Master of Science in Kinesiology, MS
UCF Division of Kinesiology
Obtain advanced knowledge in the exploration of human movement and applied exercise physiology
A master’s degree from UCF in kinesiology prepares you with the education and experience to pursue a career in exercise physiology, sport science, strength and conditioning, or to pursue a doctoral degree in a related field. The program emphasizes exercise as medicine, and trains students to apply scientific practices and principles to support health and maximize performance across the lifespan.
Human Performance Track:
The Master of Science in Kinesiology, Human Performance Track provides an in-depth study of applied human physiology and how it relates to non-clinical settings (i.e. apparently healthy individuals and/or individuals with controlled disease) focused on exercise, athletic performance, and health and wellness across the lifespan. The Master of Science in Kinesiology, Human Performance track offers a Non-Thesis option and a Thesis option for students. All options require a minimum of 30 credit hours.
Clinical Exercise Physiology Track:
The Master of Science in Kinesiology, Clinical Exercise Physiology (CEP) Track is designed to prepare students to become clinicians and/or scholars in a range of Clinical Exercise Physiology specialties. The CEP track provides students with the knowledge and skills within the cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, gerontology, neoplastic, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, immunologic, and behavior change practice areas. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to sit for and pass the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Clinical Exercise Physiology (ACSM-CEP) certification exam, allowing students to enter the field as qualified healthcare professionals. Students who graduate from this track are also prepared to pursue advanced studies in health-related fields or doctorate/PhD in the CEP field. The Master of Science in Kinesiology, Clinical Exercise Physiology Track only offers a non-thesis option. The CEP track requires a minimum of 33 credit hours.
Looking to get your Masters at UCF?
Improve People’s Lives through Movement and Exercise
The Division of Kinesiology received the Education Recognition Program distinction for Graduate Strength and Conditioning from the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Non-thesis students may pursue practicum opportunities with local healthcare and fitness facilities, sports organizations, and the UCF Sports Science Initiative.
The Anatomical Sciences Graduate Certificate provides an avenue to gain in-depth experience in the anatomy lab and specialized education in anatomical sciences.
MEET YOUR CORE FACULTY
Get Hands On Learning
We offer a wide variety of research labs and opportunities to support our mission:
Ultrasound Biofeedback of the Core Muscles in Golfers with Low Back Pain
The main purpose of this research is to compare the effectiveness of traditional instruction to ultrasound feedback to increase thickness of the core muscles….
External Oblique Muscle Testing
The purpose of this study is to determine an appropriate testing position to maximally activate the external oblique muscle….
The Acute Effects of Continuous and Intermittent Blood Flow Restriction on Sprint Interval Performance and Muscle Oxygen Responses
The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of continuous blood flow restriction to intermittent blood flow restriction….
Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science
The institute supports mechanistic and translational research by faculty members and students in the school’s Division of Kinesiology, Division of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training Program. The institute also partners with colleagues from the College of Health Professions and Sciences and Academic Health Sciences Center to contribute to the research mission of the university. With its current resources and faculty expertise, the institute has a broad capacity to advance the fields of exercise and rehabilitation sciences.
National Conferences
The institute proudly presents at numerous national conferences.
Academic Advising
Whether you’re a current or prospective graduate student, we are here to provide advice, assistance and support. The UCF Division of Kinesiology offers a full range of advising within the major. Our team is available to help with:
- Understanding admission requirements
- General information on the program
- Schedule planning
- Selecting electives
- Choosing between an internship or review of literature.
Please contact us by email or phone to set up a meeting. We are also available virtually. We look forward to helping you achieve your educational goals.
Phone: 407-823-2595
Email: KINgrad@ucf.edu
Office: ED 320
Speak to an Advisor
If you’d like a scheduled 1-on-1 session with an advisor, please click the button below to secure your time slot.
“
I am extremely grateful for the support and mentorship I received from the faculty and staff in the Division of Kinesiology throughout my time in the undergraduate and graduate programs. The resources and opportunities for growth have inspired me and prepared me for my future in sports. I am eternally appreciative of my time at UCF. Charge On!”
— Maxine Furtado Mesa, '19, '21 MS, Current McKnight Doctoral Fellow
Graduate Internship
An internship with the Division of Kinesiology is an exciting, hands-on work experience that allows students to apply classroom learning to real-world settings. Students work closely under the guidance and support of an approved preceptor who is an expert in the field of kinesiology or exercise science.
Student Outcomes & Accreditation
First Time Pass Rate for the Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) exam
| Year | Number of Candidates | Number of Passing Candidates | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Accreditation
The UCF Division of Kinesiology is currently applying for program-level accreditation of the Kinesiology MS, Clinical Exercise Physiology track through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
MS Program News
Frequently Asked Questions
For specific admission requirements, please visit Graduate Studies.
The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
Applicants are expected to have the equivalent of 8 semester hours of anatomy and physiology.
Students typically complete the program in 4-6 semesters, but this is dependent upon course availability and individual scheduling. Completion time depends on full-time vs. part-time status and differs based on track.
The MS program falls within the STEM category for state of Florida according to its Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code
You can check the status of your application anytime online at myUCF. If you have questions regarding submitted materials, please contact the College of Graduate Studies at 407-823-2766 or gradadmissions@ucf.edu.
Estimated school costs are posted the Office of Student Financial Assistance website. https://studentaccounts.ucf.edu/tf-tuitionratescurrent/
Total Credit Hours Required: 30-33 Credit Hours minimum beyond the bachelor’s degree. Total required credit hours differ based on track.
All students are automatically placed in the non-thesis option which, in addition to the typical coursework, requires 3-9 credit hours of internship(s) and/or review of literature, depending on track. The Thesis option requires completion of an additional statistics course as well as 6 credit hours of thesis, including a research project and thesis defense in front of a faculty committee.
Students wishing to pursue the Thesis option must receive approval from the graduate program director and have a commitment from a faculty member to serve as the thesis committee chair. Those interested in completing a thesis are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the research being conducted at UCF and contact faculty with similar areas of interest.
Our college has a published list of research participation opportunities: https://healthprofessions.ucf.edu/research/studies. If you filter by Kinesiology or Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science, you’ll see those specific to our labs.
Graduate assistantship positions in the Division of Kinesiology are generally allocated through specific faculty and there is typically limited availability which makes the process of securing them highly competitive. The best approach is to reach out directly to faculty members that you might be interested in working with and see if they have any availability. There may be additional graduate assistantship opportunities in Campus Rec, Athletics, or elsewhere on campus but you would need to contact them directly.
- The non-thesis Human Performance track requires completion of either an internship (3 credit hours) or review of literature (3 credit hours).
- The non-thesis Clinical Exercise Physiology track requires completion of three separate internship experiences (once per semester, beginning in the second semester) for a total of 9 credit hours. Students may substitute an elective course for 3 credit hours of internship with prior approval.
Attend an Information Session
Join us to learn more about the curriculum, learning outcomes, program format, career options, and the application and admission process. Sessions are held via Zoom.
