You’ve landed at the right place if you are searching for concrete and well-detailed information on how to get a master’s in kinesiology. Here in this blog post, you will find a step-by-step guide on how to get this degree and the best schools that offer them. Let’s get started.
These days, a lot of people are going for a master’s degree and the reasons are not hard to notice. There is a huge competition in the job market and most people would want to get a degree higher than a bachelor’s to stay above the competition. A person with a master’s degree would most likely get employed in a firm over one with a bachelor’s degree.
Those who want to climb up the academic ladder, take up leadership roles in an organization, become more professional, brush up on existing skills or gain new ones usually get a master’s degree. One of the cool things about getting a master’s degree is that it can be in a field outside your current field. If you are looking to break into another field then the master’s degree is what you need.
This is why it is not uncommon to see an engineering student getting an MBA degree or going for a master’s degree in library science.
A Master’s degree focuses on your particular field of study, like Kinesiology, for instance, learning is mostly practical-based, you get industry-needed skills and experience, and it makes you highly qualified. The experience gained during a master’s degree program is actually what employers are after.
What’s more?
When you are doing your master’s degree, you have more time on your hands because learning is flexible just like online courses. Classes are usually in two different study formats which are full-time and part-time and you can go for the one that suits you best. So, you may not even quit your current job while studying for a master’s degree in kinesiology or in any discipline.
Also, there are more financial aid opportunities for master’s students but some that will leave your mouth hanging are the tuition-free universities in the USA for masters and the scholarships in Germany for master’s. You can also take a master’s degree course online for free to test the waters before going into an actual master’s program.
Now that you understand how a master’s degree works and its importance to your career, let’s proceed to the main topic and see how you can get a master’s degree in kinesiology.
What Is Kinesiology
Kinesiology is a branch of health sciences that is based on the energy mode of health, it studies movement, function, and performance and how that movement affects overall health both in humans and animals.
It is not a branch of medicine but it applies the fundamental sciences of Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biomechanics, Biomathematics, Biostatistics, Physiology, Exercise Physiology, Anatomy, Neuroscience, and Nutritional science.
Kinesiology is often confused with sports medicine but they are actually different fields. My previous post on the best colleges for sports medicine clearly explains what sports medicine is all about and how it is different from kinesiology.
In fact, kinesiology is closer to nutrition because many kinesiology graduates transition into becoming nutritionists, dieticians, and nutrition therapists. You can also become a personal trainer, athletic therapist, or exercise scientist.
As a kinesiologist, you will be tasked with treating and preventing injuries, improving movement and performance, and working with people of all ages and physical abilities to improve their health.
Masters In Kinesiology Jobs
There are many careers that you can go into when you get your master’s degree in kinesiology. These careers are:
- Sports Manager
- Physical Education Teacher
- Athletic Director
- Athletic Trainer
- Corporate Health and Wellness Director
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist
- Fitness Manager
- Physical Therapist
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Occupational Therapist
- Sports Coach
How Much Is Masters In Kinesiology
The total program cost of masters in kinesiology is $30,260. Note that this cost can vary depending on the country, student’s residency status, program type whether it is one year or two years, study format whether it is part-time or full-time, and mode of study whether it is online, in-person, or hybrid.
How To Get A Masters Degree In Kinesiology
The steps involved in getting a master’s degree in kinesiology are easy and can all be completed online once you’ve gotten your application materials ready. Let’s get started on the steps.
1. Pick A Location
In this first step, you want to decide where you’d like to pursue your master’s degree in kinesiology. Do you want to go abroad to study for the program or do you want it to be in your home country? This is a decision that you have to decide on. Whichever location you want to go for, you may want to do some more research like the cost of living in that place and whether there are successful kinesiologists in the region.
2. Pick A School For Your Masters Degree In Kinesiology
Now that you have decided on your preferred location you will then search for schools in the area offering a master’s degree in kinesiology. The first step and second steps on how to get a master’s degree in kinesiology should go hand in hand though. The location you want should have a university that you like that is offering the program.
