Delivery
On-Campus
Kinesiology, M.S.
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Program Overview
The Master of Science in Kinesiology program prepares graduate students to advance the fields of kinesiology through evidence-based patient care and translational research. The program emphasizes basic and clinical interdisciplinary education and research in areas of kinesiology and has three concentrations: Clinical Exercise Physiology (CAAHEP accredited), Strength and Conditioning (CASCE accredited), and Applied Physiology and Neuromechanics (research-thesis emphasis).
Program Contact
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Application Deadlines
- Final Application Deadlines
- Fall Semester – July 1
- Spring Semester – December 1
- Priority Application Deadlines
- Fall Semester – March 1
- Spring Semester – October 1
Application Requirements
Visit the Graduate School’s Application Requirements page to learn about general application requirements, deadlines, fees & waivers, transcripts, composing your statement of purpose, test scores and other application recommendations.
Admissions Requirements
In addition to fulfilling the University’s general requirements for graduate admission at the Master’s level, applicants seeking admission into the M.S. in Kinesiology program must also:
- Possess an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above in all college coursework and possess an overall GPA of 3.25 on all upper division coursework (courses completed in the Junior and Senior year of the undergraduate program)
- Present satisfactory grades (C or above) on specific prerequisite courses:
- The Applied Physiology concentration requires a minimum of 4 credit hours of Anatomy and Physiology, 3 credit hours of Exercise Physiology, and 3 credit hours of Statistics.
- The Clinical Exercise Physiology concentration requires a minimum of 4 credit hours of Anatomy and Physiology, 3 credit hours of Exercise Physiology, 3 credit hours of Exercise Testing, and 3 credit hours of Statistics.
- The Strength and Conditioning concentration requires a minimum of 4 credit hours of Anatomy and Physiology and 3 credit hours of Exercise Physiology.
- Demonstrate evidence of sufficient interest, ability, and preparation in Kinesiology to adequately profit from graduate study, as determined by the Kinesiology Graduate faculty. This information should be included in the statement of purpose and specifically speak to the following: a) strengths, b) concentration of interest, c) career aspirations, and d) research interests (if pursuing the Applied Physiology concentration).
**For International Applicants**
- Present satisfactory scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if the applicant is from a non-English speaking country.
Note: GRE scores are not required
Note: The deadline to change concentrations is April 1 of the first year within the program
Sample Course List
Select one of the concentrations. Each concentration requires 36 credit hours approved by the Department of Applied Physiology, Health, and Clinical Sciences. A minimum of 15 credit hours presented for the degree must be courses numbered 6000 and above. The concentrations require the same 12 credit hours of core courses, but differ in their specific courses and the number of elective hours. Courses for which undergraduate credit has been awarded may not be repeated for graduate credit. At the time of admission, up to 6 credit hours of graduate transfer credit may be accepted if approved by the Department of Applied Physiology, Health, and Clinical Sciences and the Graduate School.
Applied Physiology (AP) (Thesis required)
Core Courses (12 credit hours)
- KNES 5115 – Research Methods in Kinesiology (3)
- KNES 5232 – Physiology of Human Aging (3)
- KNES 5115 – Research Methods in Kinesiology (3)
- KNES 6280 – Advanced Exercise Physiology (3)
- KNES 6285 – Advanced Cardiopulmonary Physiology (3)
Required Concentration Courses (15 credit hours)
- KNES 6800 – Directed Independent Study (1 to 3)
- KNES 6171 – Advanced Biomechanics (3)
- KNES 6900 – Research and Thesis in Kinesiology (3)
- RSCH 6110 – Descriptive and Inferential Statistics (3) OR STAT 6127 – Introduction to Biostatistics (3)
Elective Concentration Courses (9 credit hours)
Acceptable elective courses include any KNES course or GRAD course at or above the 6000 level, as well as any graduate-level course at or above the 6000 level offered within the College of Health and Human Services or any of the other colleges.
