Guide to the Kinesiology Master’s Programs in 2023

The Kinesiology Master’s program at Adams State University allows students to choose from four concentrations depending on professional aspirations. Exercise Science is offered only on campus, while Sports Administration, Coaching, and Applied Sport Psychology are offered online.

Prepare for a career as an allied health professional skilled in identifying, evaluating, and preventing various health conditions and injuries through the use of exercise and movement and health-related techniques.

Choose the MS degree with a thesis or the MK degree with additional electives and an internship plus project. This program is delivered in a thriving metropolitan university.

Offered as a Kinesiology Master’s for the broadest application of the study of human movement, this program allows students to choose between a thesis, comprehensive exam, and a master’s project. In addition students have the option of a wide variety of concentrations.

This program also offers the chance to concentrate in Sports Management or Exercise Science.

This M.A. program is geared toward future leaders, teachers, and researchers in the field of Kinesiology and offers a cross-disciplinary experience with human movement and physiology.

CSU’s Fresno campus is home to a highly regarded M.A.in Kinesiology for students ranging from future coaches to researchers, to program directors, clinicians and more.

A national leader in sports management education for nearly 40 years, Baylor prepares students for leadership roles in top professional and intercollegiate sports teams with small classes and a high degree of mentorship and interaction with faculty.

The CSUN Kinesiology department has courses spanning several different fields; Adapted Physical Activity, Biomechanics, Dance, Exercise Physiology, Motor Behavior, Pedagogy in Physical Education, and Sport Studies. This allows students with different interests and aspirations to concentrate their efforts in different areas.

This MS in Kinesiology program is designed to expand the breadth of students’ knowledge and provide opportunities for them to engage in scholarly activity such as critical thinking, researching, and evaluating interpreting data and research.

With a focus on mentorship and real relationships between students, this STEM-oriented Kinesiology degree includes scientific research and study in the areas of physiology, biochemistry, and biophysics related to human movement, preparing students for leadership roles in the sports, health and wellness, and recreation industries.

Choose from a robust list of concentrations and take part in ground-breaking research as you complete this MS in Kinesiology. ECU has a reputation for producing highly skilled Kinesiology professionals.

George Mason University recognizes that there are many careers related to the field of Kinesiology and builds a curriculum that positions students to be able to be job-ready in a variety of careers. There is a wide offering of Elective Courses for students to choose from so they are able to tailor their own education.

This program covers the theoretical, scientific, and practical aspects of exercise, health, nutrition, sport, and physical activity as applied in preventive, clinical, educational, military, recreational, and commercial settings. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to lead in organizations that they join.

Illinois State University has a state of the art laboratory perfect for graduate students interested in research or the practical applications of exercise physiology. Alum have had fruitful careers in Research and Development, or holding advanced positions in health, fitness, and wellness centers, as well as building their own business. This program is a great fit for people who are passionate about using the principles of exercise physiology to help clients reach their potential.

This program is for students who have already completed a degree in Athletic training who are already certified who are seeking to advance their skills. This program is accredited by the CAATE (Commission on Accrediting Athletic Training Education).

This program is flexible in that it has three different tracks– Thesis, Non-Thesis, Public-Health Certificate Pairing. Students enrolled in the Public-Health track will investigate public health, corporate fitness and wellness programs, as well as exercise leadership and counseling to advise people and organizations on best practices to promote public health and disease prevention. The Thesis and Non-Thesis track will set students up for a successful career in clinical health care.

Iowa State’s program was designed for a variety of students, including those who wish to continue their studies on a PhD or medical school track, those who are keen to further their experience in the research aspect of the field, or those who expect to pursue certification options (PT, OT, Ed.) after graduation. This well-respected program has access to excellent facilities and experienced faculty.

This master’s degree can be taken online working around the schedule of working professionals, as well as combined with their 4-year Bachelor’s Program to allow for graduates to be eligible for a Class A teaching certificate. No matter what stage you are at in your educational journey, JSU is working to allow people to conveniently gain a degree to further their careers.

James Madison University has 14 different Graduate Assistantships available for students which can be very helpful to help a student pay for their tuition. There is a Thesis and Non-Thesis track available depending on what field you are looking to get into.

The Kinesiology Program at K-State has two main tracks- Exercise PHysiology and Exercise Behavioral Science (EBS). Students in the EBS track can seek certification by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as a Public Health Physical Activity Specialist. The faculty is national and internationally known, and there is a vast amount of research opportunities available.

McDaniel’s Kinesiology program has been going strong for many years, evolving with the times and supporting students in entering the field of kinesiology in a broad variety of career paths. Their newly updated Gill building features numerous state-of-the-art labs and classrooms devoted to kinesiology.

