Kinesiology

The M.S. in Kinesiology is a 30-credit program combining coursework and applied learning experiences. Students build technical expertise while gaining hands-on experience in the field.

View the program handbook

Explore program courses in the University Catalog

Exercise, sport and health sciences specialization

The M.S. in kinesiology with a specialization in exercise, sport and health sciences provides opportunities to develop advanced knowledge, research and inquiry skills and leadership experience in physical activity, fitness, health and exercise science. The specialization prepares you for careers in settings such as fitness centers, wellness programs, sport facilities, research centers and other health and performance-focused organizations. You'll also have opportunities to work alongside faculty actively engaged in research and outreach, allowing you to connect what you learn in the classroom with real-world applications.

Recreation, sport and tourism management specialization

A specialization in recreation, sport and tourism management prepares you for careers in municipal parks and recreation, K-12 and university athletics, outdoor and adventure recreation, special events, tourism, sport facilities and related organizations. You'll develop skills in planning, organizing and implementing programs and experiences for a variety of audiences. For on-campus students, Idaho's location provides opportunities to learn and gain experience amid lakes, mountains and rivers, popular parks and tourism destinations and university sporting events.

Physical activity and dance pedagogy

The M.S. in kinesiology with a specialization in physical activity and dance pedagogy prepares you to teach, evaluate and promote healthy, active lifestyles in educational, community and private organizations. Working alongside faculty, you'll develop skills to examine and address issues related to physical activity, health and active living. You'll also gain practical experience planning, developing and implementing programs related to health, dance, fitness and active living.

Research laboratories and applied learning  

Gain experience and skills within one of the many research laboratories, including the Exercise Physiology Research Laboratory, Human Performance Laboratory, Integrated Sports Medicine and Movement Analysis Laboratory, Cardio-DREAM Laboratory, Applies Muscle Physiology Laboratory, Integrated Pilates Movement Laboratory, Physical Activity Pedagogy Laboratory or the Innovation Laboratory for Sport and Recreation. In addition to laboratory research experience options, students can participate in field-based internships and directed study experiences as part of their coursework. 

University of Idaho is committed to making graduate education accessible and helping students navigate the cost of earning an advanced degree. In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, many graduate students receive funding through assistantships, research opportunities and other forms of academic support.

Here are a few key resources to help you understand graduate tuition, funding opportunities and available financial support:

• Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in accessing federal financial aid and certain institutional funding opportunities.  
• Estimate your cost of attendance: Visit U of I’s cost of attendance page to explore estimated tuition, fees and living expenses associated with your graduate program.  
• View a breakdown of tuition and fees: Visit the Student Accounts page to explore current tuition rates, fees and detailed cost information based on your program, residency status and enrollment level.
• Explore scholarships and graduate funding opportunities: Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities based on academic achievement, area of study and professional experience.  
• Learn about assistantships: Many graduate programs offer Research Assistantships (RAs), Teaching Assistantships (TAs) or Graduate Assistantships (GAs), which may provide tuition support, stipends and valuable professional experience. Assistantship availability and funding levels vary by program and department.  
• Connect with your program: Some graduate funding opportunities are coordinated directly through academic departments or faculty research projects. Prospective students are encouraged to review department funding information and speak with program representatives about available opportunities.  

If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships or graduate funding, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors and graduate program staff can help you explore options and make informed financial decisions throughout the admissions process.  

View financial aid resources 
 

Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities.

Program contact: 
Philip W. Scruggs 
pwscruggs@uidaho.edu

For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:

Graduate Admissions:
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001

Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page.

Find Department of Movement Sciences faculty advisor contacts.

Applicants for the M.S. in kinesiology must meet the following admission requirements:

Program availability

• Concentration: Thesis and non-thesis
• Semester intake: Fall, Spring or Summer
• Areas of focus:
  • Exercise, sport, and health science
  • Physical activity and dance pedagogy
  • Sport and recreation management
• Eligible for 4+1 admission for U of I undergraduates
• Eligible for Expedited admission for U of I undergraduates
• Eligible for out-of-state tuition waiver through the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) for qualifying applicants
• Open to international applicants
• Deadlines: General application deadlines
• Start dates: View the academic calendar to see start and end dates

University requirements

• Education level: Bachelor's degree in a similar or related field from an accredited or recognized institution (earned or expected before the start of the graduate program)
  • Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. Official transcripts sent by the issuing institution(s) will be required if admitted. View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.  
• GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
• GRE: Not required
• Letters of recommendation: Three
• Resume  
• Statement of Purpose  
• Valid picture ID (required to verify students’ identity and will be kept confidential)
• English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).  
• Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.  
• Application Fee: $50

Application and admission process

Applications are submitted online and are specific to the program and term selected. Applicants seeking admission to multiple programs must submit a separate application for each program.

Before submitting an application, applicants must provide personal and academic information from all post-secondary institutions attended, recommender information, required program-specific materials, and their intended program and start term.

Applicants seeking admission to the thesis concentration are encouraged to identify and contact a potential faculty advisor or major professor during the application process. Early identification of an advisor can help ensure that a faculty member in the applicant’s area of interest has capacity to supervise the student and appropriate research opportunities are available. Applicants should consult the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences website to identify faculty whose research aligns with their academic and research interests.

Applications are reviewed for admission by the academic program. Only complete applications, including required letters of recommendation and payment of the application fee, will be forwarded for evaluation and admission decision. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their applications early to allow sufficient time for a thorough review.

International students seeking F-1 or J-1 visas must provide financial documentation demonstrating their ability to cover the cost of attendance. This documentation is required only after admission.  

Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.