Kinesiology

About This Degree

The Master of Science in Kinesiology program provides a comprehensive foundation in the biological, physical, mechanical, and social sciences of human movement.

Students gain expertise in areas such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, sport psychology, motor control, wellness, and sport ethics, preparing them for advanced study or professional practice.

Graduate students combine advanced coursework with practical and research experiences, developing skills to critically evaluate evidence, apply scientific principles, and address complex questions in health, performance, and sport.

The program offers two pathways:

Research/Thesis Pathway: Students conduct empirical research under faculty mentorship, producing a thesis or scholarly research paper. This pathway is ideal for students preparing for doctoral study or research-focused careers.

Applied/Literature-Informed Pathway: Students engage in literature reviews and supervised applied experiences, producing a scholarly paper based on evidence-informed practice. This pathway is ideal for students preparing for applied careers in health, performance, or wellness. Graduates are prepared for doctoral programs, medical and allied health professions, or applied careers in areas such as cardiac rehabilitation, strength and conditioning coaching, wellness programming, and research or clinical settings. Through advanced coursework, research, and practical experiences, students gain the skills and knowledge to excel in these fields.

For more information on admissions, courses, and faculty research, please visit the department website at https://cehs.usu.edu/khs/graduate/ms-kinesiology.

Specialization:

Students must choose an emphasis in one of the following areas

Exercise Science:

This specialization provides a comprehensive background in the physical, biological, and mechanical sciences. It prepares students for professional applications or advanced study in exercise physiology and biomechanics.

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ADVISING

At a Glance

College: Emma Eccles Jones College of Education & Human Services

Department: Kinesiology and Health Science Department

USU Locations:

Logan campus

Faculty: View profiles of faculty members on the department directory.

Program Requirements

Kinesiology - MS

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Career And Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Exercise Science Specialization

Advanced study in exercise physiology and biomechanics
Fitness specialist
Fitness instructor
Coaching

Job Outlook

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

Advising

Melissa Johnson

KHS Graduate Coordinator
Email: melissa.johnson@usu.edu
Office: HPER 122
Phone: (435) 797-1495

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION AND ADVISING

I am not a current USU student

I have not applied or been admitted, even if I've taken a USU Concurrent Enrollment course

I am a current USU student

I have been admitted and plan to attend, or continue attending USU

USU Locations

LOGAN CAMPUS

Admission

Admission Requirements

It is preferred that applicants have an undergraduate background in an area related to their proposed field of graduate study. If, however, they have relevant experience or undergraduate coursework, their applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Application Requirements:

Complete the online application
Pay the $55 application fee
Have a 3.0 or higher GPA
Provide transcripts of all college/university credits
Provide three contacts for letters of recommendation
Include a statement of purpose in your online application

International students have additional admissions requirements.

Deadlines

The department has the following application deadline for students wishing to apply for department assistantships:

Fall semester – March 1

Note: Students must complete both the program application and assistantship application by this deadline. Information about the assistantship deadline can be found on the department website.

General admissions deadline:

Fall semester – July 1

Plan Options

Kinesiology students may complete the Master of Science degree through one of two plan types:

Research-Focused Pathway: Students complete graduate-level coursework and conduct empirical research under faculty mentorship, producing either a thesis or a scholarly research paper. This pathway is intended for students preparing for doctoral study or research-focused careers.
Applied or Literature-Informed Pathway: Students complete graduate-level coursework, engage in supervised applied experiences, and conduct a review of current literature. Students produce a scholarly paper grounded in evidence-informed practice. This pathway is intended for students preparing for applied careers in health, performance, or wellness.

Financial Aid

The department awards graduate assistantships each year for qualified graduate students to teach in the KHS physical activity program, selected undergraduate academic courses and laboratory sections, and work with faculty with ongoing research projects. The number of graduate assistant positions available are determined by the needs of the department, typically the department awards 15-20 assistantships. Most assistantships are awarded in the spring semester for the upcoming school year, with preference given to students who are able to fill the responsibilities for the whole year. Applicants are evaluated based on previous academic success, experience and/or ability to teach a variety of activity classes and/or research potential or background in the KHS discipline.

Additionally, the cost of living in Logan, Utah, is about 12% lower than the national average.

A variety of funding opportunities are available on the graduate school website.

Kinesiology - MS