Master of Science in Kinesiology
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Kinesiology is designed for those who want to turn a passion for human movement into a sophisticated, evidence-based career. As the only Ivy League institution to offer a graduate program in kinesiology, Teachers College, Columbia University provides an unmatched academic pedigree situated in the heart of New York City, utilizing the city’s elite athletic, clinical, and community institutions as an immersive learning ecosystem. Guided by world-class faculty and supported by state-of-the-art research labs, you will learn how to apply cutting-edge scientific theory directly to real-world practice, helping individuals optimize performance, recover from injury, and live healthier lives.
The program welcomes a diverse student cohort that includes coaches, personal trainers, strength and wellness professionals, and clinical exercise physiologists. It is also a good fit for physical and occupational therapists, somatic educators (dance, pilates, yoga), and anyone dedicated to advancing human performance, physical activity, and lifelong health.
Students in the program can choose from three areas of concentration that best align with their interests and career goals:
- Applied Exercise Physiology: This concentration combines scientific theory with practical application to study how acute and chronic exercise adapts across the lifespan, preparing students for impactful careers in clinical, community, and athletic settings, or for advanced medical and doctoral studies.
- Motor Learning and Control: This concentration explores the neurological, behavioral, and biomechanical processes behind how individuals acquire and refine movement skills across the lifespan, providing students with a foundation in movement sciences focused on motor skill learning to advance their current professional practice, or to pursue advanced clinical and doctoral degrees.
- Movement Performance: This concentration integrates biomechanics, exercise physiology, and performance psychology to prepare aspiring coaches, sports scientists, and physical educators to design evidence-based training programs that unlock peak athletic potential and support overall well-being.
Designed with flexibility in mind, this 33-credit M.S. program can be completed on a full-time (12–18 months) or part-time (2–3 years) basis. With strategic course selection, students are well-positioned to sit for several highly regarded certifications offered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
"This M.S. in Kinesiology provides the rigorous scientific foundation to excel in clinical and applied settings—from coaching and high-performance training to rehabilitation and exercise science. Graduates are also uniquely positioned to be highly competitive applicants for PhD, EdD, MD, DPT, and other professional graduate programs."
Admission Information
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2027, Summer 2027, and Fall 2027 terms.
Master of Science
- Points/Credits: 33
- Entry Terms: Fall
- Enrollment Formats: Full-Time Campus-Based
Application Deadlines
| Entry Term Available | Priority Deadlines | Final Deadlines | Extended Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Summer | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Fall | January 15, 2027 | April 1, 2027 | N/A |
Select programs remain open beyond our standard application deadlines, such as those with an extended deadline or those that are rolling (open until June or July). If your program is rolling or has an extended deadline indicated above, applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as these programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.
Application Requirements
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume | |
| Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed | |
| Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable) | |
| $75 Application Fee | |
| Two (2) Letters of Recommendation | |
| Academic Writing Sample |
For admission-related inquiries, please contact BBSadmission@tc.columbia.edu.