The Department of Kinesiology's mission is to create, interpret, transmit, and apply knowledge related to movement, exercise, and human occupation with the ultimate goal of enhancing human health, productivity, and quality of life.
The M.S. in Kinesiology is available with research specialization in biomechanics, exercise physiology, exercise psychology, motor control and behavior, physical activity epidemiology, and occupational science. The M.S. in Kinesiology with the nonthesis option provides courses that cover the breadth of the kinesiology field and electives, and it may include a final project. This degree supports an interest in coaching/teaching (team or individual), personal training or fitness instruction, or it may supplement the practice of physical therapy, athletic training, or other allied health professions, or any individual purpose a student may have.
The M.S. in Kinesiology combines advanced courses with the option of an intensive research experience. Department research facilities are well equipped, and faculty and graduate students have access to other specialized research facilities across campus. Faculty and graduate student research is currently supported by funding from the state and federal government, research foundations, and private industry. Faculty are affiliated with the Institute on Aging; Cardiovascular Research Center; Center for Neuroscience/Neuroscience Training Program; departments of Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Medicine, Neurology, Population Health Science, and Psychology; McPherson Eye Research Institute; Harlow Center for Biological Psychology; interdepartmental graduate program in Nutritional Sciences; Trace Research and Development Center; VA Geriatric Research and Education Center; Waisman Center; and Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute.
Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website. Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online. |
| Fall Deadline | February 15 |
| Spring Deadline | December 1 |
| Summer Deadline | This program does not admit in the summer. |
| GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) | Required. |
| English Proficiency Test | Every applicant whose native language is not English or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English must provide an English proficiency test score and meet the Graduate School minimum requirements (https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/requirements/#english-proficiency). |
| Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT) | n/a |
| Letters of Recommendation Required | 3 |
The application deadline is February 15, applications may be considered after this date.
For admission, the Graduate School requires, as does the Kinesiology department, a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0=A scale) on the last 60 semester hours (or equivalent) of undergraduate coursework. An applicant must submit official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores, academic transcripts from each institution attended, a minimum of three letters of recommendation, and a statement of reasons for graduate study. The statement should name the applicant's intended area(s) of specialization and provide specific details on why the applicant names the area(s). If a professor in the area of specialization agrees to serve as the prospective student's advisor, then the department's graduate office recommends the applicant for admission to the Graduate School. A committee reviews, and an individual advisor is not required for, nonthesis admissions. Please consult the kinesiology website for further details of these requirements and procedures.
Graduate School Resources
Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and processes related to funding.
Minimum Graduate School Requirements
Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements, in addition to the program requirements listed below.
Major Requirements
MODE OF INSTRUCTION
| Face to Face | Evening/Weekend | Online | Hybrid | Accelerated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | No | No | No | No |
Mode of Instruction Definitions
Evening/Weekend: These programs are offered in an evening and/or weekend format to accommodate working schedules. Enjoy the advantages of on-campus courses and personal connections, while keeping your day job. For more information about the meeting schedule of a specific program, contact the program. Online: These programs are offered primarily online. Many available online programs can be completed almost entirely online with all online programs offering at least 50 percent or more of the program work online. Some online programs have an on-campus component that is often designed to accommodate working schedules. Take advantage of the convenience of online learning while participating in a rich, interactive learning environment. For more information about the online nature of a specific program, contact the program. Hybrid: These programs have innovative curricula that combine on-campus and online formats. Most hybrid programs are completed on-campus with a partial or completely online semester. For more information about the hybrid schedule of a specific program, contact the program. Accelerated: These on-campus programs are offered in an accelerated format that allows you to complete your program in a condensed time-frame. Enjoy the advantages of on-campus courses with minimal disruption to your career. For more information about the accelerated nature of a specific program, contact the program. |
CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS
