MS in Kinesiology
Are you interested in working with people to increase wellness and quality of life through active lifestyles? Would you enjoy discovering answers to complex issues related to physical activity, exercise and sport? If so, ECU's MS in kinesiology program might be right for you. With six program concentrations, students interested in enhancing health and wellness through physical activity and sport can find a program that fits their interests. Concentration areas include adapted physical education, biomechanics and motor control, exercise physiology, physical education, sport and exercise psychology, and sport management.
The MS in kinesiology program provides students an optimal mix of scientific knowledge and hands-on experiences. Students have the opportunity to take part in groundbreaking research in state-of-the-art laboratories as they examine the impact of physical activity on disease prevention and quality of life. They also have the opportunity to be involved in research projects focused on promoting physical activity and sport participation across the lifespan. Along with research experiences, students have the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained through practical experiences in a variety of sport and exercise settings. Collaborations with schools, health departments, public health agencies, nonprofit groups and sport organizations provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge, learn in real-world settings, and network with well-known professionals.
The MS degree in kinesiology prepares students for careers in health/fitness and sport settings depending on the concentration in which they studied. Graduates have successfully gained employment in a variety of health/fitness careers ranging from corporate wellness and university settings to cardiac rehabilitation programs. Others are employed in teaching and coaching, while others have sought careers in the business side of sport. Graduates have also been successful in pursing advanced doctoral study or professional degree programs in allied health, as well as employment in research labs.
GRE scores are not required
MS in Kinesiology Concentrations
Please click on the following links to explore more about each concentration for the MS in Kinesiology.
- Adapted Physical Activity
- Biomechanics and Motor Control
- Exercise Physiology
- Physical Education Pedagogy
- Sport and Exercise Psychology
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission into the MS in Kinesiology program, applicants will be asked to submit the following information:
- A completed application form
- Application fee
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
- Letters of recommendation (2)
- Statement of purpose
- Resume/CV
ECU Graduate School’s minimum admission requirements include:
- An earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a U.S. regionally accredited institution, or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution before starting at ECU.
- A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale for regular admission consideration.
- Applicants whose native language is not English need to demonstrate competency in written and spoken English through the TOEFL/ IELTS/ PTE/Duolingo exam, documentation of having earned 18 or more credits with a GPA of 3.0 or better from a U.S. regionally accredited university, or successful completion of all levels of ECU’s Language Academy program.
Initial review of applicants begins on February 1. Acceptance is subject to availability of slots in the concentration to which the application is made.
Applications are still be considered for Fall 2024 admission.
Program Requirements
Required Courses
- Adapted Physical Activity Concentration
- Biomechanics and Motor Control Concentration
- Exercise Physiology Concentration
- Physical Education Pedagogy Concentration
- Sport and Exercise Psychology Concentration
Recognizing that students enter the program from a variety of undergraduate majors, we strive to keep prerequisites to a minimum. However, students whose undergraduate preparation lacks essential prerequisite course work or whose baccalaureate degree is in a nonrelated field may have additional requirements. All degree candidates must pass the kinesiology comprehensive examination.
The basic curriculum plan for each option within the MS in Kinesiology program requires a minimum of 36 s.h.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistantships in the Department of Kinesiology are available on a competitive basis. A full-time graduate assistantship requires 20 hours per week and pays a minimum of $5000 per semester with some assignments paying higher amounts. In addition, summer session assistantships may also be available. Individuals interested in applying for a graduate assistantship in the Department of Kinesiology should complete an Application for Graduate Assistantship and submit it, along with a current Resume, via e-mail to Mrs. Amber McEachern (mceacherna21@ecu.edu).
The department funds graduate assistants to assist with achieving instructional, research, and service goals. Most of the department’s graduate assistantship funding supports instruction in department’s Lifetime Physical Activity and Fitness Program or laboratory sections of other undergraduate courses in Kinesiology. In addition, the Human Performance Laboratory typically has several research assistantships available each year. Positions related to other research and service programs are also available, but on a more limited basis. Prospective graduate students should inquire with the Graduate Program Director, individual faculty members, or laboratory directors, to learn more about opportunities related research and service.
Students enrolled in academic programs in Kinesiology have also been successful in acquiring graduate assistantships through other sources such as Campus Recreation and Wellness , the Athletic Department, and Student Affairs.
Delivery Methods
All concentrations are offered in an on-campus, Face to Face format. In addition, an online option is available for the Physical Education concentration only.
Institutional and Professional Licensure Disclosures for Enrolled and Prospective Students
ECU degree programs satisfy the professional licensure and/or certification requirements in North Carolina and prepare students to sit for these exams. However, requirements in other states may be different.
If you are considering a degree program that may, would, could or potentially lead to a professional license and/or certification, please note that at this time ECU may or may not be able to advise whether a program meets requirements outside of North Carolina. Prior to enrolling in a degree program, please discuss this important topic with your program of interest.