Master of Science in Kinesiology

The Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Kinesiology prepares you for a rewarding career within the fitness and sports industry. In the kinesiology graduate program, we take pride in our tradition of excellence, as well as our culture of community and teamwork as we build fearless champions who represent the best of Team Kinesiology at Tarleton.

The M.S. in Kinesiology offers a flexible curriculum to meet your specific needs and interests, allowing you to select a concentration in Exercise Science or Sport Administration.

Exercise Science Concentration

The concentration in exercise science is primarily offered at Tarleton’s Stephenville, Texas campus. The exercise science courses center application-based lab experiences for graduate students interested in clinical kinesiology and other exercise-related fields. Envisioned as an alternative to a master’s degree in sports medicine, the exercise science program offers a mix of face-to-face and online courses.

Sport Administration Concentration

Offered as a fully online program, the Sport Administration concentration focuses on the behind-the-scenes business involved in sports management from budgeting and facilities to marketing and game-day operations. Serving as excellent preparation to pursue athletic administration roles at the youth sport, high school, collegiate, and professional levels, this online concentration has produced many Texas athletic directors.

What is Kinesiology?

The study of human movement, kinesiology encompasses a wide range of academic sub-disciplines, including sports medicine, athletic training, exercise science, sport management, biomechanics, sport performance, human performance, human ergonomics, recreation, physical education, and wellness.

A foundation of the kinesiology discipline is the psychomotor domain of learning. At Tarleton, our kinesiology graduate program offers a wide variety of opportunities for our students to learn by doing, including high-impact practices and service-learning projects that are integrated with the coursework. These experiences help support the complete well-being of our graduate students, not only in their career, but also in their lifetime.

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Estimated Completion

Non-Thesis Track – 30 Credit Hours (12 months)

Thesis Track – 30 Credit Hours (12 months) 

Application Process

Cost

Locations Available

College

What can you do with a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology?

The kinesiology graduate program enhances your skills and knowledge in sport science to qualify you for leadership roles related to movement and health. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, kinesiology-related careers are on the rise. The number of exercise physiologists is projected to grow 11% from 2019-2029. Employment of fitness trainers and instructors are expected to grow by 15% in that same time frame with strong job prospects for those with a master’s degree or who hold professional certifications.

Spanning various industries such as exercise science, sport administration, education, and sports medicine, careers for M.S. in Kinesiology graduates include:

  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Personal Trainer
  • Strength and Conditioning Coach
  • Group Fitness Instructor
  • Health Club or Fitness Center Manager
  • Athletic Director
  • Researcher
  • Teacher
  • Product Developer or Distributor
  • Sales Manager

You may also be interested in Tarleton’s EdD in Educational Leadership, a doctoral degree program for all levels of education to prepare for administrator and superintendent positions.

Learn more about graduate studies at Tarleton! 








Why study Kinesiology?

Tarleton’s Master of Science in Kinesiology program offers hands-on learning through internships, research, service, leadership, and professional development opportunities. Housed in the School of Kinesiology, our Department of Sport Science comprises multiple programs at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Having a larger department overall provides our graduate students with access to a multitude of laboratories and athletic facilities at our Stephenville, Texas campuses, as well as greater opportunity for faculty mentorship and peer camaraderie.

What classes will you take as a Kinesiology graduate student?

Our kinesiology curriculum is designed to be dynamic and relevant to today’s applications of exercise science and sport administration. The coursework covers a variety of topics in athletic administration, school and community health, adapted exercise and sport, statistics in kinesiology, advanced principles of athletic coaching, law for sport and recreation, social psychology in sports, and more. 

Choose from a thesis or non-thesis track, depending on whether or not you’re interested in research and pursuing a doctorate. Both take the same number of hours to complete.

View all required classes for the Master of Science in Kinesiology degree.

Accreditations

Our M.S. in Kinesiology is accredited by the: 

Accreditation expresses the academic rigor of the program whether you complete the graduate program in kinesiology online or on-campus. Our accreditation status can also help you pursue professional certifications or licensure needs as a future educator.

Student Resources

What master’s degrees are related to Kinesiology?

In addition to the M.S. in Kinesiology, Tarleton offers related graduate programs in athletic training, education, and business. 

Learn more about Tarleton’s M.S. in Kinesiology Degree

Tarleton State University offers a Master of Science in Kinesiology degree with the option to select a concentration. The Exercise Science concentration is an on-campus program that utilizes the laboratory resources available at the Stephenville, Texas campus. Through fully online coursework, the Sport Administration concentration prepares graduates to pursue careers as athletic directors. 

Request more information to learn more about the kinesiology graduate program and its application process.