MS in Kinesiology (Biomechanics)
By emphasizing your kinesiology master’s degree in biomechanics, you will build a balanced foundation in the science of human movement and hone skills useful in both research and occupational settings.
This thesis program prepares you for careers in allied health, corporate laboratory research, and university teaching and research or doctoral studies in the field.
Highlights
- Two-year program for those with an exercise science background
- Requires a thesis and coursework
- Access to well-equipped research laboratories and a fitness center
- Limited number of assistantships available on a competitive basis
Curriculum
Through this specialization, you will undertake advanced scholarly study and research into movement, applying mechanical principles to human performance.
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 and working fitness center.
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 of coursework in the Exercise Science department, in addition to your thesis credits, including:
- A course on research methods
- At least two courses in biomechanics
You are also required to take two statistics courses, one in descriptive statistics and one in inferential statistics.
Study with faculty who have expertise in a wide range of subjects. The program’s advisors –- Dr. Julianne Schmidt and Dr. Rob Lynall -– specialize in research into biomechanical and neuromuscular adaptations to movement and lower extremity sports injuries, specifically chronic ankle instability.
Our faculty have expertise in a range of subjects, with faculty members who serve as advisors to students in the exercise physiology emphasis:
- Dr. Deborah Barany
Director, Brain and Action Lab
Director, Neurostimulation Lab - Dr. Caroline Lisee
Director, Orthopedic Health in Motion Lab - Dr. Rob Lynall
Co-Director, Biomechanics Lab
Co-Director, Concussion Lab - Dr. Chris Modlesky
Director, Neuromusculoskeletal Health Lab
Co-Director, DEXA Lab - Dr. Julianne Schmidt
Co-Director, Biomechanics Lab
Co-Director, Concussion Lab
Director, Co-Director, DEXA Lab - Dr. Jing Xu
Director, Cognition and Dexterity Lab
Director, Neurostimulation Lab
How to Apply
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
Admission to the program is competitive and considers a number of factors. At a minimum, you must have:
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- A background in physical and biological science is recommended. Example courses include:
- College physics
- Introductory college chemistry
- Biology
- Physiology
- Introductory college biomechanics
International students must score at least 213 on the Internet Based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam.
We also expect you to have a background in physical and biological science, including:
- College physics
- Introductory college chemistry
- Biology
- Physiology
- Exercise science
Math through integral calculus, engineering mechanics, and computer science knowledge are also desirable.
Prospective Graduate Student Application Checklist
The following should be uploaded to the Graduate School’s application:
- Unofficial transcripts from each institution of higher education attended
- Statement of Purpose
- Statement of Purpose should summarize your career goals and how the degree program would help you attain those identified goals.
- If applying to a MS-thesis or Ph.D. program, ensure you describe your research interests and how your interests fit with a specific faculty member within the Department of Kinesiology.
- A CV or resume
- Contact information for three references
Deadline to Apply
January 10
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.
The College’s programs are taught by dedicated faculty who are experts in a range of areas and are passionate about helping students succeed both in their programs and professionally.
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.
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.
Gain hands-on experience in our many well-equipped research laboratories, which specialize in areas such as aging and physical performance, cognition and skill acquisition, metabolism and body composition, athletic training, exercise vascular biology, and muscle biology.
Our fitness center, which holds adult fitness, cardiac rehabilitation, and senior adult programs for university faculty/staff and the Athens community, provides additional opportunities to apply what you are learning.
Work in either the research laboratories or fitness center or teach in the basic physical education program through an assistantship, available on a competitive basis. Apply by February 1 for best consideration.
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.