Clinical Exercise Physiology (Thesis optional)
Core Courses (12 credit hours)
- KNES 5115 – Research Methods in Kinesiology (3)
- KNES 5232 – Physiology of Human Aging (3)
- KNES 6280 – Advanced Exercise Physiology (3)
- KNES 6285 – Advanced Cardiopulmonary Physiology (3)
Required Concentration Courses (18 credit hours)
- KNES 6120 – Advances in Clinical Exercise Physiology (3)
- KNES 6121 – Clinical Practice in Exercise Physiology (3)
- KNES 6134 – Exercise Prescription for Cardiopulmonary and Metabolic Disorders (3)
- KNES 6151 – Exercise Testing Methods (3)
- KNES 6292 – Exercise Prescription for Musculoskeletal Disorders (3)
- KNES 6490 – Advanced Practicum in Clinical Exercise Physiology (1) (taken 3 times)
Note: Each Practicum credit is equivalent to 200 clinical hours. Clinical practicum usually begins in the third semester of the student’s program and is arranged through the Practicum Coordinator within the Department of Applied Physiology, Health, and Clinical Sciences.
Elective Concentration Courses (6 credit hours)
Acceptable elective courses include any graduate course at or above the 6000 level. CEP students who opt to pursue a thesis take 3 credit hours of KNES 6900 as one of their electives.
Strength and Conditioning (S&C)
Core Courses (6 credit hours)
- KNES 5115 – Research Methods in Kinesiology (3)
- KNES 6280 – Advanced Exercise Physiology (3)
Required Concentration Courses (27 credit hours)
- Required Concentration Courses (27 credit hours)
- KNES 5333 – Sport and Exercise Psychology (3)
- KNES 6151 – Exercise Testing Methods (3)
- KNES 6171 – Advanced Biomechanics (3)
- KNES 6260 – Clinical Exercise Nutrition (3)
- KNES 6282 – Skeletal Muscle for Health and Disease (3)
- KNES 6320 – Advanced Principles of Strength and Conditioning (3)
- KNES 6340 – Periodization of Resistance Training (3)
- KNES 6490 – Advanced Practicum in Clinical Exercise Physiology (1) *
Note: KNES 6490 is taken three times. A capstone project and comprehensive examination occur within the second Practicum.
Elective Concentration Course (3 credit hours)
Select one KNES course at the 6000 level or above.
Comprehensive Examination
All candidates for the degree must pass a comprehensive examination.
Tuition
Current tuition rates are available through Niner Central. There are several sources of funding available to assist in paying for a graduate program at UNC Charlotte.
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Concentrate on What Moves You
Build on a strong foundation in human movement science with a concentration that aligns with your academic and career goals. Each path offers focused coursework, hands-on experience and the flexibility to move forward with purpose.
Set Your Kinesiology Career in Motion at UNC Charlotte
Choose a program that combines top-tier instruction with practical training and dedicated mentorship. At UNC Charlotte, you’ll train with purpose and graduate with the qualifications to stand out in the field.
Learn from Experts Who Practice What They Teach
Our faculty are nationally recognized researchers, certified practitioners and field leaders. With decades of experience in clinical and athletic settings, they bring specialized insight and mentorship to help you grow as a scholar and professional.
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Faculty SpotlightDr. Tracy L. Bonoffski
Program Director Dr. Bonoffski is a triple-certified expert in clinical exercise physiology and sports nutrition, bringing experience from cardiac rehab and consulting with NASCAR teams to the classroom.
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Faculty Spotlight
Darnell K. Clark
An NSCA Coach of the Year and national board leader, Dr. Clark coordinates our S&C practicums, translating his experience training hundreds of college-bound athletes into elite coach education.
Explore the Labs That Move Learning Forward
Our labs are more than learning spaces — they’re where you’ll apply concepts, conduct research, and develop practical skills using the tools and technologies driving today’s health and human performance fields.
Empowering the Next Generation of Kinesiologists
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Grad School 101: Start Your Program Search with Confidence
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Know Before You Go: Essential Steps for Newly Admitted Students
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Ace Your Graduate School Application: Tips and Tricks for Succes
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22
Ace Your Graduate School Application: Tips and Tricks for Succes
The virtual information session "Ace Your Graduate School Application: Expert Tips and Tricks for Success," is tailored to help prospective…
Your Next Step Starts Here
Whether you see yourself in clinical care, performance training or research, Charlotte’s M.S. in Kinesiology helps you get there. Connect with us to learn more about this program.
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