Azusa Pacific University’s Department of Kinesiology is committed to constantly improving and innovating to give its students the best possible education. As part of this innovation, the department is offering a new Master of Science in Kinesiology degree program. With this program change comes major improvements in course options, technology, collaboration, and career opportunities.
The program offers two pathways for students looking to pursue their master's. “We have students who are teachers, coaches, students pursuing careers in healthcare, sports performance, and students who are looking to become athletic directors and leaders in sport management,” said William “Jody” Wilkinson, MD, chair of the Department of Kinesiology. With a new program that can provide an advanced degree for a variety of career paths, this program is opening doors to a diverse student population. “We are also introducing a new concentration in exercise science that provides the education and experience necessary for students looking to enter a high level of training for fields in healthcare and performance enhancement,” said Wilkinson.
Teaching students from a variety of backgrounds, this program builds on students' knowledge and skills. “We are providing expertise to students who have a passion for teaching, coaching, administration, and performance,” Wilkinson said. “We are there to help them become experts in their field.” With the exercise science concentration, students are in the lab, learning how to operate and maintain state-of-the-art equipment. The kinesiology master's is designed to take students to the next level.
The program’s sport and physical education track is offered online, completely asynchronous, while the exercise science track offers a hybrid modality with in-person, lab-based coursework. Both tracks allow students to complete the degree while maintaining their work schedules and professional lives. Faculty are dedicated to communication with students, and the community is a key part of the program. “We have amazing faculty who are dedicated to their students’ growth,” said Wilkinson. “With asynchronous courses, faculty are still in direct communication with students, providing support through office hours, workshops, and intentionality.”
Faith is the foundation of APU’s programs. Kinesiology looks at imago Dei (the image
of God in all people) and the beauty of God’s creation. “By studying the body and
its functions, we can look deeply at how amazing God’s creations are, and His purposes
for us,” said Wilkinson.
As the Kinesiology department welcomes its new additions, the mission remains the same. “We are always passionate about what we do professionally,” said Wilkinson. “With expert faculty, advanced curriculum, and state-of-the-art equipment, we are ready to help a variety of students succeed.” Students through this program are being prepared to go out into the world and change lives, whether that’s in the classroom, on the field, or in healthcare and rehabilitation settings. The new master’s program in kinesiology is developing experts who will go on to make a difference.