Program Overview
The University of North Alabama’s Master of Science in Kinesiology program prepares professionals to expand their expertise in human performance, health promotion, sport leadership, and recreation management. Through advanced coursework, applied learning experiences, and faculty mentorship, students explore contemporary issues in kinesiology while preparing to lead, educate, and serve within a variety of health, sport, and recreation settings.
Why Choose This Program?
- Advance your knowledge of human performance, health promotion, sport, and recreation through graduate-level study
- Learn from experienced faculty who connect research with real-world application
- Choose a concentration aligned with your professional interests and career goals
Options + Tracks
Exercise Science and Health Promotion (MS)
The Exercise Science and Health Promotion concentration examines the scientific principles of human performance, physical activity, and wellness. Students explore strategies that improve health outcomes while preparing for leadership, research, and professional roles in health promotion and exercise science.
Sport & Recreation Management (MS)
The Sport & Recreation Management concentration focuses on leadership, administration, and organizational effectiveness within sport and recreation settings. Students gain insights into program management, event planning, and industry operations while preparing for leadership roles across the sport and recreation sectors.
Curriculum & Coursework
Kinesiology graduate students engage with coursework that blends theory, research, and practical application across health, exercise science, sport, and recreation. Through advanced study and professional engagement, you will broaden your understanding of the factors that influence human performance, wellness, and organizational success.
Sample Courses:
- KIN 610 Research Methods in Kinesiology
- KIN 620 Statistical Analysis in Kinesiology
- KIN 640 Leadership in Sport and Recreation
Learning Outcomes:
[UNA: Need Info Above]
Career Paths & Outcomes
A Master of Science in Kinesiology prepares professionals to influence health, wellness, sport, and recreation through leadership, education, and evidence-based practice. Graduates will be equipped to support individuals, organizations, and communities while advancing professional standards within their field.
Common Career Paths:
- Exercise Physiologist
- Wellness Director
- Sport Administrator
- Recreation Manager
- Strength and Conditioning Professional
- Athletic Program Director
- Corporate Wellness Coordinator
Admissions Requirements
- Scholastic achievement: minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (4.0 scale) on undergraduate work for unconditional admission.
- Preparation: must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an institution that meets the general admission requirements for graduate study at UNA.
- Conditional admission: minimum overall GPA of 2.75 (4.0 scale) with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate major work.
- Must have departmental approval.
- In addition, students may earn no more than six hours of “C” work or below. A third grade of “C” or below will result in dismissal from the program.
- Recommendations: three letters of recommendation to be addressed to the Chair or Graduate Program Coordinator of the Department of Kinesiology from professionals who can attest to the candidate’s academic ability and potential for success as a graduate student.
- Essay: typed, maximum two pages, addressing these three questions:
- Why the candidate wishes to be considered for admission to the graduate program;
- How completion of a graduate degree supports the candidate’s career goals; and
- What the candidate can bring to this graduate program.
[UNA: PLEASE CONFIRM THE ABOVE INFORMATION]
Student Experience
Kinesiology graduate students at UNA will participate in a collaborative learning community focused on professional growth, leadership, and applied learning. Through faculty mentorship, industry engagement, and professional development opportunities, students can strengthen their expertise while building connections that support long-term career success.
Opportunities include:
- Professional networking opportunities
- Participation in the Sport Leadership Summit
- Collaboration with professionals across the Kinesiology field
- Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP) pathways for eligible students
Meet the Faculty
Ms. Jackie Allen
Senior Lecturer/Director, Wellness & Health Promotion
jaallen@una.edu
Mr. Jon Allen
Lecturer
jallen11@una.edu
Dr. Kyle Conkle
Assistant Professor
rconkle@una.edu
Ms. Jennifer Edwards
Senior Administrative Assistant, Kinesiology
jedwards14@una.edu
Dr. Chanho Kang
Associate Professor
ckang@una.edu
Dr. Lauren Killen
Associate Professor
lkillen1@una.edu
Mr. Mark Linder
Lecturer
mdlinder@una.edu
Dr. Scott Lyons
Professor
slyons1@una.edu
Dr. Lee Renfroe
Professor
lrenfroe@una.edu
Mr. Patrick Shremshock
Senior Lecturer
pshremshock@una.edu
Dr. Hunter Waldman
Associate Professor
hswaldman@una.edu