You may begin your search with the best universities in Canada for master’s and progress into Europe, and other parts of the United States. Ensure that the university you are going to suits your needs, and in order to ensure this you may want to take the following into consideration:
- Does the university’s master’s degree program in kinesiology have any reputation? Won any awards, made any contributions to the field or made an achievement.
- Does the school have financial aid opportunities like scholarships to help master’s students?
- Can you handle the tuition?
- Does the school have adequate facilities and research centers for kinesiology?
These are just some of the things you need to consider.
3. Begin The Application Process
Now that you have decided on a school where you want to do your master’s degree in kinesiology, you can now start the application process. Of course, you will need to make inquiries on the admission requirements, application dates, and application deadlines before you begin the application.
Keep in mind that these details vary from school to school, student residency status, and other factors which is why you MUST consult the admissions office of your host institution to get the correct details. However, I have provided a list of requirements for masters in kinesiology to let you know what to expect.
- You must have completed a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher on a scale of 4.0 in physical education, sports management, or a related subject.
- GRE scores may or may not be required depending on your host institution
- Letters of recommendation
- A personal statement clearly stating your professional experience, personal goals, and career aspirations.
- International applicants who are not native English speakers must submit proof of English language proficiency by submitting a standardized test score like the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE, or as required by the school.
- CV or resume
- Possess some years of working experience
For those who want to pursue this degree in Canada, our post on requirements for masters in Canada for international students will be super helpful. Also, for those who want to earn their degree in the US, you can go through our helpful guide on the requirements for masters in US.
After applying there really isn’t much to do but just wait for a response. To increase your chances, you may want to apply to as many schools as you can. The response you get will determine your next course of action. If you are accepted, then you resume the new semester, and if you aren’t, then better luck next time.
These are the basic steps on how to get a masters in kinesiology. Next, let’s dive into the best masters in kinesiology programs which will be super helpful in helping you decide on where you will be applying for the program.
7 Top Best Masters In Kinesiology Programs
The top best masters degree in kinesiology are ranked based on their achievements and contributions to the field in general, their successful graduates which include their annual earnings, and the universities offering the program.
In this section, I have curated a list of the best masters in kinesiology programs which are gotten from extensive research on the World Wide Web and from ranking platforms like the US News & World Report. Also, from this list you should be able to find a befitting school and kinesiology program that meets your needs and spare yourself the stress of doing further research. Let’s get to it already.
The best masters in kinesiology programs are:
- Master of Science in Kinesiology at Texas A&M University
- Movement Science Master’s Program at the University of Michigan
- Master of Science in Bio-kinesiology at the University of Southern California (USC)
- Master of Science in Kinesiology, Nutrition and Health, Exercise and Health Science Concentration at Miami University.
- Master of Science in Kinesiology at San Francisco State University
- Master of Science in Kinesiology at Penn State University
- M.S. in Kinesiology at Kansas State University
1. Master of Science in Kinesiology at Texas A&M University
The MS in Kinesiology at TAMU is recognized as one of the best because it prepares students as leaders and innovators in careers in public education forums and exercise science. The program provides advanced training with an emphasis on research and students may decide to focus on clinical exercise. Physiology, sport pedagogy, and sport physiology.
This program is offered under the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management which happens to be one of the largest in the university. To enter this program, applicants are required to possess an excellent academic record of undergraduate study, submit transcripts, possess relevant work experience, three reference letters, and write a statement of purpose.
2. Movement Science Master’s Program at the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan has a whole school dedicated to kinesiology, that’s right, the university houses a School of Kinesiology that focuses on different branches of kinesiology education. It is also in this department that you will be enrolled in the Movement Science Master’s Program.
