Program at a Glance
- Program
- Master
- College(s)
- College of Health Professions and Sciences
- Department(s)
- Kinesiology&Phys Thpy, Schl of
Improve People’s Lives through Movement and Exercise
A master’s degree from UCF in kinesiology prepares you with the education and experience to pursue a career in exercise physiology, sport science, strength and conditioning, or to pursue a doctoral degree in a related field. The program emphasizes exercise as medicine, and trains students to apply scientific practices and principles to support health and maximize performance across the lifespan.
The Master of Science in Kinesiology offers a non-thesis track, and a thesis track. Both options require a minimum of 36 credit hours, with at least 18 credit hours of coursework at the 6000 level. All students are automatically placed in the non-thesis track. Students wishing to pursue the thesis option must receive approval from the graduate program director and have a commitment from a faculty member to serve as the thesis committee chair.
Students in the non-thesis option are required to participate in a practicum, APK 6946, that will serve as their culminating graduate experience or take an independent learning experience (PET 6910 – Problem Analysis – Review of Literature) that involves a detailed literature review specific to a subject area of the student’s interest under the supervision of graduate faculty.
Related Graduate Certificates:
Anatomical Sciences Graduate Certificate – Done in conjunction with your MS degree, you can gain an in-depth understanding of anatomical sciences and substantial hands-on experience in the gross anatomy laboratory when you elect to complete a graduate certificate in anatomical sciences. Students interested in pursuing the Anatomical Sciences Graduate Certificate must receive approval from the graduate program director. Coursework in the certificate program may be substituted for elective courses toward the Kinesiology MS degree.
Highlights
Application Deadlines
- Fall Priority
- January 15
- Fall
- July 1
Application deadlines subject to change, see the Graduate Studies website for up-to-date deadlines.
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Course Overview
Research Methods in Kinesiology
Examine scientific inquiry and research-based practices that expand knowledge within the discipline of kinesiology.
Exercise Physiology I
Gain an in-depth understanding of systems physiology with an emphasis on responses to various exercise intensities and modalities, and homeostatic control.
Sport Nutrition
Study the proper nutrition for training, the role of macro and micronutrients on the physiological processes of the body, and the importance of nutrient timing.
Assessment and Evaluation in Kinesiology
Learn techniques of assessment and evaluation of human performance and their applications to kinesiology.
I am extremely grateful for the support and mentorship I received from the faculty and staff in the Division of Kinesiology throughout my time in the undergraduate and graduate programs. The resources and opportunities for growth have inspired me and prepared me for my future in sports. I am eternally appreciative of my time at UCF. Charge On!”
Kinesiology Skills You'll Learn
- Gain a deeper understanding of the research development process within the field of kinesiology
- Expand your knowledge-base with respect to the scientific exploration of human movement, while enhancing your ability to interpret research findings
- Utilize advanced fitness and anthropometric assessment techniques to evaluate a wide variety of client populations
- Learn to interface with other fitness professionals through collaborative, multi-disciplinary efforts aimed at improving human performance
Career Opportunities
- Clinical Exercise Physiologist
- Corporate Wellness Specialist
- Strength & Conditioning Coach
- Exercise Physiologist
- Personal Trainer
- University Professor
- Sport Scientist
- Clinical Research Scientist
Admission Requirements
The UCF master’s in kinesiology program admits twice per year, in the fall and summer semesters. Applicants must apply online and all requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline. Applicants who plan to enroll full time in a degree program and who wish to be considered for university fellowships or assistantships should apply by the Fall Priority date.
To apply, submit the general graduate admissions requirements, as well as the following items by the deadline:
- One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.
- Personal statement discussing reasons for selecting the Kinesiology degree program, career goals, and how this degree will support the stated career goals.
- Two letters of recommendation from previous faculty or supervisors who can speak to the applicant’s abilities to be successful in graduate school.
- Résumé or curriculum vitae (CV)
- Video essay
- While not required, applicants are encouraged to submit official GRE scores taken within the last five years for potential consideration for fellowships, scholarships and assistantships.
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