Department of Kinesiology
We create and disseminate new knowledge related to physical activity, sports, and physical education. We prepare scholars and researchers, physical education teachers, and sports specialists to deliver education, sport, and rehabilitative services for all segments of society. This includes special populations such as children, the elderly, athletes, and persons with disabilities, injuries, and disease.
We offer degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in exercise science, physical education, and sport management. These programs will apply knowledge, principles, and methods from the behavioral, biological, medical, and physical sciences to the study of physical activity and sport.
The Department of Kinesiology is a member of the American Kinesiology Association.
Concentrations
- Athletic Training
Our mission is to educate a workforce of allied healthcare providers to serve the public, promote health, and enhance safety.
- Exercise Science
Gain in-depth knowledge of the scientific basis of physical activity, exercise and sport. Students may apply this knowledge to the general population or to specific populations such as children and older adults, athletes, and individuals with chronic diseases, conditions, or disabilities.
- Physical Education
Physical education teaches physical activities, sports skills, and fitness to all segments of the population. It is taught as a course to elementary, middle, high school, and college students to improve their motor coordination, physical fitness, and develop teamwork skills.
- Sport Management
Gain a full understanding of multiple areas of sport management through interdisciplinary classes that blend business practices with the needs of the sport industry.
Degree Programs
Double Dawgs
Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degrees
- BSEd in Kinesiology (Sport Management) / MS in Sport Management (non-thesis)
Gain interdisciplinary knowledge and leadership skills to manage sport and exercise programs through this Double Dawgs pathway.
- BSEd in Exercise and Sport Science / MS in Food and Nutrition (Nutrition for Sport and Exercise - Non-Thesis)
Delve into the science of physical activity, exercise, and sport and combine that study with in-depth knowledge of nutrition for sport and exercise.
Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd)
- BSEd in Exercise and Sport Science
Delve into the science of physical activity, exercise, and sport to prepare for careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, sports medicine, and more.
- BSEd in Health and Physical Education
Teach health and physical education in Georgia schools while studying the latest advances in biomechanics, physiology, and health and wellness.
- BSEd in Sport Management
Open up diverse career opportunities through our flexible program in sport management, emphasizing business principles and opportunities to tailor your course of study.
Minors
- Exercise and Sport Science Minor
A minor in ESS is for students who would like to compliment an existing major with knowledge regarding exercise and physical activity for health and sport performance.
- Personal Health and Well-Being Minor
Housed in the Department of Educational Psychology and the Department of Kinesiology, the personal health and well-being minor supports students' exploration, understanding, and development of practices and habits that support personal health and well-being.
- Sport Coaching Minor
The Sport Coaching Minor (15 hours) is designed to support students' exploration, understanding, and development of knowledge and skills essential for coaching sport at multiple levels and across many sports.
- Sport Management Minor
The Sport Management minor (15 hours) gives you the flexibility of coursework in the area of sport management without taking on a dual degree.
Master of Science (MS)
- MS in Kinesiology (Adapted Physical Education)
Earn your M.S. in Kinesiology and improve your knowledge of physical activity and sport instruction for disability populations in K-12 physical education and community-based contexts.
- MS in Kinesiology (Biomechanics)
Earn your M.S. in Kinesiology with a focus on biomechanics, learning how mechanical principles affect human movement.
- MS in Kinesiology (Exercise Physiology)
Earn your M.S. in Kinesiology with a focus on exercise physiology. Through coursework and research, explore how exercise affects the body and health.
- MS in Kinesiology (Exercise Psychology)
Earn your M.S. in Kinesiology with a focus on exercise psychology. Through coursework and research, explore how people respond and adapt to exercise.
- MS in Kinesiology (Motor Control and Learning)
The M.S. in Kinesiology motor control and learning emphasis focuses on developmental aspects of movement and function across the lifespan.
- MS in Kinesiology (Sport Management and Policy)
Our program prepares both scholars and professionals for the world of sport management. Choose a thesis or non-thesis program to hone your skills as a professional or researcher in the field.
