MS in Kinesiology
Advance human movement science through research, clinical practice and performance
UIC's Master of Science in Kinesiology prepares students to understand, measure and improve human movement across the lifespan. Whether your goal is clinical practice, sport performance, research or doctoral study, you'll gain advanced knowledge in exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control and sport psychology while learning alongside nationally recognized faculty.
Choose the research track or one of two practice concentrations and learn alongside nationally recognized faculty in one of the nation's leading urban research universities.
Take the next step
Choose your career path
Choose the pathway that matches your goals. The research track prepares students for doctoral study and research careers through faculty mentorship and original scholarship. Students interested in professional practice may choose one of two concentrations: clinical exercise physiology or performance, sport and exercise psychology.
Research track
Advance the science of human movement
The research track prepares students for research-intensive careers and doctoral study. You’ll work closely with faculty mentors to develop expertise in research design, data analysis, scientific communication and laboratory investigation while contributing to new knowledge in kinesiology.
The research track is ideal for students who plan to pursue a PhD or careers in research, higher education or healthcare innovation.
Career opportunities include:
- Doctoral (PhD) programs
- Academic research
- University teaching
- Clinical and translational research
- Research leadership in healthcare, government or industry
Clinical Exercise Physiology concentration
Improve health through exercise
The clinical exercise physiology concentration prepares students to apply exercise as medicine across diverse healthcare settings. Coursework focuses on advanced exercise assessment, testing and prescription for individuals with chronic disease, injury and other medical conditions.
Students develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to improve health outcomes through evidence-based exercise interventions.
Career opportunities include*:
- Clinical exercise physiologist
- Cardiac rehabilitation specialist
- Pulmonary rehabilitation specialist
- Medical fitness professional
- Health and wellness program coordinator
*Some career paths may require additional education, certification or licensure.
Performance, Sport and Exercise Psychology concentration
Enhance performance and well-being
The performance, sport and exercise psychology concentration explores the psychological factors that influence performance, motivation and lifelong participation in physical activity. Students examine evidence-based strategies that support athletes, teams and physically active individuals while promoting mental well-being and resilience.
This concentration is ideal for students interested in the intersection of psychology, sport and human performance.
Career opportunities include*:
- Sport performance specialist
- Mental performance consultant
- Athlete development coordinator
- Performance and wellness coach
- Doctoral study in sport, exercise or performance psychology
*Some career paths may require additional education, certification or licensure.
What you'll learn
Students develop advanced knowledge and practical experience in:
- Exercise physiology
- Biomechanics
- Motor control and motor learning
- Physical activity and health promotion
- Human performance
- Research methods
- Data analysis
- Evidence-based practice
- Scientific communication
- Leadership and professional development
Career opportunities
With advanced training in human movement, you’ll be ready to make an impact across fields that promote health, performance and rehabilitation.
Graduates pursue careers in:
- Clinical exercise physiology: Improve health outcomes for patients with chronic disease and other medical conditions.
- Human performance: Support athletes and active individuals through performance testing, training and injury prevention.
- Rehabilitation: Work alongside healthcare professionals to improve movement and functional outcomes.
- Research:Â Conduct research in universities, hospitals, government agencies and private industry.
- Doctoral study:Â Build a strong foundation for PhD and other advanced graduate programs.
- Health and wellness leadership: Lead programs focused on community health, wellness and disease prevention.
Graduates of the appropriate practice concentration may pursue professional credentials such as ACSM-CEP and CMPC, depending on credentialing requirements. Our alumni work in hospitals, university labs, sports programs and community health organizations across Chicago and beyond.
Alumni spotlight
Lauren Warnecke has combined her experience as a dancer, her Master of Science in Kinesiology from UIC and her knowledge as a personal trainer to forge a career as a dance journalist and advocate for dance education and dancer health. She currently serves as the Deputy News Director at WGLT in Illinois.
Why study kinesiology at UIC?
UIC combines the resources of a leading public research university with the opportunities of one of the nation’s most diverse cities.
Students benefit from:
- Interdisciplinary research
- State-of-the-art laboratories
- Collaborative faculty mentoring
- Strong healthcare partnerships
- Diverse research participants
- Connections across Chicago’s healthcare and wellness communities
Research-driven learning
Train and conduct research in modern laboratories, including the Applied Sports Performance and Injury Research (ASPIRE) Lab where eligible students who conduct research in the lab earn hours that count towards course credit.
Choose your path
Select a research or practice-focused pathway based on your academic interests and career goals. Research tracks prepare students for doctoral study and research careers, while practice tracks develop advanced skills for clinical, wellness and performance settings.
Chicago advantage
Gain access to internships, clinical placements and community partnerships across one of the most dynamic cities for health care, athletics and research.
Meet our faculty
Admissions
Ready to advance your expertise in human movement science? Review application requirements, deadlines and next steps for applying to UIC’s Master of Science in Kinesiology program.
Application deadline
We welcome applicants with backgrounds in kinesiology, exercise science and related disciplines who are interested in advancing research, clinical practice or human performance. Applications are due on December 15. View our applying page for more details.
Prerequisites
Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, exercise science or a related field. Review admission requirements, required materials and important deadlines before applying.
Funding and assistantships
Qualified students may be eligible for graduate assistantships, scholarships and other forms of financial support.
Funding opportunities vary by year and availability.
International applicants
International applicants should review Graduate College and Office of International Services requirements before submitting an application.
Frequently asked questions
Prospective students often have questions about graduate study in kinesiology, including available tracks, career opportunities, research experiences and preparation for future academic or professional goals. Find answers to common questions about UIC’s Master of Science in Kinesiology program.
What can I do with a master's in kinesiology?
Graduates pursue careers in clinical exercise physiology, rehabilitation, research, human performance, wellness, higher education and healthcare leadership.
What's the difference between the research track and practice concentrations?
The MS in Kinesiology offers one research-focused pathway and two practice-focused concentrations. Students pursuing the research track complete a thesis or research project in preparation for doctoral study or research careers. Students interested in professional practice choose either the clinical exercise physiology or the performance, sport and exercise psychology concentration.
Can this degree prepare me for a PhD?
Yes. The research track provides strong preparation for doctoral programs through faculty mentorship and research experience.
Will I work with faculty on research?
Many students collaborate with faculty on research projects, laboratory studies and scholarly presentations.
Is Chicago a good place to study kinesiology?
UIC’s location provides access to major healthcare systems, rehabilitation centers, community organizations and diverse populations that enhance learning and research opportunities.
Questions?
Questions?
Still wondering what an MS in Kinesiology can do for you? We’re here to answer your questions.
You can contact Noreen Chap at:
Email chap@uic.edu
Phone 312.996.4600
Address 901 W. Roosevelt Rd.
337 PEB, MC 194
Chicago, IL 60608