Graduate Studies

Kinesiology

“For a budget-minded person looking for a comprehensive university located in the heart of the midwest, I chose Western. An excellent education, friendships, faculty who pushed me to think, and a love for how the human body works just happened to come with that.” – Brandon Moore, MS, 2008

Program Overview

The Department of Kinesiology offers the Master of Science degree in Kinesiology. The broad mission of the degree program is to assist students in developing conceptual and theoretical understandings and to obtain knowledge and skills that will prepare them as research/scholars, practitioners, or administrators in their respective areas. Typically, a full-time student will complete the requirements for the degree in two years. Within the Kinesiology program, students may focus in their studies in the following areas:

Why Choose Kinesiology at WIU?

A Master of Science degree in Kinesiology can lead to a wide variety of career choices such as

  • cardiac rehabilitation
  • corporate, public, and private health and fitness training
  • university or public school teaching/coaching
  • research
  • strength and conditioning
  • personal training
  • sport psychology

Many graduates complete certification requirements through the American College of Sports Medicine, National Aerobics and Fitness Trainer's Association, National Strength and Conditioning Association, and USA Weightlifting.

Our Faculty

Our faculty are dedicated professionals whose focus is on teaching and sharing what they have practiced with the students they work with.  Courses in the Kinesiology department are taught by faculty members who hold degrees earned from universities across the United States and who are actively engaged in scholarship activities such as writing book chapters and books, conducting research, and making scholarly presentations at professional conferences.

Additional Opportunities outside of Class

Many graduates complete certification requirements through the American College of Sports Medicine, National Aerobics and Fitness Trainer's Association, National Strength and Conditioning Association, and USA Weightlifting.

Other Information

The Masters Degree program at WIU begins with a rich complement of classroom experiences designed to provide you with an understanding of the theoretical knowledge and practical application in order to prepare you for a variety of careers in the field. Students may choose either a thesis, a graduate project, or an internship option for completing the degree. If interested, you will have the opportunity to work alongside faculty in a research projects that can result in the presentations of the results at regional and/or national conferences.

Quick View

Degrees Available

  • M.S.

Locations:

  • Macomb

Required GPA:

  • Cumulative: 3.0 or
  • Last 2 years: 3.20

Admission Requirements:

  • Transcripts
  • Goals Statement
  • Resume

Interesting Facts: Fall 2023

  • Currently enrolled: 23
  • International: 12
  • Minority: 2
  • Students with Assistantships: 15

Department Contact Information:

Brophy Hall 220
309/298-1981
Kinesiology@wiu.edu