University of Tennessee

What you'll study

This master’s offers a mix of advanced coursework, applied practicum and research. Students typically follow either a thesis or non-thesis route and may select elective courses to emphasise areas such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control and learning, sport psychology, curriculum and pedagogy in physical education, or sport management.

• Core topics: research methods and statistics, advanced exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor learning and control, sport and exercise psychology.
• Applied and pedagogical topics: curriculum development and assessment in physical education, inclusive and adapted physical activity, practicum in teaching or coaching, strength and conditioning principles.
• Research and professional practice: thesis research (if selected), capstone projects, supervised internship experiences in schools, clinics or athletic programmes, and opportunities to work in human performance or biomechanics labs.
• Typical structure: a combination of graduate seminars, elective modules and a supervised practicum; students normally complete the programme by submitting a thesis, undertaking a comprehensive exam, or finishing a professional project and internship.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably in kinesiology, exercise science, physical education, sports science or a closely related discipline. Typical admissions materials include:

• Official transcripts showing undergraduate degree and coursework in relevant areas.
• A personal statement or statement of purpose outlining research or professional goals.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.
• A curriculum vitae or résumé summarising relevant experience such as coaching, teaching, research or clinical work.

Some applicants may be asked to provide GRE scores where required by the department, and international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests. Relevant practical experience, such as K–12 teaching, athletic coaching, certified strength and conditioning work, or laboratory research, strengthens an application.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a broad range of applied, educational and research roles. Common career pathways include:

• K–12 physical education teacher or curriculum specialist (with appropriate state certification where required).
• Strength and conditioning coach or performance specialist in collegiate, professional or private settings.
• Exercise physiologist, clinical exercise specialist or allied health professional working in rehabilitation, fitness or wellness programmes.
• Sport scientist, biomechanist or researcher in university, laboratory or industry settings.
• Athletic administration, recreation and wellness management, and positions in corporate health programmes.
• Progression to doctoral study (PhD or EdD) for careers in academic research and higher education teaching.

Why study at University of Tennessee

The University of Tennessee combines a long tradition of kinesiology and physical education with contemporary, applied research and strong community partnerships. The department provides access to well‑equipped human performance and biomechanics facilities, supervised practicum placements with local schools and athletic programmes, and faculty whose research spans exercise physiology, motor control, pedagogy and applied sport science.

Students benefit from a collaborative environment that emphasises hands‑on learning and professional development, including mentoring for certification pathways and networking opportunities with coaches, clinicians and researchers across the region.