Concentrations

Early Entry Program

An Early Entry Program is available for well qualified UNC Charlotte undergraduate students majoring in Athletic Training or Exercise Science. The Early Entry Program allows students to begin work toward the M.S. in Kinesiology graduate degree before completion of the baccalaureate degree. For details, see the UNC Charlotte Undergraduate Catalog.

Degree Requirements

Both concentrations require 36 credit hours approved by the Department of Kinesiology and a minimum of 15 credit hours presented for the degree must be in the courses numbered 6000 and above. Both concentrations require the same 12 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. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 is required on all coursework attempted for the degree. At the time of admission, up to 6 credit hours of graduate transfer credit may be accepted if approved by the Department of Kinesiology and the Graduate School.

Comprehensive Examination

All candidates for the degree must pass a comprehensive examination.  A student selecting the Applied Physiology and Neuromechanics concentration must present credit for at least 6 credit hours of KNES 6900  and pass a thesis defense.  A student selecting the Clinical Exercise Physiology concentration must pass the Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist examination (RCEP), administered by the American College of Sports Medicine as this concentration prepares students to become Clinical Exercise Physiologists.

Additional Admission Requirements

In addition to fulfilling the University’s general requirements for graduate admission at the Master’s level, applicants seeking admission in to the M.S. in Kinesiology program must also:

1. Present satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
    
2. Possess an overall cumulative GPA of 2.5 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)
    
3. Present satisfactory grades (C or above) on specific prerequisite courses:
   
   a) The Applied Physiology and Neuromechanics concentration requires a minimum of 4 credit hours of Anatomy and Physiology, 3 credit hours of Exercise Physiology, 3 credit hours of Biomechanics or Motor Control, and 3 credit hours of Statistics. 
   
   b) The Clinical Exercise Physiology concentration requires a minimum of 4 credit hours of Anatomy and Physiology, 3 credit hours of Exercise Prescription, and 3 credit hours of Statistics.
    
4. Present satisfactory scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), if the applicant is from a non-English speaking country.
    
5. 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 and Neuromechanics concentration).

Assistantships

Positions as a graduate assistant or teaching assistant may be available.  Grant funded assistantships may be available as well.  Students seeking assistantships should contact the Graduate Program Director of the Kinesiology program.  In general, applications for graduate assistantship awards for the academic year are made by the preceding February 1.

Tuition Waivers

Tuition waivers may be available through a variety of sources.  Students interested in pursuing tuition waivers should contact the Graduate Program Director in the semester prior to enrolling for courses.

Financial Aid/Financial Assistance

A wide range of opportunities for financial aid/assistance is available to qualifying students, which may be accessed through the Office of Student Financial Aid. See the Financial Information  section for more information on the opportunities that are available, and how to contact the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Advising

Each student in the MS in Kinesiology program must have a major advisor.  Students in the Applied Physiology and Neuromechanics concentration work with their major advisor to develop an advisory committee.  The advisory committee must have at least 3 members (including the major advisor) and the majority of which must be from the Department of Kinesiology.  Students in the Clinical Exercise Physiology concentration will be advised by the Graduate Program Director and Practicum Coordinator.  Any course substitution must be approved by the academic advisor.

Research Opportunities/Experiences

A range of research opportunities exist in the Department of Kinesiology for qualified students. Students are encouraged to become engaged in the research focus of the department.

Program Certifications/Accreditations

The Clinical Exercise Physiology concentration of the M.S. in Kinesiology program is currently a CoAES and CAAHEP accredited program.  Completion of the Clinical Exercise Physiology concentration qualifies the graduate to take the Clinical Exercise Physiology Registry Examination (RCEP) administered by the American College of Sports Medicine.