Benefits of earning a master’s degree in kinesiology

Kinesiology is an interdisciplinary field that draws on principles from exercise science, physical therapy, biomechanics, and sport science. A master's degree in kinesiology is a graduate-level exercise science program that focuses on evidence-based research in human movement to develop clinical leaders in kinesiology, exercise science, health and fitness.

Career advancement and flexibility

A master's degree in kinesiology can open new career opportunities, leadership roles, opportunities for specialization, and increase earning potential. Kinesiology master’s programs elevate sports medicine, exercise, and fitness professionals by enhancing knowledge, skills, and abilities in the design and maintenance of exercise science programs and serve as a valuable source of credibility to health professionals, athletic organizations, educators, club owners, coaches, and fitness department managers.

Advanced knowledge and expertise

A kinesiology master's degree provides students with a deeper understanding of human movement and anatomy, and offers students comprehensive knowledge and proficiency in functional anatomy, exercise physiology and kinesiology, behavior change, functional assessment, and exercise program design. This knowledge is meant to be immediately applied to a variety of settings.

Personal development

Pursuing a master's degree in kinesiology can be a challenging and rewarding experience that can help develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Additionally, it may lead to a sense of self-confidence and accomplishment that will benefit students both personally and professionally.

Best fit for kinesiology master’s degree

Individuals who are a good fit for a kinesiology master’s program have a strong interest in the study of human movement and the science behind it. Working professionals who love to learn and desire to better themselves as professionals in the industry are the perfect fit.

In addition, the following traits and characteristics can lead to success:

• Passion for learning
• Interest in helping others
• Aptitude for science
• Ability to think analytically
• Love of physical activity

Online or residential degree?

Both residential and online master of science in kinesiology programs have unique benefits, and the choice between the two depends on individual needs and circumstances.

Benefits of an online master's degree in kinesiology include:

• Online education offers students optimal flexibility. Asynchronous online programs enable students to complete the program at their own pace, any time and from anywhere. This allows students to balance their studies with work and other responsibilities.
• Online kinesiology programs can be completed from anywhere. This is an especially convenient option for individuals who are unable to travel or have other responsibilities, such as a full-time career and family, that make attending classes in person on a regular basis difficult.
• In addition to often having lower tuition costs, online programs typically have fewer expenses, such as travel and living expenses, when compared to residential programs

Benefits of a residential master's degree in kinesiology include:

• A residential program provides a set schedule and location where students have focused time with the subject matter.
• Residential programs provide students with hands-on experience through required laboratory and practical sessions, which can be valuable for individuals who want to gain new practical skills in the field, but it may not be ideal for individuals who prefer to learn in a theoretical setting.
• Residential programs offer more face-to-face opportunities to network with peers to build connections. (However, ATSU’s online kinesiology program includes a one-week Summer Institute where students have the opportunity to network with their peers and ATSU’s faculty.)

Kinesiology degree vs. an exercise science degree vs. a human movement degree vs. an exercise physiology degree

Kinesiology, exercise science, human movement, and exercise physiology are related fields that study different aspects of the science of human movement.

Kinesiology

Kinesiology is a broad field that studies human movement, anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. It seeks to understand how the body moves, what affects movement, and how movement can be improved. Kinesiology also encompasses the study of sports science and physical therapy.

Exercise science

Exercise science is a subfield of kinesiology that focuses specifically on the physiological and biomechanical responses to physical activity. Exercise scientists study the effects of exercise on the human body, including the impact on cardiovascular health, muscle strength and endurance, and metabolism. Most commonly, this degree is earned at the bachelor’s level to create foundational knowledge. This degree can be taken as a precursor to a more specialized program, such as a master’s in kinesiology.

Human movement

Human movement is the study of how people move, including the mechanics and physiological processes involved in movement. It encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and motor control. Human movement degrees focus on the foundation of physics and biology to explore human movement across the human lifespan, including treatment and prevention of movement disorders.

Exercise physiology

Exercise physiology is a field that helps people reach peak performance, maintain healthy lifestyles, and prevent chronic illness, disease, and injury. Exercise physiology programs teach students about the human body and its relationship to physical activity to improve overall health and wellness.