Program Overview

The Department of Kinesiology offers programs of study leading to the Master of Science (Thesis and Non-Thesis option) and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Kinesiology. These degree programs prepare a candidate to study human movement from a multidisciplinary approach.

The areas of focus in Kinesiology include biomechanics, exercise physiology, movement neuroscience, and physical activity and health. Laboratories support research in each of these areas. Job opportunities are to be found in the academic community, biomedical research, the health and fitness industries, and related fields in the public and private sectors. Study provides excellent preparation for postgraduate work in the health professions.

Candidates for the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees are accepted for admission under the general regulations of the Graduate School. In addition, all graduate students are required to have completed courses in anatomy and physiology, have competency in the use of standard computer spreadsheet and word processing software, and experience with electronic communication and content.

For both the M.S. (Thesis) and Ph.D. programs, applicants MUST have obtained sponsorship from a Kinesiology faculty member prior to admission. Applicants should review the faculty page of the Kinesiology website to review which faculty members would be a good match for their research interests and have contacted the faculty member to see if they would be willing to sponsor them. The M.S. course-based option is a self-funded program and students are admitted into the program by an admissions committee.

The M.S. program requires 32 credits. The thesis option consists of 23 course credits plus a 3-credit thesis proposal (KIN 698A) and a 6-credit thesis (KIN 699), developed in conjunction with the student’s faculty adviser. The course-based option consists of mainly courses and the option to do 6 credits of independent studies.

A minimum of 72 graduate credits post-baccalaureate is required for the Ph.D. degree, with a major emphasis on the research process. All Ph.D. students must take three courses in areas outside their concentration within their first two years, and take the Comprehensive Examination (in year 2) prior to proposing their Dissertation work.

Students develop skills for critical analysis and synthesis of research, grant writing, and publication and presentation of their research.

The M.S. course-based program is a self-funded program and students are not provided with assistantships.

M.S. thesis option (only) and Ph.D. students are automatically considered for teaching and research assistantships. These awards are based on overall academic credentials (grades and letters of recommendation) and relevant teaching or laboratory experiences. TAs assist with undergraduate courses, and RAs work under the direct supervision of a professor in one of the labs.