Department of Kinesiology

Studying & Improving Movement

The Department of Kinesiology at Michigan State University is dedicated to the study of physical activity and sport across the lifespan, with a special emphasis on youth.

We aim to educate individuals to lead physically active and healthy lives, and to prepare individuals for research and leadership positions in educational, sport and clinical settings.

Research & Practice

In all of our programs, research and practice are intertwined, in our impact-focused labs, in the classroom with renowned faculty and in hands-on applications on campus and beyond. Faculty areas of research interest include a focus on pediatric health and wellbeing, youth sports, motor learning and more.

Advocacy for the field

American Kinesiology Association logo

The American Kinesiology Association (AKA) promotes and enhances kinesiology as a unified field of study and advances its many applications. 

As a member of the AKA, the Department of Kinesiology at MSU has access to professional development and other resources that enable us to offer a cutting edge curriculum and impactful research and outreach.

 

Cutting-Edge Education

Students can take their Spartan experience to the next level by working, or participating in their KINternship, in one of our research labs. These immersive experiences can include working on-or in-ongoing and diverse research opportunities throughout the department. Alumni go on to excel in extraordinary, impactful careers.

B.S., Kinesiology

Prepare for positions in allied health care, fitness and wellness promotion, community physical education, coaching and sports administration. Many alums earn advanced degrees and participate in research through our laboratories.

M.S., Kinesiology

Acquire knowledge grounded in theory. Enhance your academic experience with diverse specialization areas in motorneuroscience, administration and more. 

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Ph.D., Kinesiology

Build experience in teaching, conducting research and serving in a leadership role. Add on to your egree with one of four main concentrations.

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M.S., Athletic Training

Build skills with our immersive, CAATE-accredited M.S. program in Athletic Training. We specialize in developing highly trained practitioners to be prepared in a variety of clinical, educational and health care settings. 

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M.S., Sport Coaching, Leadership & Administration

Specialize in coaching and leadership across intercollegiate, interscholastic and community levels with our M.S. in Sport Coaching, Leadership and Administration, or one of our related graduate certificates.

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Find & Foster Your Community

Whether you are a current student or an alum of one (or more) of our programs, there is space for you in the Department of Kinesiology. 

Keep up to date on events, professional development and more with our KIN-nections blog for current students. 

For alums, share your story on where your Kinesiology degree has led you. 

Close-up of a print piece called What Kin I do with my career?