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Our exercise science master’s degree focuses on biomechanics, exercise physiology, and motor behavior. Here you will advance your understanding of the effects of exercise and movement on the body and mind. An exercise science master’s degree will prepare you for professional school in medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or for a doctoral program in kinesiology.

Degree Overview

We have three tracks in which you can specialize depending on your interests such as biomechanics, exercise physiology, or motor behavior.

Coursework — 33 hours

  • 33 hours total

    • 18 hours of Exercise Science

    • 15 hours of Advisor Approved Credits

    • Research and thesis — 6 hours (Required for thesis option)

Three tracks from which to choose for your master’s degree:

  • Biomechanics

    • Study the structure and function of the human body’s mechanics.

    • Learn the physics behind movement, involving analysis of the actions of forces.

  • Exercise Physiology

    •  Study the acute responses and chronic adaptations to a variety of exercise conditions.

  • Motor Behavior

    • Study the psychology of human movement.

    • Learn how people acquire and master physical tasks.

VIEW ALL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS>>

Admissions Info

Prerequisite

  • Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university

Application Deadlines

  • Applications and all other relevant material must be received by the Graduate School by the following dates:
    • February 1 for Graduate Assistantships (completed online with your graduate school application)
    • May 1 for Fall semester start (August)
    • April 1 for International applicants for Fall semester start (August)

Admission Requirements

GRADUATE SCHOOL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

For the admission process, you will need to provide the following in your application to the Graduate School:

  • Three letters of recommendation that address professional and academic qualifications (submitted through Graduate School online application)
  • Official transcript
  • Application fee payment

International applicants must also submit:

  • TOEFL or IELTS test
  • Medical insurance plan and an Official Statement of Financing
SCHOOL OF KINESIOLOGY ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
  • Letter of Intent describing why you want to obtain a graduate degree in kinesiology
  • Resume, submitted with letter of intent
  • Approval from the School of Kinesiology Director and Graduate Program Officer

Although we only require a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university, we strongly recommend that our graduate students, who have not completed undergraduate degrees in kinesiology or other related fields, complete undergraduate coursework in exercise physiology, biomechanics, and motor learning prior to starting a graduate degree program in Kinesiology.

Additionally, basic science courses are the foundation of the Kinesiology academic discipline and we suggest securing this knowledge prior to starting our program.

Ready to join the Auburn Family?

Visit Auburn’s Graduate School homepage for checklists, resources, valuable graduate student information and to begin your application. Please contact department faculty listed above with program-specific questions.

Program Contacts

Ford Dyke
Associate Clinical Professor
334-844-1459
Email
C. Brooks Mobley
Assistant Clinical Professor
334-844-1922
Email
Christopher Wilburn
Associate Clinical Professor
334-844-1462
Email
Matt Miller
Assistant Director
334-844-2717
Email

Information for Students

Career Options

Examples of the type of work you can do with a master’s degree in exercise science:

  • Strength and conditioning coach

  • Biomechanist

  • Sport coach

  • Exercise physiologist

  • Personal trainer

  • Performance psychologist