Program Availability
The MA and MS in Kinesiology (Exercise Science) at Indiana State University is a traditional, on-campus program offered on the Indiana State University campus in Terre Haute, Indiana. The program is open to U.S. and international applicants who satisfy admission requirements.
Why Earn a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology (Exercise Science) at Indiana State?
In this program, you will gain specialized knowledge, clinical experience, and research opportunities related to the training, movement, and performance of the human body. The Kinesiology (Exercise Science) MA or MS creates a pathway to clinical practice or doctoral studies in relevant specialties.
Research Exercise and Its Effects
The Kinesiology (Exercise Science) graduate program provides in-depth study on exercise physiology, advanced human biomechanics, exercise testing, strength and conditioning, sport psychology and related areas of exercise science. Through advanced coursework, and research activities, you will examine the effects of physical activity on the human body’s performance, fitness, wellness, and rehabilitation.
Learn from Our Excellent Faculty
Faculty in the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport facilitate clinical and research activities designed to prepare you for career positions or additional studies. Working in small classes, you will collaborate with faculty on research projects as they provide you with one-on-one mentorship. They will also encourage you to volunteer as an exercise coach, instructor, or mentor at local hospitals, clinics, fitness facilities, and school corporations.
The Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport also offers laboratory spaces for learning and training. These include a biomechanics lab, an exercise science lab, a motor learning lab, and a strength and conditioning lab.
What You’ll Learn in the Kinesiology (Exercise Science) Graduate Program
The MA and MS in Kinesiology (Exercise Science) is a 30-credit-hour program combining research with practical experience in exercise science, physiology, human biomechanics, exercise testing, motor learning, strength conditioning, and human performance.
The curriculum prepares you to successfully complete the American College of Sports Medicine Health Fitness Specialist or Exercise Specialist exams, or the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s (NSCA) strength coaching certification exam.
Your program concludes with the completion of a thesis project or an internship experience. The internship provides you with practical experience and useful insight into career options in adult fitness, wellness, or sports performance. For your thesis, you will prepare and submit a proposal for approval, and will present an oral thesis defense at least seven weeks prior to the date the degree will be conferred.
Financial Assistance and Scholarships
Most students accepted into the Kinesiology (Exercise Science) graduate program receive some form of financial assistance, which is renewable each year. Students may also apply for graduate assistantships. Scholarship awards that waive tuition and fees, exclusive of building and student service fees, are also available.
Career Possibilities for Kinesiology (Exercise Science) Graduates
Kinesiology (Exercise Science) graduate students from Indiana State University are prepared for advanced careers in the fitness/wellness sector as exercise technicians, personal trainers, strength coaches, exercise physiologists, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation technicians, fitness specialists, and related professions in exercise science.
Many graduates also become exercise science teachers or pursue doctoral degrees in exercise science or related allied health fields.
Admission Requirements and Instructions
All students seeking admission to the Kinesiology (Exercise Science) graduate program must apply to be accepted as a graduate student by Indiana State University. Enrollment is accepted for Fall and Spring semesters. To be assured of consideration, all materials must be submitted by August 1 for fall admission and by December 1 for spring admission. Students are selected based on academic background and the review of additional application materials specifically required by the Kinesiology (Exercise Science) graduate program.
Application Instructions
The following are application instructions and deadlines for the Kinesiology (Exercise Science) graduate program.
How to Apply
Complete your online application for program admission at apply.indstate.edu/portal/apply?tab=overview.
Submit official transcripts from all colleges previously attended. To be official, transcripts must be sent directly from the college attended to: Graduate Admissions, Indiana State University, Welcome Center, 318 North Sixth Street, Terre Haute, IN, 47809. E-transcripts should be sent to admissions@indstate.edu.
Submit a nonrefundable application fee of $45.00 (U.S. citizens and permanent residents) or $65.00 (international students) payable by Visa, MasterCard, or check or money order payable to Indiana State University. Submit payment to: Indiana State University, Graduate Admissions, Welcome Center, 318 North Sixth Street, Terre Haute, IN, 47809.
Submit the following as part of the online application process https://apply.indstate.edu/apply/.
- Three formal letters of recommendation with reference names, emails, and phone numbers
- A personal statement essay describing your research interests, academic career goals, experience in the field of kinesiology, and how graduate school will help you reach your career goals. Please indicate if you would like to be considered for Graduate Assistantship funding and a tuition fee waiver.
- A current curriculum vitae
International applicants must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or provide equivalent evidence of language proficiency. Submit scores to: Indiana State University, Graduate Admissions, Welcome Center, 318 North Sixth Street, Terre Haute, IN, 47809. If studying in the United States, a copy of your current I-94 card, F-1 or J-1 visa, and 1-20 or DS2019 are required. If currently in the United States but not studying, a copy of the applicable visa must also be submitted. Finally, all international applicants to Indiana State University must complete an affidavit of financial support. You can upload the affidavit of financial support and other required documents to your online application. For important information, see Instructions for International Students.
To be assured of consideration for admission, all application materials must be submitted by August 1 (for fall entry) or December 1 (for spring entry). All materials must be received by the deadlines. Applications and application materials received after the deadlines will not be considered for admission.
Next Steps
Once admitted, students receive notification from the University as well as their University ID number needed to activate their University Username on the MyISU Portal. The Portal offers access to online registration, University records, and other important University services, including email and University announcements.
Note: Returning ISU students must apply for re-admission if they have not attended Indiana State University for more than two calendar years.
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