Master of Science in Kinesiology
Promote Wellness Through Movement
Gain the knowledge you need to start or further pursue studies in exercise physiology, physical therapy, rehabilitation or occupational therapy with a Master of Science in kinesiology from The University of Texas at Tyler.
Build advanced skills and knowledge in kinesiology with a special focus on exercise science. Enjoy individualized attention from published faculty scholars, and tailor your degree with electives to match your career path. Choose the thesis option and pursue your own research, or select the internship track to deepen your hands-on experience. Complete your degree your way with online, on-campus and hybrid study options.
Why Earn a Master’s in Kinesiology at UT Tyler?
An active lifestyle is a key element of overall well-being. A degree in kinesiology provides the knowledge and training necessary for a career in corporate or personal wellness or clinical exercise physiology. Further, the MS in kinesiology can provide a firm foundation for professional training in various careers in health professions, including physical therapy, occupational therapy and medicine.
Maybe you already work in an exercise-related position and are looking to advance your expertise. Or, you are ready to focus your passion in a new career direction in health and fitness. As a third alternative, you might have your sights set on an advanced health-related degree and want to build from a solid foundation.
Wherever you want to go next, a master’s in kinesiology from UT Tyler prepares you with:
- World-Class Faculty: Learn from faculty who are published scholars in peer-reviewed publications like the Journal of the National Medical Association, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, International Journal of Exercise Authors, The Physician and Sports Medicine and the Journal of Community Health.
- Active Research: Join faculty mentors in ongoing research projects funded by the National Institutes of Health, the American Heart Association and the Texas Department of State Health Services.
- Hands-on Opportunities: Put what you learn into practice at the on-campus Lifespan Wellness Research Center or in an internship with local practitioners.
- Strong Support: Experience small class sizes and individual attention from faculty committed to your professional growth.
- Flexibility: Learn online or on-campus, or combine both options to learn in a way that works for you.
- Affordability: Build your professional skills without building a burden of debt. We offset our already-low tuition with graduate assistantships, scholarships and other forms of financial support.
Curriculum
The master’s of kinesiology is a 36-credit-hour program you can complete in two years and features a focus on exercise science. It is appropriate for those seeking a career related to exercise, students preparing for doctoral studies and practitioners in fields like physical therapy and athletic training who want a deeper understanding of how the body moves and functions.
Build foundational knowledge with core courses in research methods, exercise physiology and biomechanics. Then, select 12 credit hours of electives to deepen your expertise in your area of interest.
Choose the thesis track to complete an independent research project and prepare for doctoral studies or an internship for mentored, hands-on experience.
As a graduate of the program, be ready to:
- Apply advanced principles related to exercise physiology, adaptations to exercise training and biomechanics of human movement.
- Assess, instruct and support individuals in activities involving the execution and acquisition of motor skills.
- Effectively teach others regarding health, wellness and physical performance.
- Communicate with patients, clients, students, athletes or the general public about health, wellness and performance goals.
View All MS in Kinesiology Degree Requirements Visit the Kinesiology Department
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Kinesiology?
Use your in-depth understanding of human movement and principles related to exercise in positions that support healthy activity and physical well-being in education, business and clinical settings. With awareness around health and interest in sports and recreation continuing to grow, find a wealth of opportunities to put your skills to work in roles like:
- Coach
- Corporate Health and Wellness Director
- Exercise Physiologist
- Fitness Instructor
- Personal Trainer
- Recreational Therapist
- Wellness Coach
Your training also gives you excellent preparation for more advanced studies and certification for other positions related to kinesiology, such as:
- Athletic Trainer
- Occupational Therapist
- Physical Therapist
- Professor of Kinesiology
How to Apply
To be eligible for admission to the master’s in kinesiology program, candidates ordinarily have an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited academic institution in a field closely related to the program’s mission. UT Tyler may require leveling courses for applicants lacking adequate academic preparation.
To be considered for admission, please submit or provide proof of:
- A completed online application.
- Official transcripts for all prior college- or graduate-level work.
- Demonstrated academic achievement and potential as indicated by either a grade point average of at least 3.00 (on a 4.0 scale) for all upper-division undergraduate hours, acceptable GRE scores or a combination of upper-division grade point average and GRE score. (UT Tyler waives this requirement for applicants with graduate degrees from an accredited academic institution.)
- A statement of goals.
- Three strong letters of recommendation (use reference forms) from individuals in professional positions who can validly comment on your suitability for graduate studies in general and for the intended field in particular.
Submit all documents to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
The estimated tuition for full-time, in-state, on-campus enrollment is $16,560. Tuition varies by delivery method and hours taken per semester. Calculate your estimated tuition with the tuition calculator.
May 1
Final application deadline for summer admission and priority deadline for fall admission.
August 1
Final application deadline for fall admission.
October 1
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid opens for the upcoming academic year.
November 1
Priority application deadline for spring admission.
December 1
Final application deadline for spring admission.
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Next Steps
Your future starts here. Build your expertise in exercise physiology at UT Tyler.