Kinesiology, Exercise Science Concentration (MS)
The graduate program in Kinesiology provides students the opportunity to engage in advanced study in the general field of exercise science and sport, and to enhance proficiency in an area of concentration. The Concentration in Exercise Science is designed to cultivate knowledge in specialized and applied areas of exercise physiology and biomechanics. Students may further finetune their study through elective offerings in exercise programming, cardiac rehabilitation, neuromotor physiology, coaching techniques and sport psychology. Additionally, students complete a course in research methods and choose between an internship or research project to satisfy their culminating experience. Classes are held in the evening, many of which in a hybrid format with a mix of in-person class meetings and online work. Classes held on campus take place in fully mediated classrooms in University Hall. Additionally, the department has a state-of-the-art Human Performance Laboratory for learning activities and research related to exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor learning, and coaching techniques.
Graduates of the Exercise Science Concentration are prepared to pursue careers in strength and conditioning with college and professional athletes, in clinical exercise physiology in rehabilitative and hospital settings, or be better positioned to continue their education to become physical therapists, physicians, physician’s assistants or university professors.
“We try to give students a deep understanding of the theories that guide practical application. Then we allow our students to choose from an array of electives that best prepares them for the kind of job they are aiming for after graduation.”
Dr. Evan Matthews, Assistant Professor
Along with the concentration in Exercise Science, the department also offers a degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sports Administration.
Please refer to our programs of study page for a comprehensive list of all of the graduate programs offered within the university.
All applicants must meet the basic admission requirements for graduate study at Montclair State University. Additionally, applicants for the concentration in Exercise Science must have a bachelor’s degree with evidence of coursework in anatomy and physiology, physiology of exercise, and kinesiology (or biomechanics). Students lacking adequate preparation may be required to take additional coursework at the undergraduate level as a prerequisite to matriculation in the master’s program. Completion of the GRE is not required for this program. Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the International Graduate Applicants page to review the U.S. degree equivalency information.
In order to make applying for graduate school as seamless as possible for you, we have created an application checklist. This checklist can be a reference point for you during the application process to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the steps needed to apply, as well as all of the corresponding supplemental materials for your specific program of interest.
- Application Deadline: Rolling admission.
- Submit Online Application: Please create your online account and submit your application by following the general application instructions and pay (or waive) the non-refundable $60 application fee. Once this step has been completed, the online portal will allow you to upload your supplemental materials.
The following is a list of the supplemental materials that will accompany your application for the Kinesiology, Exercise Science Concentration (MS):
- Transcript: One from each college attended.
- Essays/Personal Statement: Write one essay of no more than three double-spaced pages in response to the prompt below. Your essay can include some description, but it should also demonstrate that you have critically reflected on the profession and your potential place within it. Please write in a concise, formal, professional style. If you make generalizations or assertions, be sure to provide support for them. In one integrated essay, thoughtfully discuss each of the areas identified below:
- Why you are interested in the profession in which you want to pursue graduate work and, if applicable, the particular concentration within that profession.
- Your knowledge of issues and trends in this profession or field.
- What areas and topics you hope to study in depth and why.
- Any related professional or personal experiences you have had, including opportunities to collaborate with other professionals, and how these experiences make you particularly well-suited for the profession.
- Potential challenges and opportunities associated with diversity you think are relevant to the profession you are pursuing. Be sure to explain what you mean by “diversity” (related, for example, to race, gender, age, sexual orientation, language, disability) and how it may pose challenges or present opportunities.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two.
- Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the International Graduate Applicants page to review the U.S. degree equivalency information.
The program is 33 credit hours, including 15 credit hours in the exercise science concentration, 9-12 credit hours in electives, and 6-9 credit hours in research methods and conduct of a capstone project. Students have their choice of selecting an internship or research project for their capstone experience. For more information, please visit the requirements tab for Kinesiology – Exercise Science Concentration (MS) listing in the University Catalog.
If you have any general questions regarding the application process and requirements, please email or call us:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Email: graduate@montclair.edu
Telephone: 973-655-5147
Fax: 973-655-7869
If you have specific inquiries regarding your program of interest, please contact the Kinesiology, Exercise Science Concentration (MS) Program Coordinator:
Program Coordinator: Dr. Michele Fisher
Office: University Hall, Room 4109
Email: fisherm@montclair.edu
Telephone: 973-655-7120