Miami University focuses on delivering a holistic, human-focused curriculum that prepares students for our rapidly changing world. Their Kinesiology program offers several attractive concentrations to tailor coursework toward your desired career.

Housed in the same facilities as several #1-ranked programs, Michigan State’s Kinesiology department has the top facilities and faculty you’d expect at a Big Ten school. Several nationally prominent laboratories are housed within the Kinesiology department and opportunities to work alongside faculty and doctoral students are built into all of the many available concentrations.

Missouri State’s program allows students to focus on five focus areas throughout their studies, depending on career aspirations. The program includes significant hands-on learning opportunities which allow students to pursue specific interests in the real world, increasing their marketability.

Oregon State University’s Kinesiology already includes 40 faculty members and is growing. They estimate the total number of professionals that will be needed in this field will reach at least triple the number currently working in the United States. By earning your Master’s in Kinesiology at OSU, you’ll join in their mission to provide health support to our growing, aging population through exercise and nutrition plans available to all segments of society.

There are six interdisciplinary areas of study- Athletic Training and Sports Medicine, Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, History and Philosophy of Sport, Motor Control, and Psychology of Physical Activity. Upon graduation, students are prepared to either further their studies or pursue other avenues in academia, or they can take their talents to the private sector.

As part of the Exercise Science concentration, students will get plenty of lab time, and also student advanced exercise physiology and biomechanics. This degree is research intensive and is designed for students to become lifelong learners by encouraging analytical thinking.

Students have the option to learn more about strength conditioning, sports psychology, or sport pedagogy as part of this program.

St. Mary’s Kinesiology program is designed to be completed in anywhere from 14 to 26 months – an ideal feature to accommodate a wide range of students. With the incredible range of sports organizations based in the Bay Area, the possibilities for learning outside the classroom are endless. With three concentration areas to choose from, this degree is highly customizable, allowing students to develop their marketability in very specific ways.

Study the interconnected systems that affect the body’s ability to function, heal, and perform on this Kinesiology Master’s program. From working as a personal trainer to supporting elite athletes to aiding in recovery from injury or sickness, this program will provide you with the skills and experiences required to succeed as a professional in your chosen field. This program is taught in a hybrid model, combining convenient online learning with lab experiences on campus.

San Francisco State’s Kinesiology program is designed to produce graduates who are proficient at solving problems in fitness, rehabilitation, and exercise science. Graduates will use modern research and development, a solid theoretical foundation, and experience in the field to excel in a variety of professional positions or further studies in the field.

The diverse Kinesiology department at San Jose State offers programming for students interested in futures in education, doctoral study, research, clinical applications of exercise science, strength conditioning, psychology and more.

The MS Kinesiology program at Seattle University is a 2-year program that offers students the option to pursue a research or a clinical track. The research track provides students with the opportunity to experience data collection and analysis in both lab and real-world settings. Students who choose this track will complete a research thesis. The clinical track prepares students to sit for the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Clinical Exercise Physiology certification exam. Students who choose this track will complete a capstone portfolio of competencies and take a comprehensive examination to prepare for the ACSM Clinical Exercise Physiology Certification Exam. Graduates from both tracks are ready for jobs in clinical and research laboratories, school and community education, exercise-related research consultation, public health and policymaking, and medical and allied health settings.

Graduates from this program will have a solid foundation in a variety of areas and a concentration in one of four areas depending on career goals. This program is hands on in nature, preparing students for a wide variety of professional opportunities in research, health promotion, and sports/athletic administration.

Southeastern University’s program is a great fit for both recent graduates and working professionals. This Master of Science in Kinesiology prepares students for success as leaders in the fields of health and wellness, fitness, and health education, and graduates are eligible to receive both a teaching certification in physical education and an athletic director certification from the Association of Christian Schools International, making it a stand-out program in terms of job preparedness and qualifications.

With close ties to SIUE’s Division I sports program, this program combines research, practice, and theory as it investigates the wide variety of factors that affect exercise and sport performance. The program is highly customizable based on career goals, and academic advisors play an active role in helping students choose their curriculum to ensure they will graduate with the skills needed to succeed. The program features a wide variety of practical experiences where students can learn in real-world situations and is flexible in that there are both traditional and online courses offered as part of the program.

Starting in Fall 2021, Tarleton State University offer will offer two concentrations– Sport Administration and Exercise Science. Both are 30 hours. The Sports Administration concentration is fully online and designed to be completed in 1 year while the Exercise Science concentration is a hybrid model and designed to take 2 years. Students in the Exercise Science program will benefit from robust laboratory and research experiential learning opportunities.