- MS in Kinesiology (Sport Pedagogy)
Our M.S. in Kinesiology emphasis in sport pedagogy teaches the practice of teaching or coaching physical education, sport, or physical activity.
- MS in Kinesiology (Strength, Conditioning, and Fitness)
Earn a M.S. kinesiology with a focus on strength, conditioning, and fitness, culminating in certification by one of three national organizations.
Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT)
- MS in Athletic Training (MSAT)
Earn your Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) and learn how to prevent, evaluate, diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate emergent, acute, and chronic injuries and illnesses.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- PhD in Kinesiology (Athletic Training)
Earn your kinesiology Ph.D. specializing in athletic training, exploring injury prevention and rehabilitation through in-depth study and research.
- PhD in Kinesiology (Biomechanics)
- PhD in Kinesiology (Exercise Physiology)
Earn your kinesiology Ph.D. specializing in exercise physiology. Through in-depth study and research, explore how exercise affects the body and health.
- PhD in Kinesiology (Exercise Psychology)
Earn a Ph.D. in Kinesiology specializing in exercise psychology. Through in-depth study and research, explore how exercise affects the body and health.
- PhD in Kinesiology (Motor Control and Learning)
The University of Georgia's Ph.D. in Kinesiology motor control and learning specialization focuses on developmental aspects of movement and function across the lifespan.
- PhD in Kinesiology (Sport Management and Policy)
Our Ph.D. in Kinesiology specialization in Sport Management and Policy will prepare you to be a leading researcher in the areas of law and risk management, sport marketing and consumer behavior, and social and cultural aspects of sport.
- PhD in Kinesiology (Sport Pedagogy)
Featured Faculty Videos
Additional Faculty Videos
Support Our Programs
Donate to a Specific Unit/ProgramScholarships
In addition to the following departmental scholarships, learn more about additional opportunities for financial assistance on our financial aid page .
- Abbie DeLoach Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship
- Ann Jewett Award
- Clifford Gray Lewis Financial Assistance Award
- Clifford Gray Lewis Scholarship Award
- Joan B. Neal Scholarship Award
- Louise E. Kindig Research Award
- Mary Ella Lunday Soule Scholarship Awards
- Michael E. Penland Family Award
- Mike Castronis Scholarship Award
- Phil & Phyllis Sparling Summer GRA Award
- Teri Johnston Memorial Scholarship
- UGA Alumni Sports Industry Council Scholarship
Graduate Student Materials
- Student Handbooks, Schedules, and other useful resources for graduate students
Graduate Assistantships
Eligibility
Any applicants to a program in the Department of Kinesiology can apply for a graduate assistantship.
Assistantship Information
Assistantship opportunities within the Kinesiology Department are available to highly qualified applicants, providing financial support and professional, teaching, or research experience. Graduate assistants work between 13-20 hours/week while completing their academic programs and receive a monthly stipend, full tuition waiver, and one-third remission of health insurance if enrolled on the university plan.
Other Assistantship Opportunities
Depending upon your background and interests you may also wish to apply for assistantship opportunities outside the Department of Kinesiology, such as:
- Recreational Sports
- For more information on additional opportunities through the Athletic Association, please visit the Athletic Association’s Office of Human Resources
Even more financial aid information can be requested from the Office of Student Financial Aid .
How To Apply
Assistantship Application
If you are interested in a departmental assistantship, complete your program’s application for admission by January 10 and submit your application for graduate assistantship as soon as possible.
Selection Process
Departmental assistantships are chosen once a year for the coming academic year. Students with an assistantship must be enrolled during the academic year. Applications are reviewed starting around February 1. Usually 80% of the assistantships are awarded during the months of February and March, and the remainder during April. You cannot be awarded an assistantship until you have been admitted to a degree program in the University.
Undergraduate Research
Research
The Department of Kinesiology strongly encourages undergraduates to pursue independent research as part of their education. In addition to the high value placed on research by medical and graduate school admissions committees, an undergraduate research experience serves to engage students in “active learning” outside of the traditional classroom.