| Minimum Credit Requirement | Non-thesis track: 32 credits Occupational Science track: 31 credits All other thesis-based tracks: 30 credits |
| Minimum Residence Credit Requirement | 16 credits |
| Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement | At least half of the required degree coursework must be in graduate-level coursework; courses with the Graduate Level Coursework attribute are identified and searchable in the university's Course Guide. |
| Overall Graduate GPA Requirement | 3.00 GPA required. |
| Other Grade Requirements | Course numbered 300 and above with a grade of A, AB, B, or S count toward minimum credit requirement; grades of BC or C count only if equal credits of AB and A offset the lower grades to average B (3.00). |
| Assessments and Examinations | No formal examination specific to the M.S. is required. Curricular requirements vary among tracks within the program, and in all tracks all didactic courses must be passed, in conformity with GPA and grad requirements, above. For tracks requiring a thesis, the thesis defense committee has discretion to accept or reject the thesis at the student’s defense. Repeat defense, if required, is at the discretion of the advisor. |
| Language Requirements | No language requirements. |
Required COURSES
Biomechanics Track1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| KINES 618 | Biomechanics | 2-3 |
| STAT/F&W ECOL/HORT 571 | Statistical Methods for Bioscience I | 4 |
| KINES 951 | Seminar-Biomechanics | 2 |
| KINES 991 | Research in Physical Activity- Theory and Design | 3 |
| KINES 990 | Research or Thesis | 2-12 |
| KINES 900 | Seminar in Kinesiology 2 | 1 |
| Suggested Elective Courses (chosen in consultation with advisor) | ||
| KINES 614 | Biological Factors Influencing Exercise Performance | 3 |
| KINES 721 | Neural Basis for Movement | 3 |
| KINES 773 | Cardiorespiratory Adaptions to Environment and Exercise | 3 |
| KINES 861 | Principles of Motor Control and Learning | 3 |
| KINES 961 | Seminar in Motor Control and Learning | 2 |
| 1 | These tracks are internal to the program and represent different pathways a student can follow to earn this degree. Track names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript. |
| 2 | All Kinesiology M.S. and Ph.D. students in biomechanics are required to register for KINES 900 Seminar in Kinesiology each semester they are enrolled in the program. |
Exercise Physiology Track1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| ANAT&PHY 435 | Fundamentals of Human Physiology 2 | 5 |
| STAT/F&W ECOL/HORT 571 | Statistical Methods for Bioscience I | 4 |
| KINES 615 | Laboratory Techniques in Exercise Physiology | 2 |
| KINES 773 | Cardiorespiratory Adaptions to Environment and Exercise | 3 |
| KINES 774 | Metabolic Responses to Exercise and Environmental Stress | 2 |
| KINES 991 | Research in Physical Activity- Theory and Design | 3 |
| KINES 990 | Research or Thesis | 2-12 |
| KINES 953 | Human Biodynamics Seminar | 1 |
| KINES 900 | Seminar in Kinesiology 3 | 1 |
| Electives (courses selected in consultation with advisor) | minimum of 3 | |
| Total minimum credits required for graduation (beyond baccalaureate degree) | 30 | |
| 1 | These tracks are internal to the program and represent different pathways a student can follow to earn this degree. Track names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript. |
| 2 | Kinesiology students complete special content. Contact physiology-enroll@lists.wisc.edu for consent to enroll in ANAT&PHY 435 Fundamentals of Human Physiology. The Department of Neuroscience chair’s assistant will then connect you with the ANAT&PHY 435 director for content details, will data-enter your online permission to enroll in ANAT&PHY 435 and reserve your place, and will notify you by email. Please allow at least a week for the permission process to finalize. Department contacts: https://neuro.wisc.edu/contact-us/. |
| 3 | All Kinesiology M.S. and Ph.D. students in exercise physiology are required to register for KINES 900 Seminar in Kinesiology each semester they are enrolled in the program. |
Exercise Psychology Track1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| KINES 991 | Research in Physical Activity- Theory and Design | 3 |
| KINES 990 | Research or Thesis 2 | 2-12 |
| KINES 900 | Seminar in Kinesiology 3 | 1 |
| Electives | ||
| There are no specific courses required of candidates for the M.S. with specialization in Exercise Psychology. In accordance with Graduate school policy, a minimum of 30 credits is required for the M.S. degree. Electives courses to meet the degree requirements are chosen in consultation with the advisor. Each candidate’ program of formal course work and independent study is tailored in a personalized manner to accommodate the individual’s research and career goals. | ||
| 1 | These tracks are internal to the program and represent different pathways a student can follow to earn this degree. Track names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript. |
| 2 | Sufficient to meet graduation requirements, chosen in consultation with major advisor. |
| 3 | All Kinesiology M.S. and Ph.D. students in Exercise Psychology are required to register for KINES 900 Seminar in Kinesiology each semester they are enrolled in the program. |
Motor Control and Behavior Track1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| KINES 991 | Research in Physical Activity- Theory and Design | 3 |
| KINES 990 | Research or Thesis | 2-12 |
| KINES 900 | Seminar in Kinesiology 2 | 1 |
| Statistics courses (chosen in consultation with advisor) 3 | 4-6 | |
| Electives (chosen in consultation with advisor) 4 | ||
| Suggested Courses | ||
