Working in the field of kinesiology does not require a kinesiology graduate degree. But if you want to advance into some of the highest and most complex areas of the field of kinesiology, then you'll want to look into kinesiology graduate programs. The specialized knowledge required for work as a kinesiologist in those highest levels is only provided in graduate-level programs.
How do I get into kinesiology graduate programs?
To attend kinesiology graduate programs, prospective students should have degrees in kinesiology at the bachelor's level. Some kinesiology master's programs will accept individuals who have degrees at the bachelor's level in subjects other than kinesiology, but most will not.
If you do not have a kinesiology bachelor's degree, then it's best if you have some related degree, such as a biology degree or a psychology degree, as those disciplines would still be important in kinesiology master's programs.
What can I get from kinesiology graduate programs?
Kinesiology graduate programs will allow students to pursue specializations in the field of kinesiology. Such specializations can include subjects such as clinical exercise science, coaching, public health, and others.
Kinesiology graduate programs do exist both at the PhD and master's levels, although more often than not, an individual would only pursue PhD-level kinesiology graduate programs after first pursuing kinesiology master's programs, as most of the PhD programs require students to have master's degrees.
Furthermore, many students can advance in the field of kinesiology in which they are interested with only a master's in kinesiology, without needing to obtain a PhD.
Kinesiology master's programs are most likely to provide some kind of Master of Science in Kinesiology degree to students upon graduation.
Upon graduation from kinesiology graduate programs, students can pursue any number of differing options for careers. These options include work as coaches, wellness consultants, therapists (particularly on athletic teams), and in research laboratories.
What is involved in kinesiology graduate programs?
Coursework in kinesiology master's programs will obviously vary from program to program, but will generally include study of such subjects as psychology, nutrition, the effects of exercise upon the body, metabolism, and others.
Kinesiology graduate programs generally require students to perform some kind of clinical work in order to get hands-on experience.
Kinesiology master's programs will require differing amounts of time to complete, with the average time being somewhere around two years to complete. Kinesiology master's programs are also likely to require students to complete thesis projects in order to fully graduate.
Are kinesiology graduate programs right for me?
If you are unsure whether or not you want to dive fully into the kinesiology career path, then kinesiology graduate programs may not be right for you. In that case, you may want to look into kinesiology at the undergraduate level. To do so, try looking at our undergraduate pages in kinesiology.
But if you are sure that kinesiology is what you want to do, then kinesiology graduate programs may very well be the way to go. Start looking today, and bring your successful future one step closer!