Undergraduate students have several options in regards to coursework related to their research experience. Most students begin in KINS 3480: Practicum in Kinesiology Research. This course designation is repeatable and is most appropriate for students who are beginning in a lab or who are generally assisting with the research of a faculty member. Students interested in pursuing this course should first contact a faculty member to find a lab in which they can become engaged. Once this participation has been established, students can formally apply for this course credit .
For more seasoned students, or those who have more of an active role in the lab, R-suffix courses are likely more appropriate. These “faculty-mentored undergraduate research” courses are sequential and progressive as denoted in their numbering (KINS 4960R, KINS 4970R, KINS 4980R) with the final course (KINS 4990R) being a capstone or thesis project course.
Please note that students do not have to wait until their senior year to start in a lab—in fact, faculty are generally more enthusiastic about students who have spent several semesters (even years!) in the lab. Those longer-term research experiences will be particularly beneficial as faculty mentors will be especially committed to students’ training and education. Some faculty are happy to mentor students for a single semester, while others prefer a longer commitment.
Applications for Research Course Approval
Research Course Forms
KINS 4960R, 4970R, and 4980R Application Form
Thesis
After completing KINS 4960R, students should have a serious discussion with their research mentor about the possibility of continuing in the lab to work towards a thesis. At minimum, a thesis will require two semesters of additional research beyond KINS 4960R (KINS 4970R and 4980R). Some faculty may have additional requirements for students who wish to complete the thesis.
KINS 4990R Application Form (PDF)
When turning in your thesis, you may create your own cover sheet, or you may use the cover sheet template (PDF) .
Please note that if you create your own cover sheet, you must still have the appropriate signatures listed on your sheet.
How do you become involved in undergraduate research?
The easiest way is to contact a Kinesiology faculty member whose work interests you. Students can view each faculty member’s research interest on their profile page .
For those faculty whose research looks particularly interesting, you might read a few of their recent papers. Then, email the faculty member and ask if they are interested in having an undergraduate conducting research in the lab. If so, arrange to meet with the faculty member to discuss the possibilities. Please try to line up a meeting in the semester prior to the one in which you want to start.
Student Organizations
Exercise is Medicine-On Campus (EIM-OC)
The Exercise is Medicine-On Campus organization works to engage in the promotion of physical activity as a vital sign of health. We encourage faculty, staff, and students to work together toward improving the health and well-being of the campus community.
Omega Tau
Omega Tau is a pre-professional organization for students pursuing a career in occupational therapy. Our goal is to prepare students for graduate school and a career.
We organize professional speakers to come and speak to members about the profession, graduate school, and additional information relevant to the field, and we also provide shadowing and volunteer opportunities to our members.
Faculty advisor: Christopher D. Mojock
Rho Tau
Rho Tau is a pre-physical therapy club open to any student interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy. The club hosts both representatives from physical therapy programs and physical therapists to guest lecture.
Staff advisor: Lauren Flowers
Sports Business Club (SBC)
The UGA Sports Business Club gives students opportunities to network with industry professionals and to find out about internships and other opportunities.
This club is open to all majors and anyone who has an interest in pursuing a career involving sports. A usual meeting consists of a guest speaker presentation followed by a Q&A session.
Faculty advisor: Thomas Alexander Baker III
Latest News
- From student to practitioner
As part of the master of science in athletic training program in the College, every student must complete an eight-week rotation at a local high school under the guidance of a licensed athletic trainer.
- Doctoral candidate receives UGA’s 2024 Presidential Graduate Fellow Award
Doctoral candidate Kalpaka Pradip (Ph.D. ’27) recently received the University’s most prestigious fellowship award for incoming doctoral students.
- College of Education, Clarke County School District sustain partnerships in 2023-24 school year
Students and faculty in the College collaborated with CCSD educators to provide support to PreK-12 students and field experience for College of Education students.