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Movement and Leisure Science

M.S. Movement and Leisure Science

» Department of Movement Sciences   » College of Education


  • INTRODUCTION
  • WHAT IT TAKES
  • WHAT PEOPLE DO
  • GET INVOLVED
  • FACULTY
Cyclists in a race

A Master of Science in Movement and Leisure Sciences focuses on the study of human health and physical activity.  It provides you with content knowledge and management skills to promote healthy active living in individuals and communities.  In the program, you will have the opportunity to focus on community settings through an emphasis in recreation and leisure or to study clinical settings through an emphasis in excercise science.   

Students will develop leadership skills and become advocates for individual development as well as social change.  This will be accomplished through a foundation of education, research and hands on learning and service opportunities.  Graduates are prepared to become a part of the industries built around the growing concern fo rthe health and well-being of society. 


This degree allows for joint minors in outdoor recreation leadership and in sustainable tourism and leisure enterprises.


Students will develop leadership skills and become advocates for individual development as well as social change. This will be accomplished through a foundation of education, research and hands-on learning and service opportunities. Graduates are prepared to become a part of the industries built around the growing concern for the health and well-being of society.


The University of Idaho has a multitude of diverse recreational opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students. Pristine lakes, white-water rivers, high mountains and ski slopes offer unlimited opportunities for hands-on field research.


two canoers

Prepare for Success

Preference for admission is given to prospective students with educational backgrounds in health, physical education, recreation, exercise science and other related fields. A 3.0 grade point average (GPA) is required.


Your First Year

Below is a list of some of the courses you will take:

  • Research Methods in Movement Sciences
  • Management of Leisure Services and Facilities
  • Ethical Communication in Physical Activity
  • Contemporary Issues in Health and Activity
  • Health and Community Development


two canoers paddling on a lake

What You Can Do

Graduates plan, organize and direct physical activities in recreation areas, parks, community centers, religious organizations, camps, theme parks, community and clinical-based wellness programs, or tourist attractions. Several also work for outfitters or own their own businesses offering recreation or tourism activities. Increasingly, physical activity professionals are employed by businesses to organize and direct leisure activities for employees.


Activities

Recreation Student Organization


Facilities

In addition to excellent outdoor recreational opportunities, the University of Idaho has a number of facilities that enhance fitness and fitness education, including a new Student Recreation Center.


Faculty Involvement

A small student-to-faculty ratio provides a unique opportunity for students to interact closely with faculty.



Kathy D. Browder
Kathy D. Browder, Ph.D.
Department Chair: Movement Sciences; Professor
Research interests: Biomechanics related to injury etiology, prevention, and rehabilitation
» View Kathy Browder's Profile
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Damon Burton, Ph.D.
Professor, Sport Psychology
» View Damon Burton's Profile
Tammy Goetz
Tammy Goetz, Ph.D.
Instructor, Recreation
» View Tammy Goetz's Profile
Grace Goc Karp
Grace Goc Karp
Program Coordinator, Physical Education
Research Interests: Physical Education Teacher Education, Assessment in Physical Education; Technology use in Physical Education, School to Community Physical Activity Enrichment
» View Grace Goc Karp's Profile
Recreation Faculty Susan Houge Mackenzie 116x89
Dr. Susan Houge Mackenzie
Assistant Professor
Psychological aspects of adventure in recreation, tourism and education. Positive Psychology (e.g., flow, self-determination theory). Mixed-methods research with head-mounted cameras.
» View Dr. Susan Houge Mackenzie's Profile
David Paul
David Paul, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Research interests: Investigating the relationships between physical activity, food intake, and chronic disease; Studying the relationship between the built environment and obesity in children and adults; Developing methodologies to improve the measurement of physical activity and food intake.
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Sharon Stoll
Sharon Stoll, Ph.D
Research Interests: Moral reasoning in Competition, Moral development in competition and physical activity; Servant leadership in physical activity; sport ethics.
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Philip Scruggs
Philip W. Scruggs
Assistant Professor
Research Interests: Pediatric physical activity measurement & interventions
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Jeff Seegmiller
Jeff Seegmiller, Ed.D., LAT, ATC
Assistant Professor
Research interests: Musculoskeletal injury mechanisms and injury prevention. Focus areas: Landing mechanics; Ankle inversion and fibularis latency; ski equipment and its effects on the lower extremity biomechanics; models and quality in professional and post professional education programs.
» View Jeff Seegmiller's Profile
Recreation Faculty Julie Stafford Son 116x89
Dr. Julie S. Son
Assistant Professor/Recreation Program Director
» View Dr. Julie S. Son's Profile
ed_Vella
Chantal Vella, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Research Interests: Cardiovascular disease prevention in young adults;Obesity and cardiac function
» View Chantal Vella's Profile