When you look into a Master’s in Kinesiology, you’ll see that there are opportunities to work in careers in wellness, fitness, health, and education. Kinesiology degrees prepare students with a foundation in anatomy and health-related services. They may work as exercise physiologists, athletic program administrators, coaches, or even physical education instructors.
Choosing a Masters in Kinesiology
A graduate with a degree in kinesiology may be able to earn anywhere from $34,000 to $79,000 yearly, though some may make more or less. The average annual wage was $54,730 as of 2017. Exercise physiologists earned a median wage of $49,170 per year in 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree.
Top 5 Masters in Kinesiology
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southern Arkansas University | Magnolia, Arkansas |
| 2 | University of Wyoming | Laramie, Wyoming |
| 3 | The University of Texas at Tyler | Tyler, Texas |
| 4 | University of North Georgia | Dahlonega, Georgia |
| 5 | University of South Dakota | Vermillion, South Dakota |
The Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that this field is rapidly growing. It expects to see an 11% increase in jobs between 2019 and 2029, adding an additional 2,200 to the workforce.
The following 15 schools are ranked from best to worst considering their overall enrollment rates and tuition costs. If you’re looking for a program and don’t see one you like here, reach out. We’ll help you find the right one for your educational needs.
The Best 15 Schools for a Masters in Kinesiology
Southern Arkansas University
Southern Arkansas University tops our list with low tuition rates and small class sizes. Students can complete a Master’s in Kinesiology in just two years and will study with a focus on coaching. Some of the courses are available online, and this program is NCACE accredited.
School Overview
University of Wyoming
The University of Wyoming offers a Masters in Kinesiology and Health with an emphasis in physical education teacher education. The program consists of 36 credit hours and comes in a three, four or five-year format.
School Overview
The University of Texas at Tyler
The University of Texas at Tyler offers an MS in Kinesiology. The program has options for internships and thesis work. Some coursework includes biometric methods, motor learning and research design.
School Overview
University of North Georgia
The University of North Georgia offers a fully online Master’s in Kinesiology program with concentrations in exercise science and health & physical education. The program is 30 total credit hours, and is open for enrollment for the fall, spring and summer terms.
School Overview
University of South Dakota
The University of South Dakota offers a 30-credit-hour program for a Master’s in Kinesiology and Sport Management. The program has full- and part-time options for students and can be completed in 12 months when attending full-time. They have concentrations in both exercise science (face-to-face) and sport management (online).
School Overview
Texas Woman’s University
Texas Woman’s University offers an MS in Kinesiology with an emphasis in adapted physical activity, coaching, exercise physiology, sport management, and biomechanics and motor behavior. Some programs are on campus, while others are hybrid programs or online only.
School Overview
University of the Southwest
The University of the Southwest offers an MS in Health and Human Performance. This degree is made up of 30 credit hours of coursework and can be completed in one year. Students can take this course completely online if they wish, though some courses are offered on campus.
School Overview
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno Pacific University offers a 36-credit-hour program for its master’s in kinesiology. This program has a physical education emphasis and teaches coaching, physical education, and sports psychology.
School Overview
University of Central Missouri
The University of Central Missouri offers an MS in Kinesiology that integrates exercise physiology and biomechanics. The program is “hands-on” and works with NCAA athletes. There is a strong emphasis on sports science in this program.
School Overview
Sam Houston State University
Sam Houston State University offers a Master’s in Kinesiology in a hybrid format. All courses are online, and students complete lab days via a virtual platform or have the option of physically coming to campus for access to labs and equipment. Students can also choose thesis and non-thesis options. Small class sizes and affordable tuition make this one of the top 15 schools for this program.
School Overview
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi offers a Master’s in Kinesiology program that has a concentration in sport and exercise science. There are two tracks, one with a thesis and one without. The program is available online or as a hybrid, and it consists of 36 total credit hours.
*Most online students take six hours per semester and are not required to pay the associated campus fees such as student services, athletics, student center complex, health services, rec sports, and university services. For a full tuition and fees schedule breakdown, click here.
School Overview
Florida Atlantic University
At Florida Atlantic University, students can work on a Master’s in Health Promotion. Students may complete 12 additional credit hours to skip their thesis if they would like. The program is primarily offered online.
School Overview
The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi offers a Master’s in Kinesiology with a focus on coaching and exercise science. The program is 30 credit hours and students may enter the program each semester. There is a completely online option for this course.
School Overview
American Public University System
The American Public University System offers a Master’s in Sport and Health Sciences with an emphasis in industry trends. The program takes around two years to complete and has three concentrations available for personalization of the degree.
School Overview
George Washington University
Completing our list is George Washington University. This university has both synchronous and asynchronous courses available to get the Master’s in Exercise Science with a focus on strength and conditioning.
School Overview
Ranking Specifications
The schools on this list have been rated based on their tuition rates and enrollment. Fewer enrollees suggests smaller class sizes and led to a higher score for the school. Lower tuition rates also helped schools rank higher. The two scores were added together, and the schools were ranked from best to worst using those scores. Every precaution was taken to make sure the information here is accurate, but keep in mind that the data may change and that this list is not guaranteed.
Do you work at one of these schools and have questions about your ranking? Would you like to have your school considered for a list like this one? Contact us today, and we’ll get back to you shortly.
