A researcher is observing exercise testing of a participant. The participant is seated on a bike, wearing a blood pressure cuff, and wearing a mask over their nose and mouth with a long tube connected.

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 MS degree in Kinesiology can be pursued through one of its named options. These named options are formal sub-majors documented on the transcript.

Admissions

Students apply to the Master of Science in Kinesiology through one of the named options: 

Funding

Graduate School Resources

The Bursar’s Office provides information about tuition and fees associated with being a graduate student. 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 restrictions related to funding.

Program Resources

Prospective students should see the program website for funding information.

On This Page

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

Review the Graduate School minimum degree requirements and policies, in addition to the program requirements listed below.

Major Requirements

Curricular Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement 30 credits
Minimum Residence Credit Requirement 16 credits
Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement 15 credits must be graduate-level coursework. Refer to the Graduate School: Minimum Graduate Coursework (50%) Requirement policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1244.
Overall Graduate GPA Requirement See Named Options for policy information.
Other Grade Requirements See Named Options for policy information.
Assessments and Examinations See Named Options for policy information.
Language Requirements No language requirements.

Required Courses

Select a Named Option for courses required.

Named Options

A named option is a formally documented sub-major within an academic major program. Named options appear on the transcript with degree conferral. Students pursuing the MS in Kinesiology must select one of the following named options:

Policies

Students should refer to one of the named options for policy information:

Professional Development

Graduate School Resources

Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career. 

Learning Outcomes

  1. Master fundamental knowledge in at least one of the broad areas of specialization represented in the Department of Kinesiology.
  2. Demonstrate understanding of major current and past theories, research findings, methodologies, and techniques in their areas of specialization.
  3. Identify sources and assemble evidence pertaining to questions or challenges in their area of specialization.
  4. Select appropriate methodologies to conduct research, analyze, and interpret resulting data.
  5. Communicate clearly in ways appropriate to their area of specialization.
  6. Retrieve and examine scientific literature, evaluate evidence for and against hypotheses, and be able to discuss strengths and weaknesses in existing literature.
  7. Recognize and apply principles of professional and ethical conduct.