Kinesiology Major, MS

Concentrations (Required) and Options Available

• Biomechanics Concentration - Thesis, Project, Coursework Only with Comprehensive Exam
• Exercise Physiology - Thesis, Project, Coursework Only with Comprehensive Exam
• Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior - Thesis, Coursework Only with Comprehensive Exam

Campus Code

Knoxville Campus

Admissions Standards/Procedures

• Applicants are required to complete the online application found on the Office of Graduate Admissions website
• Applications from persons who have less than a 3.00 GPA will, in general, not be considered.

Academic Standards

• The following retention policy applies to all graduate students seeking a degree in the department.
  • Graduate students are required to maintain an overall 3.00 graduate GPA.
  • Any student who falls below this standard will be advised in writing by the department head of the need to discuss the matter with his/her advisor.
  • If a student’s overall graduate GPA remains below 3.00 for a second semester, the student will have his/her degree status revoked.

Biomechanics Concentration, Thesis Option

The biomechanics concentration (Master of Science) focuses on the mechanisms, prevention, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries. The primary emphasis is on biomechanical considerations related to exercise and rehabilitation. Master’s students may elect to do a 6-credit thesis, which is recommended for those intending to pursue a doctorate in the field. Graduate students work with biomechanics faculty to pursue research in the areas of biomechanics of lower extremity function, footwear biomechanics, and the biomechanics of injury mechanisms and injury prevention.

Biomechanics Concentration, Project Option

Biomechanics Concentration, Course Only with Comprehensive Exam

Exercise Physiology Concentration, Thesis Option

The exercise physiology concentration (Master of Science) involves the study of the acute and chronic effects of exercise on the human body. Master’s students may elect to do a 6-credit hour thesis, which is recommended for those intending to pursue a doctorate in the field. Graduate students collaborate with an exercise physiology faculty member to perform research in the areas of physical activity assessment, metabolism, the health benefits of exercise, and body composition assessment.

Exercise Physiology Concentration, Project Option

Exercise Physiology Concentration, Course Only with Comprehensive Exam Option

Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior Concentration, Thesis Option

The M.S. degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior derives its primary intellectual identity from the disciplines of kinesiology, sport science, and psychology. The program draws upon perspectives from sport and exercise psychology, motor behavior, and other specialized forms of inquiry in critically examining behavior and performance at all levels of competitive sport and other organized movement activities. Students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to critically examine the literature in sport psychology and motor behavior, provide psychological assistance for sport performers in a variety of forms (e.g., mental training, injury rehabilitation, skill refinement, stress management), and design evidence-based approaches for teaching movement skills. The majority of graduates of the sport psychology and motor behavior master’s concentration obtain positions as mental performance practitioners, coaches, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, or related professions. The remaining students apply for PhD programs after completing master’s degree requirements and aspire to careers as faculty members at the university level.

Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior Concentration, Course Only with Comprehensive Exam Option

The M.S. degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior derives its primary intellectual identity from the disciplines of kinesiology, sport science, and psychology. The program draws upon perspectives from sport and exercise psychology, motor behavior, and other specialized forms of inquiry in critically examining behavior and performance at all levels of competitive sport and other organized movement activities. Students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to critically examine the literature in sport psychology and motor behavior, provide psychological assistance for sport performers in a variety of forms (e.g., mental training, injury rehabilitation, skill refinement, stress management), and design evidence-based approaches for teaching movement skills. The majority of graduates of the sport psychology and motor behavior master’s concentration obtain positions as mental performance practitioners, coaches, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, or related professions. The remaining students apply for PhD programs after completing master’s degree requirements and aspire to careers as faculty members at the university level.