The program is one of the best out there and a big deal of this goes to the faculty who are professionals in the field. Among them are biomechanics experts, nutritionists, physiologists, and many more whom you will learn from and work side by side with to gain innovative knowledge and skills. The department also offers an Athletic Training Master’s Program degree.
3. Master of Science in Bio-kinesiology at the University of Southern California (USC)
USC is a prestigious higher institution in the US and across the world has graduated 11 Rhodes Scholars, 12 Marshall Scholars, 10 Nobel Laureates, 6 McArthur Fellows, and more. As a highly reputable research university, it is not surprising that its Master of Science in Bio-Kinesiology is among the best.
This program is designed to equip you with in-depth skills and knowledge to carry out basic or clinical research and prepares you for fulfilling careers in the industry. To enter this program, you must have completed a bachelor’s degree and have some basic computer knowledge. Then to earn the degree, you have to complete 32 credits of coursework and a research project. The program cost is $1,928 per unit.
4. Master of Science in Kinesiology, Nutrition and Health, Exercise and Health Science Concentration at Miami University.
The master of kinesiology program at Miami University is a bit different, kind of higher, and has more combinations. The program combines all of the kinesiology, nutrition, and health to prepare students for careers in any of these fields they may want to venture into. The program equips students with the necessary tools required to become successful in their respective fields.
For those who may be interested, the department offers an innovative combined bachelors-masters program that allows you to get both a bachelor’s and masters degree in kinesiology at once.
5. Master of Science in Kinesiology at San Francisco State University
San Francisco State University houses a Department of Kinesiology that offers degree programs leading to a BS or an MS in kinesiology. The MS in Kinesiology is one of the best as it prepares students to either take their studies to higher levels or enter careers in fitness, physical education, coaching, community programming, sports medicine, and sport management.
Another perk about the MS in Kinesiology at SFSU is that there are specializations that students can focus on. These concentrations are exercise physiology, movement science, and physical activity. Requirements to enter the program include a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology or a related program with a GPA of 3.0, a minimum score of 4.0 on the GRE, and 7.0 on the IELTS for international applicants.
6. Master of Science in Kinesiology at Penn State University
This is one of the best masters in kinesiology programs offering concentrations on athletic training, sports medicine, biomechanics, exercise physiology, history and physiology of sports, motor control, psychology, and physical activity. There are so many specializations that applicants can choose from and be on their way to an explosive career.
The program does not require the GMAT or GRE and accepts international students. The tuition for in-state students is $11,541 while international students are charged $19,624 for full-time.
7. M.S. in Kinesiology at Kansas State University
The Department of Kinesiology at Kansas State University is responsible for offering the MS in Kinesiology program to international and domestic students. The program requires applicants to submit a GRE score along with other entry requirements to be considered for admission. There are two main tracks for the program: Exercise Physiology and Exercise Behavioral Science.
About 30-36 credits are required to complete the program and the tuition for in-state students is $12,537 while out-of-state tuition is $29,452.
These are the 7 top best masters in kinesiology programs all offered on-campus or in-person. If you are looking to do this program online, the programs below are what you need to look into.
10 Online Masters In Kinesiology
The following are online master’s degrees in kinesiology that you can take from the comfort of your home without having to disrupt your existing responsibilities.
- Online Master’s in Kinesiology at the University of North Dakota
- Online Master’s in Kinesiology: Health Promotion & Sports Performance at LSU Online
- Master of Science in Kinesiology (Sport and Human Performance) at SHSU Online
- Online Master in Applied Kinesiology by the University of Wisconsin Whitewater
- Online Kinesiology M.S. – University of North Georgia
- Master of Science Degree in Kinesiology – the University of Texas at Tyler
- Online Master of Science in Kinesiology at A.T. Still University
- Online Master’s in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology at the University of Florida
- Master of Science in Kinesiology degree by CBU Online
- M.S. in Exercise Science Online by Aurora University
This wraps up the post on how to get a master’s degree in kinesiology and I hope it has been super helpful.