Students can choose to concentrate on either Integrative Exercise Physiology or Athletic Training depending on their career goals. Temple has connections with top-tier healthcare facilities and athletics program in the Philadelphia area which lends itself to students having exciting and formative internships and practical learning opportunities.

Texas A&M’s Kinesiology Masters program prepares graduates with the skills needed for a future in clinical research and applied exercise science. This degree focuses on preparing future professionals for both preventive and rehabilitative practice, and access to the university’s vast athletic network ensures that students will have impressive experiences under their belt by graduation.

Students have the opportunities to specialize in one of the subdisciplines of Kinesiology, while also taking the core courses required of all students in the program. All students will graduate with a firm handle on how to address practical problems that a patient may have in a clinical setting, while also being able to craft an approach to research broader questions that are relevant in the field of kinesiology.

The program is founded on the idea that exercise is medicine. Texas Tech’s M.S. in kinesiology program allows students to specialize in a variety of specific areas which are all connected by the science of movement. The program takes two years to complete, throughout that journey students work closely with their assigned mentor to clearly define an academic and career plan. The program features hands-on laboratory learning, the chance to work beside leading researchers, and stipends are available for special learning opportunities.

Graduates of this program can either further their education and research by transitioning to a PhD track, or will be well prepared to seek employment in cardiac rehabilitation, adult fitness, geriatric settings, corporate fitness, military fitness, research, sales, and management in corporate fields such as sports nutrition, athletic footwear, fitness equipment, sports clothing, and weight control programs. There are two main specializations for students to choose from- Exercise Physiology or Health and Physical Activity Behavior.

This program offers seven different concentrations–Strength, Conditioning, and Fitness, Sport Management and Policy, Exercise Psychology, Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, Motor Behavior, Sport Pedagogy. The University of Georgia features extensive internship opportunities through partnerships with many local professional organizations which sets the program apart.

UT Austin offers three different Kinesiology programs. Two of which are Master of Science programs and one is a Master of Education. The two Master of Science Programs are differentiated by the number of credit hours required (the Thesis track requires 30 credit hours and the report track requires 33 credit hours). The Master of Education requires 36 credit hours. Depending on the students’ interest (if they are interesting in teaching, research, or pursuing a Phd.), there is a track that can help the student achieve their goal, as well as a faculty advisor that will help select courses.

The University of Texas offers a thesis and non-thesis option for its Graduate Students in order to prepare students for the ever-changing field of Kinesiology. Its program has basic core requirements for all students, but can be tailored to individual learning plans as well. The University has several different clubs and organizations for students to participate in as well as faculty available for person mentoring and advising.

The University of the Incarnate Word was one of the first Universities West of the Mississippi River to offer a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing in 1931 and since then it has grown its medical, nursing, and health program offerings. Its kinesiology master’s program prepares students for jobs in the education, research, and clinical field.

Troy University offers a Thesis and Non Thesis Track for both the Coaching and Exercise Science Concentration. Those studying have the opportunity to focus on research or more hands-on applications of the science, while the coaching program also has a path for students who are more interested in research.

After learning the fundamentals, students will move on to advanced concepts and laboratory techniques which enable an understanding of the human body during physical exercise.

All students are required to complete either a Thesis or Research Project which they will work with their advisor on. This can be a great first step in a career in academia, the private sector, or working within the healthcare industry.

University of Florida is a top-ranked public institution and their Department of Applied Physiology & Kinesiology is ranked #6 in the United States by US News and World Report. Their fully online Master’s in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology stands out among online degrees as one of the best, and also the most affordable degrees in the US.

This program typically takes three to four years, and results in a PhD in Education of Kinesiology. The majority of coursework takes place on campus, with some classes offered online. This program is designed for practicing professionals seeking to join academia of teach at the collegiate level.

University of Hawaii Manoa delivers theory and practice with the latest research and models with a purpose-driven Kinesiology department that aims to increase equality and diversity and extend the benefits of healthcare to underserved populations including Native Hawaiians and other minorities.

A Master’s of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois at Urbana is one of the best things you can do to open doors to a wide variety of sports- and health-related careers. The ability to take classes online or in person makes it more attainable even for busy professionals, parents, and those who can’t relocate.

A versatile Kinesiology program with three career-focused concentrations that will open many doors in the growing field and job market of fitness, wellness, coaching, and treatment using exercise and movement.

U Maine’s Kinesiology department offers science-based curricula in both their MS and MS Ed. degrees, providing strong academic and clinical foundations for physical educators, coaches, and trainers.

The format of coursework in University of Mary’s MS in Kinesiology is primarily online with two brief residencies at their Bismarck, ND campus during the second year.

With one of the United States top rated Kinesiology departments, Umass requires that each student applies and is admitted by an individual professor, ensuring that students’ interests align with the specialization and research of their sponsoring faculty member.