| KINES 721 | Neural Basis for Movement | 3 |
| KINES 861 | Principles of Motor Control and Learning | 3 |
| KINES 951 | Seminar-Biomechanics | 2 |
| KINES 961 | Seminar in Motor Control and Learning | 2 |
| KINES 713 | Neural Basis of Normal and Pathological Movement | 3 |
| 1 | These tracks are internal to the program and represent different pathways a student can follow to earn this degree. Track names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript. |
| 2 | All Kinesiology M.S. and Ph.D. students in Motor Control and Behavior are required to register for KINES 900 Seminar in Kinesiology each semester they are enrolled in the program. |
| 3 | Suggested sequence (or equivalent):
|
| 4 | Elective course may be Kinesiology courses not chosen as required courses or courses in related fields (e.g., psychology, neuroscience). |
Physical Activity Epidemiology Track1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| KINES/POP HLTH 791 | Physical Activity Epidemiology | 3 |
| KINES/POP HLTH 955 | Seminar - Physical Activity Epidemiology | 1 |
| KINES 991 | Research in Physical Activity- Theory and Design | 3 |
| KINES 990 | Research or Thesis | 2-12 |
| KINES 900 | Seminar in Kinesiology 2 | 1 |
| Electives (chosen from list below or others in consultation with advisor) | ||
| ANAT&PHY 435 | Fundamentals of Human Physiology | 5 |
| KINES 521 | Physical Activity and Health | 3 |
| KINES 600 | Advanced Exercise Psychology | 3 |
| KINES 614 | Biological Factors Influencing Exercise Performance | 3 |
| KINES 700 | Psychological Effects of Exercise | 3 |
| KINES 773 | Cardiorespiratory Adaptions to Environment and Exercise | 3 |
| KINES 774 | Metabolic Responses to Exercise and Environmental Stress | 2 |
| KINES 779 | Human Muscle Function in Health and Disease | 2 |
| CHEM 341 | Elementary Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| BMOLCHEM 503 | Human Biochemistry | 3 |
| STAT/B M I 541 | Introduction to Biostatistics | 3 |
| STAT/B M I 642 | Statistical Methods for Epidemiology | 3 |
| POP HLTH/NUTR SCI 621 | Introduction to Nutritional Epidemiology | 1 |
| POP HLTH 750 | Cancer Epidemiology | 2-3 |
| POP HLTH/SOC 797 | Introduction to Epidemiology | 3 |
| POP HLTH 798 | Epidemiologic Methods | 3 |
| POP HLTH 802 | Advanced Epidemiology: Etiology and Prevention | 3 |
| Students will take advanced coursework in various areas as described in the program area synopsis. In accordance with Graduate School policy, a minimum of 30 credits is required for the M.S. degree, and a minimum of 51 credits for the Ph.D. Completion of a thesis will be required for the M.S. degree. The curriculum is intended to provide the student with a sound basis in the adaptations to physical activity and exercise as well as the statistical and methodological tools needed to evaluate relationships between physical activity and health outcomes at the population level. There are three required courses in addition to the thesis or dissertation requirement, and the remaining credits can be chosen in consultation with the graduate advisor to meet the dree objectives. | ||
| 1 | These tracks are internal to the program and represent different pathways a student can follow to earn this degree. Track names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript. |
| 2 | All Kinesiology M.S. and Ph.D. students in Physical Activity Epidemiology are required to register for KINES 900 Seminar in Kinesiology each semester they are enrolled in the program. |
Occupational Science Track1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Subject/Field Content | ||
| KINES 785 | Human Occupation and Health | 3 |
| KINES 885 | Seminar in Occupation and Health | Minimum of 2 |
| KINES 991 | Research in Physical Activity- Theory and Design | 3 |
| KINES 990 | Research or Thesis | Minimum of 2 |
| KINES 900 | Seminar in Kinesiology 2 | 1 |
| Statistics courses (chosen in consultation with advisor)** | 4-6 | |
| ED PSYCH 760 | Statistical Methods Applied to Education I | 3 |
| ED PSYCH 761 | Statistical Methods Applied to Education II | 3 |
| **Example sequence (or equivalent, qualitative sequences acceptable as well): | ||
| Elective Courses | Minimum of 8 | |
| Elective course (chosen in consultation with advisor) may be Kinesiology courses not chosen as required courses or courses in related fields (i.e. Psychology, Neuroscience). Students are strongly encouraged to select 2-3 courses in a concentration area. (Examples: Child & Family Studies, Global Health, Disability Studies, Public Health, Patient Advocacy) | ||
| 1 | These tracks are internal to the program and represent different pathways a student can follow to earn this degree. Track names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript. |
| 2 | All Kinesiology M.S. and Ph.D. students are required to register for KINES 900 Seminar in Kinesiology each semester they are enrolled in the program. Minimum 2 credits. |
Non-Thesis Track1
Synopsis: All other tracks within the M.S. in Kinesiology degree are essentially a precursor to Ph.D.-level training, and thus require extensive research experience as part of the degree. The Non-Thesis M.S. track is designed for students who are interested in graduate-level training in Kinesiology, but who are not necessarily interested in a career doing research in the field. Non-Thesis M.S. students: will take graduate-level courses that cover the breadth of the field of Kinesiology; will take additional electives from Kinesiology or from any departments across campus that the students see as fitting their personal educational goals; and may complete a final project of their own design as mentored by consenting faculty.
