High School Students

You are invited to explore Kinesiology at Michigan State University! The major is designed to prepare students for future study or careers in a wide range of fields related to movement, health, wellness and fitness. From research to internships to Study Abroad to clubs and organizations, Kinesiology majors have opportunities to connect course work to real-world experiences throughout their time at MSU!

High school students interested in admission to Michigan State University as Kinesiology or Athletic Training majors should start by contacting MSU Admissions for information and a link to the online application. The Office of Admissions reviews all undergraduate student applications and processes admissions to Colleges on a rolling basis. Early application is recommended.

Make sure to submit your ACT/SAT test scores, AP or other credit test scores and your high school and dual enrollment transcripts to MSU as part of your application to-do list!

Interested in a campus visit? There are many opportunities throughout the year to visit with MSU Admissions representatives, tour campus, attend special admissions events and meet with College advisors to discuss your major interest/requirements. Click on the Admissions Office link for campus visit options and registration information. Prospective freshman students can also meet with a Kinesiology/Athletic Training academic advisor on designated days each semester, as listed on the Academic Department Visits webpage (click on the College of Education link for specific days and times).

What can high school students do to prepare for Kinesiology at Michigan State?

• Take classes that will prepare you for college-level learning – especially math and science!
• Get experience. Volunteer in your community, look for job and job shadowing opportunities in the areas that are of interest to you. Build your network!
• AP or dual enrollment classes can give high school students a taste of college-level learning prior to starting at Michigan State. Students can check the KIN Degree Planning Grids and the MSU Transfer Equivalency website to be sure that transferred credit will apply to specific course requirements. Feel free to contact an academic advisor if you have any questions or need clarification. 
• Research Kinesiology careers.
• Visit with a Kinesiology/Athletic Training advisor on a department visit day!

Transfer Students

Students interested in transferring from another institution to Michigan State University as Kinesiology or Athletic Training majors should start by contacting MSU Admissions to complete the online application. The Office of Admissions reviews all transfer student applications and processes admission to MSU Colleges and majors.

Transfer students with strong academic backgrounds in math and science are encouraged to apply to MSU to pursue a Kinesiology degree within the College of Education. All Kinesiology students will be required to complete a series of required courses. You can see those requirements by using the updated Advising Guides.

Completing equivalent courses prior to applying to Michigan State is highly encouraged.  The KIN-specific courses can be completed after admission to MSU. Transfer students should refer to the information at www.transfer.msu.edu to find the MSU equivalencies for classes completed at other institutions. Additional information about the major and cognate areas related to career interests can be found in the Degree Requirements section of this website.

MSU Students

Kinesiology majors must complete all degree requirements in order to graduate.

• Students must complete 120 credits in total, including elective credits
• Students must complete all major requirements as listed in the academic program. You can see the program requirements on the Registrar site.

Changing your Major after Admission to MSU

MSU students may declare Kinesiology (KIN) as their major at any time; you’ll find information about how to change your major online or at any of the Neighborhood Engagement Centers. New and prospective KIN majors should meet with an academic advisor prior to completing the major change request form. You can schedule an advising appointment with a KIN advisor online or check the website for drop-in advising times.

Repeating Courses to Meet Kinesiology Admission Requirements

Some students need to repeat courses to meet Kinesiology requirements. As noted in the MSU Academic Programs Catalog, an undergraduate student may repeat no more than 20 credits in courses in which grades below 2.0 were received. Students who accumulate repeat credits while attempting to meet requirements for Kinesiology should carefully consider whether it will be possible for them to complete the Kinesiology degree without exceeding the 20-credit limit. Students should investigate the rigorous courses required for this major, and consider whether they are well-aligned with their interests and abilities. We want all students to be successful at MSU, and that means making an informed choice about a major. We encourage all KIN students to meet with their advisors on a regular basis.

Completing Requirements for Admission to KIN Upper School at other Institutions

Equivalent course work at other institutions for many of the Kinesiology courses have been approved for transfer to MSU (see the searchable database for MSU transfer course equivalencies). Only courses that transfer as approved equivalents of specific MSU courses may be used to satisfy KIN degree requirements.

Students may transfer courses from two-year institutions for credit until they reach 56 credits (junior standing). After achieving junior standing, courses can be transferred to satisfy requirements; however, the course credit will not transfer (that is, a course taken at a two-year institution can be transferred to satisfy an admission or degree requirement, but the credits will not transfer and will not count toward the 120 credit total required to earn a degree at MSU). Courses approved for transfer and taken at four-year institutions may be transferred with course credit before or after a student has reached 56 credits. Only courses in which a grade of 2.0 or better has been earned can be transferred to MSU.   

MSU students may attend other institutions as Guest Students for short periods while earning credit for transfer to MSU. Students planning to attend accredited Michigan institutions should use the Michigan Uniform Undergraduate Guest Application. Students who wish to attend non-Michigan institutions should obtain application forms from the host institution. 

Students are responsible for initiating the transfer of courses taken elsewhere to MSU. Please refer to the MSU Registrar’s Website for guidelines and requirements regarding Guest Student Application and transfer of courses back to the University.

Students Returning to MSU to Complete Bachelor Degrees

The requirements for Kinesiology majors is noted in the University Academic Programs Catalog.  All students in the department must complete the listed requirements.

Any MSU student who returns to complete the Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology more than five years from the date last attended will be held to current program requirements, including successful completion of the department foundational core courses. 

For additional information, please contact an undergraduate academic advisor.