The University of Michigan’s Masters in Kinesiology program offers students the chance to learn from the renown faculty who are leading scholars in Kinesiology and related fields. The program places a heavy emphasis on research into relevant topics as well as prevention of injuries and natural adaptation across the lifespan. Students are encouraged to collaborate with other departments on campus as they pursue their interests, and this flexibility is a key feature of this program.

U. of Minnesota’s Master’s of Science in Kinesiology takes a particularly integrated approach and encourages collaboration with other life sciences. Students choose from a wide variety of concentrations.

This Kinesiology program prepares students for careers in fitness training, public and private health agencies, and teaching and coaching at the high school or college level by providing a foundation of knowledge of the function and processes of human physiology as well as current theory and research. Concentrations include Athletic Training, Biomechanics, or Motor Control and Learning.

The University of New Hampshire’s excellent Kinesiology program serves not only future coaches and trainers, it offers a unique concentration for those who wish to specialize in outdoor and experiential education.

This program has two options for prospective students- a Research Track which would require a thesis, as well as a Clinical Track (no thesis required). There is also a significant clinical portion and students are expected the pass the Clinical Exercise PHysiology examination (administered by the American College of Sports Medicine).

UNC Chapel Hill offers state of the art facilities and is a top rated program which will prepare students for research roles as well as clinical practice. Upon completion, students will be well prepared to enter the job market, pass any related state or local examinations, and also confidently explain their craft to someone not familiar with the inner workings of Exercise Physiology.

Learn from renowned experts in the field of Kinesiology and build a future as a coach, phys. ed teacher, sports psychologist, or health and nutrition professionals.

With nationally recognized, award-winning faculty and a Kinesiology program that can be tailored to numerous aspirational professions, this University of North Texas master’s program can also lead the way to doctoral study at .

Whether your aim is to work in the health and nutrition industry as a trainer, coach, or clinician, or you intend to continue on to medical school, this Master’s program is a proven, cost-effective track to success.

This program is two years full time, or 3-4 years part time, and takes place on the Kingston campus. The program does feature a competitive regional tuition for residents of New England, coming in a just over $1100 per credit. With two very different specializations, students have the chance to focus a narrowly depending on their interests. URI has excellent facilities and an extensive network that allows for a wide variety of learning opportunities outside of the classroom.

South Carolina has just finished revamping its Graduate offerings in Exercise Science in the fall of 2020, and they now offer three distinct areas of concentration. The program is designed to prepare graduates for a career in the applied areas of this field, yet also for a future of research (and a PhD track) in related areas.

This program is designed specifically with adult learners and working professionals involved, and can be completed full time in just one year, or part time in two years. The curriculum was designed to educate students in the business of sports. The program provides a broad base of knowledge that directly addresses the needs of sport organizations across the country. Students will build skills and competencies to become qualified professionals in the sport industry.

This program offers three different concentrations, exercise physiology, biomechanics and sport psychology and motor behavior. There are opportunities for graduates in the field of education, research, or in clinical settings.

Texas’ state University system is world-renowned. A master’s in Kinesiology from the University of Texas at Tyler is a springboard to a variety of exciting sports, health, and education-related careers and further academic study.

There are three concentrations available for students- Exercise and Nutrition in Health and Disease, Integrative Human Performance, and Neuromechanics. This program has a system where students work closely with advisors who serve as mentors to craft a schedule and plan to help each student reach goals that they outline that are relevant to their career ambitions.

Students have the ability to leverage this degree to find positions in education, research, or a clinical setting. Students will graduate with the ability to understand the principles of research design and statistics relevant to Exercise Science, and of course have a firm understanding of the fundamentals and essential knowledge of the field.

This program has a thesis and non-thesis option, and generally takes about 2 years to complete. To be admitted into the program one should have a solid background in biology, physiology, health and ideally have knowledge of biomechanics, sport psychology, exercise prescription, motor control.

West Texas A&M has a state of the art research laboratory, training room and facilities where students will participate in coursework and research. Graduates have gone on to successful careers and the University provides two main tracks– Exercise Science and Sports Management. Both of which have a Thesis and Non-Thesis option.

Students have the option to choose either a thesis, final project, or internship as part of a capstone to their graduate degree. This program is a good option for students who are looking to pursue careers in cardiac rehabilitation, corporate, public, and private health, fitness training, or working in a school or sports organization. Students will finish this program with a conceptual and theoretical understanding of kinesiology which will prepare them for careers as a researcher, a practitioner, or a healthcare administrator.

This program focuses on theoretical, applied, and experiential training in Exercise Science and students will get hands-on experience to build their critical thinking and problem solving skills, and be able to practice the science of kinesiology using evidence-based approaches.