At Michigan State University, students can earn credit for planned, individualized study that is not addressable through any other course format. The experience earned through this variable credit course opportunity must be proposed in writing by the student, accepted for supervision by a faculty member and approved by the student’s academic advisor and/or teaching unit at the beginning of the semester.
Credit earned for Independent Study (KIN 490), Fieldwork (KIN 494) and Undergraduate Research (KIN 495) must (a) be directed by a faculty member with whom there is periodic contact and consultation throughout the study; (b) not exceed eight semester hours of credit in a single semester; (c) not exceed 10% of the credits earned in a bachelor’s program; (d) be initiated using the form provided by the University, or an equivalent departmental or College form; and (e) be approved before course enrollment.
NOTE: An Affiliation Agreement must be completed and signed by any site/company for experiences outside of Michigan State University programs (i.e. private businesses, public schools, associations, etc.) before course enrollment. A Criminal Background Check Consent Form must also be completed and submitted to CEDhr@msu.edu prior to course enrollment.
Application and Enrollment: Students interested in earning variable credit for Independent Study, Fieldwork and Research experiences should contact a Kinesiology advisor or faculty member for additional information and assistance with the Application for Independent Study and Variable Credit Course Application forms.
Students who wish to add Kinesiology as an Additional Major should schedule an appointment with a KIN Academic Advisor to process your request and add the credential to your academic record.
Students who wish to add Kinesiology as an Additional Major should schedule an appointment with a KIN Academic Advisor to process your request and add the credential to your academic record. To be granted a second bachelor’s degree, a student must earn at least 30 credits at MSU in addition to the credits required for the first degree (minimum of 150 credits total).
Students who wish to take courses at other colleges or universities as Guest Students for the purpose of earning credit for transfer back to Michigan State should discuss their plans with an academic advisor and consult the online transfer equivalency website to confirm transferability.
Please refer to the MSU Registrar’s website for guidelines and requirements regarding Guest Student Application. Students planning to attend Michigan institutions should use the link to access the Michigan Uniform Undergraduate Guest Application. Students who wish to attend non-Michigan institutions should obtain application forms from the host institution.
All Kinesiology majors will need elective courses to complete their degree programs.
These classes may be used to satisfy University Undergraduate Minors, prerequisite courses for graduate study or student interests. Students will need to meet all restrictions or prerequisite requirements when choosing electives. Look for course offerings and availability on Schedule of Courses or refer to the list of Suggested Electives for KIN majors. These are selected MSU courses related to sport, health and wellness, nutrition, medicine, fitness, patient care, etc. Feel free to discuss elective choices with an academic advisor.
Students considering careers in Sport Management, Administration and Operations may also want to explore classes required for completion of the Minor in Sports Business Management, administered by the Eli Broad College of Business.
KIN Honors Advisors and Liaison
Honors Option Policy Description and Details:
The Honors Option is a way through which the faculty in the Department of Kinesiology can support students enrolled in the Honors College. The purpose of the Honors Option is to provide a learning experience that goes beyond the established course objectives for students enrolled in the Honors College. Faculty support these learning experiences by leading students through projects, activities, research, and/or experiences as guided by the following principles:
Overrides for Non-KIN Courses
Students interested in seats for full classes should join the Waiting List for the desired course section. Notification regarding open seats will be sent via email or text as space becomes available.
Overrides for courses offered by other MSU Colleges must be approved and processed by the specific department offering the course. Departmental contact information is located on Schedule of Courses in the upper right corner when you pull up the course you want to take. A link for override requests is often posted on College or Department websites.
Override Request/Wait List for Non-KIN Majors
Many KIN courses are restricted to Kinesiology majors only. Enrollment overrides for non-majors will be considered for seats still available at the start of the first week of classes.
Course prerequisites must be met for the course you are requesting.
Non-major students interested in a KIN course override must complete the OVERRIDE REQUEST FORM. Setting an Alert on Schedule of Courses will not put you on this override waiting list.
Requests will be added to the waitlist in the order received. Adding your name to a course override request list does not guarantee a seat in the class. Notification of seat availability will be made via email at the start of the semester requested.
Note: The Override Wait List is not required for full one-credit KIN Activity Classes. Students should set an ALERT through Schedule Builder to be notified of seat availability for these classes.
Questions? Contact a KIN academic advisor.
Students who are interested in preparing for health-related graduate school admission can take advantage of services provided by the PreProfessional Advising Team in the College of Natural Science. The MSU Pre-Health Advising Resources website can provide details on health career options, graduate school selection and prerequisite admission requirements, the application process, admission test preparation, suggested elective courses, related student organizations, co-curricular activities and much more! Click on the Curriculum Planning link to find specific degree program information. College of Natural Science Pre-Health Advisors work with students from all majors.
Physical Therapy Program Articulation Agreements
We are proud to partner with Central Michigan University in offering Kinesiology and Athletic Training seniors the opportunity to “fast-track” their application into the CMU Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Click on the link below to download information on the individual articulation agreement, application criteria and guidelines for the current year.
Kinesiology majors are encouraged to take advantage of research opportunities at Michigan State University! Participating in Undergraduate Research gives students the opportunity to work alongside faculty and graduate students in our field, explore Kinesiology-related career paths, develop presentation skills at the annual University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum, network with other students engaged in research and build a stronger resume. To learn more about getting started, explore ways to be involved with Kinesiology research labs on campus, as well as other opportunities for research in the College of Education!