Kinesiology, MS

for the degree of Master of Science in Kinesiology

Department Head: Kim Graber

Director of Graduate Studies: Steven Petruzzello


Graduate Office: Julie Jenkins

Graduate Office Address: 906 South Goodwin Ave, 112 Freer Hall MC-052, Urbana, IL 61801

Graduate Phone: (217) 333-1083

Graduate Email: jjenkns@illinois.edu


Department Website:  https://ahs.illinois.edu/kinesiology
Program Website:  https://ahs.illinois.edu/master-of-science-kinesiology

Graduate Degree Programs

Kinesiology, MS

Kinesiology, PhD

Joint Degree Program: Kinesiology, PhD and Master of Public Health, MPH

Admissions

Students may apply to either the M.S. or the PhD program. Applications are due on January 15 for Fall admissions. Applications are due on October 1 for Spring admissions.

Admissions to the M.S. degree program requires a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education, a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) for the last two years of undergraduate study and any graduate work completed.

All applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation, resume, official transcripts and a personal statement that addresses the following prompts:

  • What developed your interest for graduate study.
  • Who, from the designated faculty, would you like to work with.
  • Why do you believe you would be a good fit with aforementioned faculty.
  • What do you expect to gain from a graduate experience and how will this experience prepare you for your intended career.

Although the GRE scores are not required, the scores may provide helpful supporting information in some cases. Applicants who have taken the GRE and feel their scores would benefit their application are encouraged to submit the scores. If you would like to submit scores, we recommend you scan your official score report as a PDF file and attach it to your application. You do not need to submit official scores through ETS, but if you decide to, please use our University code of 1836.

  • International and some domestic students may be required to show proof of English Proficiency.
  • Students for whom English is not their native language and who wish to be considered for a teaching assistantship must achieve a score on the speaking sub-section of (TOEFL or IELTS).

Major areas of specialization at both the master's and doctoral degree levels include:

  • Cultural, Interpretive and Science Studies

  • Exercise Physiology 

  • Exercise Psychology

  • Motor Control / Biomechanics

  • Pedagogy & Physical Activity

for the degree of Master of Science in Kinesiology

It is possible for a full-time student to complete this degree program in one academic year plus one summer session.

For additional details and requirements refer to the department's graduate programs and the Graduate College Handbook.  

Thesis Option

KIN 501Kinesiology Research Methods (or equivalent)4
KIN 591Seminar4
Major area of study8
Secondary area within the dept.4
Research/Project Hours (min/max applied toward degree):0-8
KIN 599Thesis Research (min/max applied toward degree)8
Total Hours32

Other Requirements

Other requirements may overlap
Minimum Hours Overall Required Within the Unit: 20 (not including 599)
Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: 12
Minimum GPA: 3.0

Non-Thesis Option

KIN 501Kinesiology Research Methods (or equivalent)4
KIN 591Seminar4
Major area of study8
Secondary area within the dept.4
Research/Project Hours (min/max applied toward degree):4-8
Total Hours32

Other Requirements

Other requirements may overlap
Minimum Hours Overall Required Within the Unit: 20 (not including 599)
Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: 12
Minimum GPA: 3.0