Dr. Jason Carter adjusts red and black wires connected to a device on a participants knee

Kinesiology MS Degree Program

The Master of Science in Kinesiology at Michigan Tech provides an excellent education paired with advanced research opportunities in health and human movement, which add up to a competitive edge for graduates.

Do your interests lie in cardiac rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, fitness training and management, sports administration, or research/teaching in health and kinesiology? If you would like to pursue a career in any of these fields, allow us to prepare you for a high-impact profession.

Because kinesiology is a highly interdisciplinary field, our master’s students cross departmental borders and collaborate with faculty and students in areas such as biological sciences, human factors, and biomedical engineering.

Degree Options

Our program offers both a thesis option and a coursework option. The thesis option includes course work and research in exercise and integrative physiology, biomechanics, or human performance. The coursework option includes a more directed coursework plan that is capped with an extended internship experience in cardiac rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, or fitness training/management.

MS, Kinesiology: Thesis Option

This option requires a research thesis prepared under the supervision of the advisor. The thesis describes a research investigation and its results. The scope of the research topic for the thesis should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in 12 months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.

The minimum requirements are as follows:

Total Credit Requirements
Option Parts	Credits
Coursework (minimum)	20 Credits
Thesis research	6-10 Credits
Total (minimum)	30 Credits

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	12 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Programs may have stricter requirements and may require more than the minimum number of credits listed here.

MS, Kinesiology: Coursework Option

This option requires a minimum of 30 credits be earned through coursework. A limited number of research credits may be used with the approval of the advisor, department, and Graduate School. See degree requirements for more information.

A graduate program may require an oral or written examination before conferring the degree and may require more than the minimum credits listed here:

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	18 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

For more-detailed information, see Degree Requirements and our Graduate Student Handbook.

Courses

For a listing of required courses for thesis and coursework options, see Degree Requirements and our Graduate Student Handbook.

Research Opportunities

Kinesiology faculty are deeply engaged in teaching, mentoring, and research focusing on health and human performance. The department currently has two faculty externally funded by the prestigious American Heart Association Scientist Development Grant program.

Over the past five years, the department has received external research funding from national health organizations including:

National Institutes of Health
American Heart Association
American Physiological Society

Students conduct research in areas as diverse as:

Neural control of circulation
Molecular mechanisms involved in hypertension
Human biomechanics
Muscular fatigue and aging
Human performance in collegiate athletes

The department’s cutting-edge research facilities and equipment include:

Microneurography nerve traffic analysis system
Electrocardiogram units and amplifiers
Lower-body negative-pressure chamber
Vicon motion-capture cameras
Metabolic cart for VO2 max
Venous occlusion plethysmograph for limb blood flow measurements (calf and forearm)

Kinesiology Accelerated MS

This accelerated degree plan allows you to combine the master’s degree with a bachelor’s degree from Michigan Tech in exercise science, sports and fitness management, biomedical engineering, or biological sciences (pre-professional option). Together, the two degrees will put you on the fast track to pursuing doctoral studies or gaining a competitive edge for a career in research or industry.

Requirements

In order to be accepted to the Kinesiology Accelerated Master’s program, students must apply to, and be accepted into, the Graduate School at Michigan Tech. Faculty in the Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology will review all applications.
Students may apply for admission any time after they attain junior-level class standing (and up) until the time that they are awarded their bachelor’s degree.
Students will be considered undergraduates for the purposes of financial aid, tuition, and class standing until their undergraduate degree has been awarded. Once students are awarded their undergraduate degree, they will be considered graduate students. They will be expected to adhere to all policies and procedures related to graduate education at Michigan Tech.
Students already enrolled in a graduate degree program cannot retroactively apply to this accelerated program.
Additional requirements from the Graduate School.

Courses and Credits

Only approved graduate elective courses are eligible for consideration.

Kinesiology Accelerated Master’s students will be required to take 24 course credits for their graduate work (after applying 6 credits as outlined in the Credits section above) with the following requirements:

Required Core Courses (15–18 credits)

Two of the following three courses:

KIP 5000 - Advanced Exercise Physiology

This course focuses on exercise physiology in both humans and rodents. Topics include detailed muscle physiology, fatigue mechanisms, the autonomic nervous system, advanced cardiovascular adaptations with exercise, exercise metabolism, and environmental exercise physiology. The importance of translational research will be highlighted.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-1-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): KIP 4100 and KIP 4110

KIP 5100 - Advanced Biomechanics

This course includes the quantitative analysis of human motion through bioinstrumentation during dynamic performance. A detailed analysis of different movements and movement techniques, as well as investigations into the mechanics of tissues and their function, are included in this course.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-1-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): KIP 4200 and KIP 4210 and BE 3300

KIP 5300 - Advanced Motor Learning and Control

This course will provide the current theories and concepts involved in the processes of motor skill acquisition and performance from a behavioral perspective. Additional peer-reviewed literature will be utilized toward an oral presentation.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: Permission of department required

Both of the following courses:
A minimum of two graduate seminar credits is required.

