Program at a Glance
- Program
- Master
- College(s)
- College of Health Professions and Sciences
- Department(s)
- Kinesiology&Phys Thpy, Schl of
Improve Peopleβs Lives through Movement and Exercise
A masterβs degree from ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½ in kinesiology prepares you with the education and experience to pursue careers in human performance, clinical exercise physiology, sport science, strength and conditioning, and related health and performance professions, or to pursue doctoral study in kinesiology or a related field. The program emphasizes the application of scientific principles to improve health, optimize human performance, and enhance quality of life across the lifespan through exercise and physical activity.
The Master of Science in Kinesiology offers two tracks: Human Performance and Clinical Exercise Physiology. The Human Performance track offers both a non-thesis and thesis option. The Clinical Exercise Physiology track is a non-thesis program that combines advanced coursework with extensive supervised clinical internship experiences and prepares students for the American College of Sports Medicine Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) certification exam. Students wishing to pursue the Human Performance thesis option must receive approval from the graduate program director and have a commitment from a faculty member to serve as the thesis committee chair.
Students work closely with faculty conducting interdisciplinary research in exercise physiology, rehabilitation science, human performance, and health promotion. Depending on their chosen track and career goals, students may gain experience through faculty-mentored research, internships, or other scholarly experiences that prepare them for professional careers or doctoral study.
Students in the Human Performance track pursuing the non-thesis option complete either a graduate internship (APK 6946) or an independent scholarly experience (APK 6909 β Problem Analysis: Review of Literature) under the supervision of graduate faculty.
Related Graduate Certificates:
Anatomical Sciences Graduate Certificate — Students pursuing the Kinesiology M.S. may also complete the Anatomical Sciences Graduate Certificate to gain an in-depth understanding of anatomical sciences and extensive hands-on experience in the gross anatomy laboratory. Students interested in the certificate must receive approval from the graduate program director. Certificate coursework may be applied toward elective requirements in the Kinesiology M.S. program.
Highlights
Application Deadlines
- Fall Priority
- January 15
- Fall
- July 1
Application deadlines subject to change, see the for up-to-date deadlines.
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Course Overview
Research Methods in Kinesiology
Examine scientific inquiry and research-based practices that expand knowledge within the discipline of kinesiology.
Integrative Physiology of Exercise
Gain an in-depth understanding of systems physiology with an emphasis on responses to various exercise intensities and modalities, and homeostatic control.
Exercise Prescription for Special Populations
Designed to provide the student the basic understanding of exercise testing and prescription as it pertains to special populations.
Assessment and Evaluation in Kinesiology
Learn techniques of assessment and evaluation of human performance and their applications to kinesiology.
I am extremely grateful for the support and mentorship I received from the faculty and staff in the Division of Kinesiology throughout my time in the undergraduate and graduate programs. The resources and opportunities for growth have inspired me and prepared me for my future in sports. I am eternally appreciative of my time at ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½. Charge On!β
Kinesiology Skills You'll Learn
- Gain a deeper understanding of the research development process within the field of kinesiology
- Expand your knowledge-base with respect to the scientific exploration of human movement, while enhancing your ability to interpret research findings
- Utilize advanced fitness and anthropometric assessment techniques to evaluate a wide variety of client populations
- Learn to interface with other fitness professionals through collaborative, multi-disciplinary efforts aimed at improving human performance
Career Opportunities
- Clinical Exercise Physiologist
- Corporate Wellness Specialist
- Strength & Conditioning Coach
- Exercise Physiologist
- Personal Trainer
- University Professor
- Sport Scientist
- Clinical Research Scientist
Admission Requirements
The ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½ masterβs in kinesiology program admits once per year, in the fall semester. Applicants must apply online and all requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline. Applicants who plan to enroll full time in a degree program and who wish to be considered for university-wide graduate fellowships should apply by the Fall Priority deadline of January 15.
To apply, submit the general graduate admissions requirements, as well as the following items by the deadline:
- One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.
- Personal statement discussing reasons for selecting the Kinesiology degree program and specific track, career goals, and how this degree will support the stated career goals.
- Two letters of recommendation from previous faculty or supervisors who can speak to the applicant’s abilities to be successful in graduate school.
- RΓ©sumΓ© or curriculum vitae (CV)
- Video essay
- While not required, applicants are encouraged to submit official GRE scores taken within the last five years for potential consideration for fellowships, scholarships and assistantships.
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