University of Michigan

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced coursework, laboratory work and applied experiences to develop specialist knowledge in areas such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control and learning, sport psychology, and pedagogy for physical education. Students typically choose a pathway that emphasises either research (thesis) or applied practice (non-thesis or practicum), allowing focus on topics such as performance enhancement, movement analysis, youth physical education, rehabilitation, or population health and physical activity promotion.

• Core topics – research methods and statistics for human movement science, advanced anatomy and physiology, and contemporary issues in kinesiology.
• Specialist modules – advanced exercise physiology, biomechanics and motion analysis, motor learning and control, sport psychology and behaviour, and physical education pedagogy.
• Practical and laboratory components – hands-on experience in motion-capture and force measurement, physiological testing (VO2, metabolic testing), electromyography, and design and delivery of exercise or teaching interventions.
• Research or applied project – options for an independent research thesis supervised by faculty or an applied practicum/project with community, clinical or sport partners.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities – coursework or collaboration with units such as public health, medicine, engineering and sport management to support careers in applied performance, health promotion or biomechanical innovation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, typically in kinesiology, exercise science, sport science, physical education, biology or a closely related discipline. Strong applicants demonstrate foundational coursework in human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics or statistics. Admissions committees look for evidence of academic potential and fit with faculty research or applied specialisms.

• Academic record – a competitive undergraduate GPA in a relevant discipline.
• Supporting documents – personal statement outlining academic and career goals, curriculum vitae or resume, and academic references; professional references can be appropriate for applicants with relevant work experience.
• Research or practical experience – prior laboratory coursework, undergraduate research projects, coaching, teaching or clinical placements strengthen applications.
• Standardised tests – requirements vary across programmes and applicants should consult the School of Kinesiology for current policy on GRE or other tests.
• Additional requirements – some pathways may request a sample of research, portfolio of applied work, or an interview with potential supervisors.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for diverse roles across sport, health and education sectors. Many pursue further doctoral study in kinesiology, biomechanics or related fields; others move directly into applied positions.

• Applied roles: strength and conditioning coach, sport performance specialist, exercise physiologist, rehabilitation assistant, clinical exercise specialist, biomechanics analyst.
• Education and community: physical education teacher (often combined with teacher certification), youth sport programme coordinator, community physical activity specialist.
• Research and industry: research scientist or laboratory manager in universities, medical centres or corporate R&D; roles in equipment design, ergonomics, wearable technology and performance analytics.
• Health and wellness sector: corporate wellness consultant, chronic disease exercise specialist, preventive health programme coordinator.

Why study at University of Michigan

The University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology offers access to strong, interdisciplinary research and applied resources, including well‑equipped biomechanics, motor control and exercise physiology laboratories and regular collaboration with Michigan Medicine, the School of Public Health and College of Engineering. Students benefit from faculty with active research programmes, opportunities to work with elite and community sport partners, and a network that supports transitions into professional roles or doctoral study.

Located in Ann Arbor, the university provides a large and diverse campus environment with extensive extracurricular and professional development opportunities, including connections to NCAA sport programmes and local healthcare providers. The combination of rigorous science, applied practicum options and cross‑disciplinary collaboration makes the programme well suited to students who want both research depth and real-world experience in sport, physical education and human movement.