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The Master of Science (M.S.) in Kinesiology equips students for professional paths in both academic and corporate settings. This research-focused graduate program requires students to produce a master's thesis—an independent research project conducted under faculty supervision. Throughout the program, students collaborate with field experts while developing advanced research capabilities and exploring cutting-edge kinesiology concepts. Graduates emerge ready for diverse roles including sports nutrition research, athletic training, exercise physiology, or pursuing doctoral studies for future faculty positions. While Penn State's Kinesiology graduate program primarily focuses on Ph.D. education, students may begin with either undergraduate or master's level preparation. Although the M.S. can be pursued as a standalone degree, applicants should note that graduate assistantships and fellowships are primarily allocated to those continuing to doctoral studies.
The minimum requirements for admission to the master's program include: a 3.00 junior/senior grade-point average (on a 4.00 scale), and appropriate background courses in physical, biological, behavioral, and/or social science, depending on the intended area of specialization.
English Proficiency: TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT) - a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the internet-based test (iBT); TOEFL Paper-based test - the minimum acceptable score is 550; IELTS - The minimum acceptable composite score for the IELTS Academic Test is 6.5.