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 four primary areas of focus at UMass 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. Our curriculum provides excellent preparation for postgraduate work in the health professions.
Admissions
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 the M.S.-Thesis and Ph.D. programs, applicants MUST identify a primary mentor from the Kinesiology faculty 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. Applicants should contact the faculty member to see if they would be willing to act as a mentor.
The M.S. course-based option, students are admitted into the program by an admissions committee. Admissions are based on meeting graduate school requirements, department pre-requisites, and previous academic success. Identifying a primary mentor is not necessary.
Curriculum
Both M.S. programs(thesis and course-based) require 32 credits. The thesis option consists of 23 course credits plus a 3-credit thesis proposal and a 6-credit thesis, developed in conjunction with the student’s faculty mentor. The course-based option consists of mainly courses and the option to do up to 6 independent study credits.
For the Ph.D. program, a minimum of 72 graduate credits post-baccalaureate is required, with a major emphasis on the research process. All Ph.D. students must take a course in each of the 4 areas of focus in the department within their first two years. In addition to formal coursework and independent study credits, students will also complete 12 dissertation credits.
Through the curriculum and research experiences, students develop skills for critical analysis and synthesis of research, grant and research manuscript writing, and presentation of their research at regional, national, and/or international conferences.
Funding
M.S. Thesis and Ph.D. students are automatically considered for teaching and research assistantships (TAs and RAs, respectively). These awards are based on overall academic credentials (grades and letters of recommendation) and relevant teaching or laboratory experiences. TAs assist with undergraduate courses, including discussion and lab sections. RAs work under the direct supervision of a professor in one of the labs; typically with your mentor and other graduate students and/or postdoctoral fellows.
The M.S. course-based program is self-funded by the student; no assistantships are provided. Students admitted to the course-based M.S. cannot switch to the M.S. thesis program.