Kinesiology

Master's Degree Program

Movement holds the power to improve lives

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Study human movement and its effect on health

If you thrive on sharing your enthusiasm for health and physical activity with others, consider focusing that passion on a master’s degree in kinesiology.

The Oregon State kinesiology program incorporates the sciences — including anatomy, physiology, sociology and psychology — when looking at the effect of movement on the body.

Your experience pursuing a master’s degree in kinesiology

Our master’s program in kinesiology integrates the acquisition of advanced knowledge relevant to your future professional goals with the development of the skills necessary to comprehend and critically evaluate research.  

As an MS student, you will:

  • Be matched with a faculty advisor who will oversee your professional development from the time of admission until program completion.
  • Have access to a diverse faculty and graduate student cohort, which provides you with an opportunity to network and collaborate on interdisciplinary research or outreach projects.
  • Learn how human sciences, social and behavioral factors, and the environment influence public health.
  • Develop the written and oral communication skills necessary to become an effective kinesiology professional.

Choose your area of concentration

Although your chosen concentration determines the focus of your studies, we value the benefits of interdisciplinary learning and provide ample opportunity for you to collaborate with faculty and peers.

You can select one of the following concentrations:

Biophysical Kinesiology

Includes subdisciplines such as biomechanics, exercise physiology and/or motor control.

Students in this concentration generally conduct their research in one the following laboratories: Biomechanics, Human Performance, Physical Activity and Public Health, Translational Metabolism Research Laboratory, or Sports Injury Prevention Research Group.

Psychosocial Kinesiology

Includes subdisciplines such as motor development, sport and exercise psychology and/or sociology of sport.

Students in this concentration generally conduct their research in one the following laboratories: Children & Youth with Disabilities, Physical Activity and Public Health, Psychosocial Physical Activity (2PLAY), Social Mobility, or Sport and Exercise Psychology.

Detailed information about degree requirements and coursework.
Kinesiology graduate student handbook

What you'll learn as an MS student.
Learning competencies

How you'll apply your knowledge.
Kinesiology research

Add the adapted physical activity option

By pursing the adapted physical activity option you’ll learn to respond to the motor and physical fitness needs of people with disabilities. This option is available to students in the kinesiology major and will appear on your transcript. Learn more. 

 

Kinesiology career options

Our graduates work in a variety of settings. You could land employment in settings such as hospitals, health departments, schools, or other entities with a passion for health and wellness. 

Sample careers:

  • Clinical exercise physiologist
  • Clinical manager
  • Research laboratory technician
  • Strength and conditioning specialist
  • Wellness coach

Associate Professor Megan MacDonald, Ph.D.

“KIN MS students work closely with faculty and other MS and Ph.D. students on research projects and coursework. In addition, KIN MS students work closely with their mentor to tailor their program of study, beyond KIN required courses, to exceed their unique graduate school needs.”

We’re here to help

We’re happy to connect with you by email, phone or virtual meetings.

  

For questions about the application process and requirements, contact CPHHS graduate admissions.

  

For academic or professional information specific to the master’s degree in kinesiology program, please contact the program director William Massey, Ph.D.