Master of Science (M.S.) Program
The Master of Science degree prepares students for doctoral study in exercise science, biology, psychology, or engineering or graduate work in health-related professions such as physical therapy or medicine. Graduates may also choose careers as study coordinators for grant funded research projects, or research associates in academic, medical, and independent lab settings. There are also opportunities in the health-fitness field as exercise specialists or wellness directors.
Applicants must complete the following prerequisite courses (or their equivalent) before being admitted into the program. Students provisionally admitted with course deficiencies must complete the following courses during their first year of study in the graduate program:
- Exercise Physiology (with lab)
- Biomechanics/Kinesiology (with lab)
- Human Anatomy
- Motor Control (with lab)
M.S. candidates must complete either a thesis or a research project. In the thesis option, a total of 30 credits is required, including 3 for the thesis (Kin 699) and 3 as independent study credits (Kin 696) in preparation for the thesis. A Kinesiology thesis chairperson and at least two other graduate faculty comprise the thesis committee. The 30-credit research project option includes 3 credits of independent study (696A) arranged with an Kinesiology faculty sponsor, under whom the research project must be completed. A 36-credit research project option, available for athletic trainers only, includes 3 credits of independent study to be arranged with the sports medicine staff.
All M.S. candidates must complete the following courses:
- 611 Introduction to Research in Human Movement (1 credit)
- Graduate-level statistics course (3 credits)
- Four Kin 891 Graduate Seminars (1 credit per semester)
- Kinesiology electives (a minimum of 16 credits)
- A minimum of 6 credits of cognate electives taken outside of the department and relating to the student’s program of study in Kinesiology
A maximum of 6 credit hours from graduate-level courses taken at UMass Amherst or elsewhere within the previous three years and not required for other undergraduate or graduate programs may be transferred into Kinesiology with approval of the Graduate Program Director.