KIP 5900 - Graduate Internship in Kinesiology

Practical experience in the field of kinesiology at an approved internship site. Internships must be approved by department chair or graduate director, and work a minimum of 42 hours for each credit earned.

Credits: variable to 6.0
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Permission of department required

KIP 5700 - Graduate Seminar

Graduate seminars are designed to facilitate critical discussions of student research projects and peer-reviewed research in related fields. The presenter will provide an overview or seminar of the research of interest, which will establish the foundation for the discussion thereafter.

Credits: 1.0; Repeatable to a Max of 2
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: Permission of department required
Pre-Requisite(s): KIP 5000 or KIP 5100 or KIP 5300

At least one of the following statistics courses:

MA 3740 - Statistical Programming and Analysis

Project-based course enabling students to identify statistical methods and analysis using R. Topics include exploratory data analysis, classical statistical tests, sample size and power considerations, correlation, regression, and design experiments using advanced programming techniques.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 2710 or MA 2720 or MA 3710 or MA 3715

MA 4710 - Regression Analysis

Covers simple, multiple, and polynomial regression; estimation, testing, and prediction; weighted least squares, matrix approach, dummy variables, multicollinearity, model diagnostics and variable selection. A statistical computing package is an integral part of the course. Some prior experience with R is expected.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 2710 or MA 2720 or MA 3710 or MA 3715 or MA 5701

MA 4720 - Design and Analysis of Experiments

Covers construction and analysis of completely randomized, randomized block, incomplete block, Latin squares, factorial, fractional factorial, nested and split-plot designs. Also examines fixed, random and mixed effects models and multiple comparisons and contrasts. The R programming language is an integral part of the course.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 2710 or MA 2720 or MA 3710 or MA 3715 or MA 5701

MA 5701 - Statistical Methods

Introduction to design, conduct, and analysis of statistical studies, with an introduction to statistical computing and preparation of statistical reports. Topics include design, descriptive, and graphical methods, probability models, parameter estimation and hypothesis testing.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

PSY 5210 - Advanced Statistical Analysis and Design I

An overview of data analysis methods including visualization, data programming, and univariate statistics such as t-test and ANOVA.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

PSY 5220 - Advanced Statistical Analysis and Design II

Course covers multivariate statistics such as ANCOVA, Multiple Regression, factor analysis, clustering, machine learning, and mixture modeling.

Credits: 3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 12
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
Semesters Offered: Spring, in odd years
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Pre-Requisite(s): PSY 5110

Elective Courses

A minimum of 12 elective course credits approved by graduate program director or department chair is required.

A list of approved elective courses within and outside the department is provided online. Courses not on this list, but deemed relevant and appropriate by the student and advisor, may be used if written approval is obtained from the graduate program director or department chair.

Credits

Double Counting

Certain courses (KIP 4100–Exercise Physiology [3 credits], KIP 4300–Motor Learning and Control [3 credits], or KIP 4200–Biomechanics of Human Movement [3 credits]) may be double-counted (up to a maximum of six credits) toward both a B.S. and the accelerated master’s. Courses approved for double counting must be clearly identified on the master’s degree schedule. Students must earn a B or higher for these courses in order to apply them toward the graduate degree.

Senior Rule

Up to three credits may be taken under senior rule, which reduces the number of credits taken while enrolled as a graduate student from 30 to 21 credits (if combined accelerated and senior rule options are approved).

Senior rule allows for certain courses to be approved for graduate study while students are in their final year of undergraduate study. However, senior rule courses are reserved for the graduate transcript and cannot be used to satisfy undergraduate degree requirements.

Senior rule forms need to be completed by the end of the first week of the semester that the course is being taken and require the signature of the department chair. Students should plan early and discuss senior rule with their academic advisor in advance of the semester they plan to take a senior rule course. Only approved graduate elective courses are eligible for consideration.

Application Process and Admissions Requirements

Applications are reviewed on an individual basis using a holistic approach. Fill out our free graduate application online to apply to any of our programs. Official transcripts and scores are not required for the initial application, although you will need to upload them later.

Graduate School Admissions Process

Applying to Graduate School is free (no application fees) and fast (no official transcripts or test scores are needed to start). The application process involves three easy steps. International applicants are required to pay a non-refundable $10 processing fee per application.

See Admissions Steps

Graduate School Admissions Options

Michigan Tech offers several admissions options in order to meet the educational needs of students from a variety of backgrounds. Students should review the options available to them and apply for the program that will best help them achieve their personal educational goals.

See Admissions Options

Graduate School Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Graduate School as a degree- or certificate-seeking student, you need to:

have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, and
be prepared for advanced study in your chosen field, as demonstrated by your previous degree and your scholastic record.

