MS in Kinesiology (Human Movement Science)
Introduction
The MS in Human Movement Science a deep dive into the science of human health and performance through advanced coursework and hands-on laboratory research. The curriculum features specialized research areas in biomechanics, exercise physiology, exercise psychology, and motor control and learning, allowing students to study responses to exercise, movement mechanics, and motor behavior across the lifespan.
Working alongside a collaborative, interdisciplinary faculty, students gain the foundational research and clinical skills necessary for careers in allied health, industry, university teaching, or doctoral studies.
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
- Engage in research throughout the course of the program
- Limited number of assistantships available on a competitive basis
- Interdisciplinary focus with collaborative faculty
Curriculum
Overview of Academic Demands
This research-oriented M.S. in Kinesiology with a concentration in Human Movement Science program provides advanced scholarly study and hand-on experiential learning. Throughout the curriculum, academic theory is seamlessly paired with practical application, offering students robust research and training opportunities within well-equipped laboratory facilities.
Through a minimum of 30 hours of course work, dedicated research, and a comprehensive thesis, students focus their training in one of the following research areas:
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
- Exercise Psychology
- Motor Control and Learning
Students will work with a major professor and advisory committee to design a course of study based on their background, interests, and career goals. All students, however, must complete the following:
- One credit-hour of a research seminar
- One credit-hour seminar for new graduate students
- One course in quantitative or qualitative research methodology
- One course in research methods in kinesiology
- At least three of the four core graduate courses (Advanced Exercise Psychology, Advanced Biomechanics, Advanced Motor Control and Learning, Advanced Exercise Physiology)
- Minimum of three credit hours of master’s thesis
Elective coursework commonly includes:
- Advanced nutrition
- Measurement in physical activity
- Grant writing
- Research design
- Statistical analysis
- Emergency care
- Neuromuscular mechanisms in exercise
- Exercise epidemiology
- Cognitive psychology
Faculty
Biomechanics: Deborah Barany , Caroline Lisee , Rob Lynall , Chris Modlesky , Julianne Schmidt , Jing Xu , Shijun Yan
Exercise Physiology: John Akins , Jamie Cooper , Chris Modlesky ,Michael Schmidt , Tony Wolf
Exercise Psychology: Pat O’Connor , Sami Yli-Piipari
Motor Control and Learning: Deborah Barany , Chris Modlesky , Jing Xu , Shijun Yan
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
Applicants should hold an undergraduate degree in exercise science or a related field as well as a background in behavioral and biological sciences, including biopsychology, chemistry, biology, and physiology.
Admission to the program is competitive and considers a number of factors. Students with strong backgrounds in biopsychology and exercise science who have interests compatible with our ongoing research are given preference.
At a minimum, you must have:
- An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0
For international applicants, please consult the University’s English Language Proficiency Requirements .
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 the MS program, ensure you describe your research interests and how your interests fit with a specific faculty member as listed in the research areas above.
- 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.