macro issues confronting professionals in organized recreation services.
RECR 865 [365] ISSUES AND TRENDS IN RECREATION MANAGEMENT (3). A seminar to involve graduate recreation students in in-depth analyses of selected topics, issues, and problems relevant to the recreation management in public and not-for-profit leisure service organizations.
RECR 876 [376] ISSUES AND TRENDS IN THERAPEUTIC RECREATION (3). An analysis of selected issues, problems, and concerns in the provision of therapeutic recreation and inclusive recreation services.
RECR 880 [280] INTERNSHIP IN RECREATION ADMINISTRATION (2).
RECR 881 [281] INTERNSHIP IN RECREATION ADMINISTRATION (2).
RECR 890 [310] SEMINAR IN LEISURE STUDIES (3). A survey of contemporary views of society and their structures and functions, as they relate to concepts of leisure and recreation behaviors.
RECR 950 [250] RECREATION RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS I (3). An appraisal of current recreation and leisure research design using both quantitative and qualitative data. Students complete and deliver a formal research proposal.
RECR 951 [251] RECREATION RESEARCH AND DESIGN AND METHODS II (3). Prerequisite, RECR 950 and a statistics course. Students analyze quantitative and qualitative data and apply their work to theory and practice. Students complete the research proposed in RECR 950.
RECR 992 [393] MASTER'S THESIS (3-6). Fall, spring, and summer. Graduate faculty.
Other RECR courses that may be useful and of interest to graduate students:
RECR 310 [101] WOMEN, WORK, AND LEISURE (3). Implications of the relationship between women and leisure from a lifestyle perspective, and an analysis of the changing role of women and changing leisure concepts from a feminist perspective.
RECR 475 [175] DISABILITY, CULTURE, AND THERAPEUTIC RECREATION (3). An examination of disability from a cultural perspective with the application of theoretical and scientific knowledge to provide recreation interventions that facilitate participation in life by individuals with disabilities.
RECR 790 [290] INDEPENDENT FIELD STUDY (3). Permission of faculty required. May be repeated for credit.
RECR 830 [230] MANAGING ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR IN RECREATION SERVICES (3). This course addresses organizational behavior and theory to promote insight into micro and macro issues confronting professionals in organized recreation services.
RECR 880 [280], 881 [281] INTERNSHIP IN RECREATION ADMINISTRATION (2 each).