Purpose of MS: The M.S. in Kinesiology Non-Thesis track is designed to provide broad, graduate-level training in Kinesiology. Students will take advanced coursework in each of the traditional disciplines within the field and also focus on their individual interests by selecting courses as electives. A thesis is NOT required in this track. Students in the Non-Thesis track often express interest in obtaining graduate-level training to support their goal of coaching/teaching in team or individual settings, personal training or fitness instruction, or as a supplement to a practice in physical therapy, athletic training, or some other allied health profession, or for other purposes. We emphasize here that we don’t intend the non-thesis track to prepare students for eventual Ph.D. study (although it could, depending on the student and the Ph.D.). Students who want a laboratory-based research experience as part of their M.S. degree, along with experience in academic writing (M.S. thesis as a traditional precursor to a Ph.D. dissertation), may wish to consider pursuing their M.S. degree through one of the other tracks within Kinesiology.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| First Fall Term | ||
| KINES 773 | Cardiorespiratory Adaptions to Environment and Exercise | 3 |
| KINES 991 | Research in Physical Activity- Theory and Design | 3 |
| Elective chosen from list below | 3 | |
| First Spring Term | ||
| KINES 700 | Psychological Effects of Exercise | 3 |
| KINES/POP HLTH 791 | Physical Activity Epidemiology | 3 |
| Elective chosen from list below | 2 | |
| Second Fall Term | ||
| KINES 618 | Biomechanics | 2-3 |
| KINES 713 | Neural Basis of Normal and Pathological Movement | 3 |
| Elective chosen from list below | 3 | |
| Second Spring Term | ||
| KINES 774 | Metabolic Responses to Exercise and Environmental Stress | 2 |
| KINES 861 | Principles of Motor Control and Learning | 3 |
| Elective chosen from list below | 3 | |
| Electives 2 | ||
| KINES 521 | Physical Activity and Health | 3 |
| KINES/MEDICINE/NURSING 523 | Clinical Exercise Testing & Training | 3 |
| KINES 614 | Biological Factors Influencing Exercise Performance | 3 |
| KINES 779 | Human Muscle Function in Health and Disease | 2 |
| KINES 785 | Human Occupation and Health | 2-3 |
| KINES 900 | Seminar in Kinesiology | 1 |
| CURRIC 744 | Perspectives in Multicultural Education | 3 |
| CURRIC/ELPA 746 | The Adult Learner: Implications for Curriculum and Instruction | 3 |
| NUTR SCI 625 | Advanced Nutrition: Obesity and Diabetes | 1 |
| GEN BUS 310 | Fundamentals of Accounting and Finance for Non-Business Majors | 3 |
| GEN BUS 311 | Fundamentals of Management and Marketing for Non-Business Majors | 3 |
| 1 | These tracks are internal to the program and represent different pathways a student can follow to earn this degree. Track names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript. |
| 2 | Student chooses, based on personal interests/goals, from this list or any other 500-level or higher numbered courses on campus. |
Graduate School Policies
The Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures provide essential information regarding general university policies. Program authority to set degree policies beyond the minimum required by the Graduate School lies with the degree program faculty. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.
Major-Specific Policies
Graduate Program Handbook
The Graduate Program Handbook is the repository for all of the program's policies and requirements.
