MS Kinesiology at UTK: Fees 2026 Dates & Requirements

Three concentrations are offered at the master's level: (1) exercise physiology, (2) biomechanics, and (3) sport psychology and motor behavior. The study of kinesiology can lead to a variety of careers in teaching, research, and delivery of services. These careers are usually related to physical activity, fitness, health promotion, rehabilitation, sports medicine, athletic training, coaching, and sport psychology consulting. Positions are found in a variety of settings including schools, colleges and universities, public and private agencies, clinical environments, government, business and the military. A description of each program along with application for each follows.

The biomechanics concentration (Master of Science) focuses on the mechanisms, prevention, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries. The primary emphasis is on biomechanical considerations related to exercise and rehabilitation. Master's students may elect to do a 6-credit thesis, which is recommended for those intending to pursue a doctorate in the field. Graduate students work with biomechanics faculty to pursue research in the areas of biomechanics of lower extremity function, footwear biomechanics, and the biomechanics of injury mechanisms and injury prevention.

The exercise physiology concentration (Master of Science) involves the study of the acute and chronic effects of exercise on the human body. Master's students may elect to do a 6-credit hour thesis, which is recommended for those intending to pursue a doctorate in the field. Students may elect to do internships in cardiac rehabilitation at several area hospitals and are encouraged to take the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Exercise Specialist exam upon graduation. Graduate students collaborate with an exercise physiology faculty member to perform research in the areas of physical activity assessment, metabolism, the health benefits of exercise, and body composition assessment.

The sport psychology and motor behavior concentration (Master of Science) involves the study of psychological theory relevant to the performance of sport and movement skills, systematic research of both a quantitative and qualitative nature, the application of psychological concepts to the performance and learning of physical activities in a variety of settings. Students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to critically examine the literature in sport psychology and motor behavior, provide psychological assistance for sport performers in a variety of forms (e.g., mental training, injury rehabilitation, skill refinement, stress management, etc.), and design evidence-based approaches for teaching movement skills. The majority of graduates of the sport psychology and motor behavior master's concentration obtain positions in teaching, coaching, athletic training, and strength and conditioning when they finish their degrees. The remaining students apply for PhD programs after completing master's degree requirements and aspire to careers as faculty members at the university level.