Program Overview

The Department of Kinesiology offers programs of study leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Kinesiology. These degree programs prepare a candidate to study human movement from a multidisciplinary approach.

The areas of focus in Kinesiology include biomechanics and motor systems, physical activity and health, and physiology. Laboratories support research in each of these areas. Job opportunities are to be found in the academic community, biomedical research, the health and fitness industries, and related fields in the public and private sectors. Study provides excellent preparation for postgraduate work in the health professions.

Candidates for the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees are accepted for admission under the general regulations of the Graduate School. In addition, M.S. candidates are required to have completed courses in exercise physiology, human anatomy and physiology, kinesiology and motor control, competency in the use of standard computer spreadsheet and word processing software, and experience with electronic communication and content.

All applicants must have their scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) forwarded to the Graduate School. For the M.S. program, a combined GRE score of 1,000 is required (verbal plus quantitative). For the Ph.D. program, a combined verbal and quantitative GRE score of at least 1,200 is required. For the Ph.D., an interview is required. For both programs, faculty sponsorship must be obtained prior to admission.

The M.S. program requires 32 credits. The thesis option consists of 23 course credits plus a 3-credit thesis proposal (KIN 698A) and a 6-credit thesis (KIN 699), developed in conjunction with the student’s faculty adviser. The project option includes 23 course credits plus a 3-credit project option (either KIN 697A Special Topic: Master’s Project or KIN 697B Special Topic: Athletic Trainer Project), one 500- to 800-level Kinesiology course (3 credits), and one 600- to 800-level Kinesiology course (3 credits). KIN 697A must be arranged with the student’s faculty adviser; KIN 697B is a comprehensive athletic training program determined in conjunction with the Athletic Trainer Graduate Adviser and the University of Massachusetts Amherst Sports Medicine staff. KIN 697B is available only to students admitted with Athletic Trainer assistantships, normally from the university’s Athletics Department Sports Medicine Program. The third option is exclusively for students admitted to the M.S./Ph.D. program and consists of 23 course credits plus KIN 697S Special Topic: M.S. Research Proposal (3 credits) and KIN 697T Special Topic: Master’s Research (6 credits). For KIN 697A, 697B, 697S, 697T, 698A and 699, both a written document and an oral defense are required.

A minimum of 72 graduate credits post-baccalaureate is required for the Ph.D. degree, with a major emphasis on the research process. For example, students develop skills for critical analysis and synthesis of research, grant writing, and publication and presentation of their research.

All students are automatically considered for teaching and research assistantships. These awards are based on overall academic credentials (grades, GREs, and letters of recommendation) and relevant teaching or laboratory experiences. TAs assist with undergraduate courses, and RAs work under the direct supervision of a professor in one of the labs.