Prior Coursework
Graduate Work from Other Institutions
With program approval, students are allowed to count no more than 15 credits of graduate coursework from other institutions. Coursework earned five or more years prior to admission to a master’s degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.
UW–Madison Undergraduate
No credits from a UW–Madison undergraduate degree are allowed to count toward the degree.
UW–Madison University Special
With program approval, students are allowed to count no more than 15 credits of coursework numbered 300 or above taken in UW–Madison University Special student status. Coursework earned five or more years prior to admission to a master’s degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.
ProbatioN
The Graduate School regularly reviews the record of any student who earned grades of BC, C, D, F, or Incomplete in a graduate course (300 or above), or grade of U in research credits. This review could result in academic probation with a hold on future enrollment or in being suspended from the Graduate School.
- Good standing (progressing according to standards; any funding guarantee remains in place).
- Probation (not progressing according to standards but permitted to enroll; loss of funding guarantee; specific plan with dates and deadlines in place in regard to removal of probationary status).
- Unsatisfactory progress (not progressing according to standards; not permitted to enroll, dismissal, leave of absence or change of advisor or program).
An overall GPA below 3.0 will place the student on academic probation. If a 3.0 GPA is not regained in the subsequent semester the student may be dismissed from the program or allowed to continue provisionally for 1 semester based on advisor appeal to the Graduate School.
ADVISOR / COMMITTEE
The department assigns an advisor to each student. For M.S.–non-thesis track, the advisor is the Graduate Studies chair. For all other thesis-based tracks, the advisor is the research mentor.
A thesis committee, for those tracks requiring a thesis, is gathered prior to the thesis proposal in consultation with the faculty advisor and consistent with the department and Graduate School policy. Normally the proposal committee would continue as the thesis defense committee. The proposal and defense committees consist of 3 members.
CREDITS PER TERM ALLOWED
15 credits
Time Constraints
Master’s degree students who have been absent for five or more consecutive years lose all credits that they have earned before their absence. Individual programs may count the coursework students completed prior to their absence for meeting program requirements; that coursework may not count toward Graduate School credit requirements.
Within the Department, completion of required courses and proposal of the thesis, when applicable, within two years of matriculation is considered satisfactory progress. See the program handbook for more information.
Other
Students pursuing research degree generally supported with tuition remission throughout study career. Students pursuing classroom-based (Non-thesis) M.S. occasionally supported, generally without tuition remission (unless they personally locate same via separate department, e.g., Athletics).
Graduate School Resources
Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.
- Master fundamental knowledge in at least one of the broad areas of specialization represented in the Department of Kinesiology. (Thesis-based tracks)
- Demonstrate understanding of major current and past theories, research findings, methodologies, and techniques in their areas of specialization.
- Identify sources and assemble evidence pertaining to questions or challenges in their area of specialization.
- Complete an original research project in one of the broad areas of specialization represented in the Department of Kinesiology. (Thesis-based tracks)
- Select and utilize appropriate methodologies to conduct research, analyze, and interpret resulting data.
- Prepare a thesis or research report describing their research project.
- Communicate clearly in ways appropriate to their area of specialization.
- Demonstrate fundamental knowledge in the broad areas of specialization represented in the Department of Kinesiology. (Non-Thesis based track)
- Demonstrate an understanding of the major current and past theories, research findings, methodologies and techniques in each of the broad areas of inquiry represented within the Department of Kinesiology.
- Retrieve and examine scientific literature, evaluate evidence for and against hypotheses, and be able to discuss strengths and weaknesses in existing literature.
- Recognize and apply principles of professional and ethical conduct. (Thesis-based tracks)
- Use scientific rigor when designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, interpreting and reporting results.
- Recognize and apply principles of professional and ethical conduct. (Non-Thesis based track)
Graduate Faculty
Susan Andreae
Karla Ausderau
Jill Barnes
David Bell
Ruth Benedict
Janet Branchaw
Lisa Cadmus-Bertram
Luis Columna
Dane Cook
Gary Diffee (chair)
Dorothy Farrar-Edwards
Kreg Gruben
Kelli Koltyn
Elizabeth Larson
Andrea Mason
William Morgan
Kristen Pickett
William Schrage
Brittany Travers
Peter van Kan
Graduate Faculty Affiliate
Marolowe Eldridge
Kimberlee Gretebeck
Troy Hornberger
Ozioma Okonkwo