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MS in Kinesiology (Exercise Physiology)

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Explore how the body responds to human movement and study ways to encourage habitual exercise and physical activity across the lifespan through this kinesiology master's program specializing in exercise physiology.

This thesis program prepares you for doctoral studies in the field or careers in allied health, corporate laboratory research, and university teaching and research.

Program Highlights

  1. Two-year program for those with an exercise science background
  2. Requires a thesis and coursework
  3. Access to well-equipped research laboratories
  4. Engage in research throughout the course of the program
  5. Interdisciplinary focus with collaborative faculty

Curriculum

Through this specialization, you will undertake advanced scholarly study and research into the physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic physical activity, including the role of physical activity in preventing disease and promoting health.

In this research-oriented program, you will complete 24 hours of coursework including a master's thesis, with opportunities for hands-on learning through our well-equipped research laboratories.

You will work with your major professor to design a course of study based on your background, interests, and career goals. You must complete at least 12 hours in the Kinesiology Department, not including independent study, that involves:

  • Two courses in exercise physiology
  • One course in research methods
  • One course in inferential statistics

Our faculty have expertise in a range of subjects, with five faculty members who serve as advisors to students in the exercise physiology emphasis:

  • Jarrod Call (director, Skeletal Muscle Dysfunction Lab)
  • Ellen Evans (director, Center for Physical Activity and Health and the Body Composition and Metabolism Lab)
  • Nathan Jenkins (director, Integrative Cardiovascular Physiology Lab)
  • Kevin McCully (director, Exercise Muscle Physiology Lab)
  • Chris Modlesky (director, Neuromusculoskeletal Health Laboratory)
  • Michael Schmidt (director, Physical Activity Measurement Lab)

Admissions

The Graduate School handles admission for all graduate programs at the University of Georgia, including those in the College of Education. The Graduate School website contains important details about the application process, orientation, and many other useful links to guide you through the process of attending UGA at the graduate level.

Start A Graduate School Application

You should hold an undergraduate degree in exercise science, biological science, public health, or a related field.

Admission to the program is competitive and considers a number of factors. Students with strong backgrounds in exercise science who have interests compatible with our ongoing research are given preference. Most admitted applicants have at least:

  • An undergraduate or graduate GPA of 3.0
  • Verbal and quantitative GRE scores of 150
  • GRE writing test score of 4

International students should score at least 80 on the Internet Based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam, with at least 24 on the speaking and writing sections.

Deadline to Apply

January 10

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Additional Resources

Please use our online form if you have any questions for the department. Please be as specific as possible so that we may quickly assist you.

Meet Your Advisor

Meet Your Advisor

A close working relationship with your advisor is key as you progress through your program of study. Please note that most graduate students at UGA are not assigned to a faculty advisor until after admittance.

Find Your Advisor

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition and Financial Aid

Almost all in-state students begin their studies at UGA paying limited tuition or fees. Please note that these amounts are subject to change and are meant to give prospective students an idea of the costs associated with a degree at the University of Georgia College of Education.

Students may qualify for a variety of assistantships, scholarships, and other financial awards to help offset the cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses.

Tuition Rates Browse Financial Aid

Student Life

Student Life

Gain hands-on experience in our many well-equipped research laboratories, including labs to study body composition and metabolism, exercise muscle physiology, integrative cardiovascular physiology, physical activity measurement, and skeletal muscle dysfunction.

Our Center for Physical Activity and Health, which offers supervised exercise opportunities for university faculty and staff and the Athens community, provides additional opportunities to apply what you are learning, including interdisciplinary translational research, education, and outreach.

Our faculty members believe in team science, which allows you to participate in research projects across many labs and disciplines. Also, you may participate in research funded by grants from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

See for yourself how much UGA College of Education has to offer! Schedule a tour of campus to learn more about the UGA student experience.

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