See additional application requirements, including required materials:

Student Statements

Official Transcripts

Program Specific Requirements

Program Specific

2 Letters of Recommendation
Résumé / Curriculum vitae
GRE not required

International Students

TOEFL: Recommended Score of 85 iBT
IELTS: Recommended Overall Band Score of at least 6.5

Michigan Tech requires a minimum 79 overall TOEFL or 6.5 overall IELTS score.

Admissions Decision

Made on a rolling basis.

Recommended Deadline

Apply at least a semester in advance of projected admission.

International Student Requirements

International Students must apply and be accepted into a degree-granting program in order to earn a graduate certificate. A non-refundable $10 processing fee per application is required.

See International Applicants

Accelerated Master's Requirements

Our Accelerated Master's Program is available for current Michigan Tech students.

Program Specific

2 Letters of Recommendation
Overall GPA of 3.0 or greater
Résumé/ Curriculum vitae

Eligible Undergraduate Majors

Exercise Science
Sports and Fitness Management
Biological Sciences (pre-professional option)
Biomedical Engineering

Accredited by HLC

Michigan Tech has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1928. Our Graduate School offers over 125 certificates, master's, and PhD programs to provide our students and the world with what tomorrow needs.

Advance Human Performance and Health Through Graduate Study

The Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology (KIP) department at Michigan Technological University offers a dynamic graduate-focused academic environment that blends rigorous coursework with hands-on research and real-world applications in human health, movement science, and physiology. Graduate students pursuing the PhD in Integrative Physiology and the MS in Kinesiology work closely with faculty on interdisciplinary investigation and clinical applications that span from molecular physiology to biomechanics and performance science.

Faculty expertise: Graduate students in the KIP department have the opportunity to engage with faculty whose scholarship and mentorship span a broad array of areas, including cardiovascular and metabolic physiology, human performance, biomechanics, and exercise physiology. Faculty labs focus on translating research into health outcomes—from understanding cardiovascular regulation to improving human movement and rehabilitation strategies—which enriches the mentorship and training environment for both MS and PhD students.
Funding opportunities: Graduate students at Michigan Tech can access a range of financial support mechanisms, including graduate assistantships that provide a stipend and potential tuition support, internal and external fellowships that may include stipends and tuition benefits, and reduced-tuition programs for eligible students; these resources are administered through the university’s Graduate School and Financial Aid offices.
Career outcomes and networking: Graduates of the KIP graduate programs have pursued careers in academia, healthcare, industry, and clinical settings, and doctoral alumni often continue into post-doctoral research appointments or faculty positions. The department’s seminar series and collaborations with professionals across health and sports science fields help students build professional networks that support career advancement.
Research: Research is central to graduate study in KIP, with students participating in projects that address pressing health challenges such as hypertension, metabolic disease, aging, neuromechanics, and injury prevention. Both the MS and PhD programs support research or in-depth investigations, allowing students to contribute insights to the sciences of human physiology and movement.

College of Sciences and Arts

The College of Sciences and Arts is a community of faculty, staff, and students committed to excellence and driven by our passion for education, outreach, research, and creativity across the social and natural sciences, humanities, and the arts. Uniquely situated in the heart of Michigan's R1 flagship technological university, we specialize in human-centered potential and discovery-based learning designed to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Knowing that every student at Michigan Tech will pass through our doors, our college strives to be at the forefront of interdisciplinary collaborations that lead to breakthrough solutions.

Our students gain a profound understanding of social and cultural contexts through experiential learning and innovative research. We welcome you to be part of our caring, expansive college community, with 32 undergraduate and 24 graduate degrees to choose from.

The opportunities in Michigan Tech's College of Sciences and Arts are limitless. Transform into a civic leader ready to contribute to a sustainable future. Lead and participate in action-based experiences that are critical to the start of a fulfilling career. Job-shadow at a local hospital or veterinary clinic while preparing for a career in health. Design sound and lighting for a regional production. Conduct community forums on the implications of artificial intelligence. Work to purify vaccines. Study the impact of social media on society. Research the mysteries of space and galaxies beyond our universe. Explore transforming abandoned iron and copper mines into giant batteries. Understand freshwater ecosystem health. Document the nature of changes in cognitive function and motor behavior in aging and dementia.

At Michigan Tech, your academic growth is supported by a variety of learning centers, along with our Humanities Digital Media Zone and Writing Center. Model climate in the only cloud chamber of its kind. Take part in interdisciplinary health research in our state-of-the-art H-STEM Complex. Create amazing sights and sounds in our visual art, sound, and theatre performance spaces.

Tomorrow Needs You

Supercharge your analytical skills to meet the demands of a technology-driven society at a flagship public research university powered by science, technology, engineering, and math. Graduate with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to solve real-world problems and succeed in academia, research, and tomorrow's high-tech business landscape.