Master of Science in Kinesiology
Discover the intricacies of human movement with our Master in Kinesiology graduate program. Our comprehensive curriculum embraces a cross-disciplinary approach and equips students with essential research skills for impactful scientific inquiry and delves into various subdisciplines of kinesiology.
Students tailor their experience by selecting an emphasis and collaborating closely with faculty for intensive research opportunities.
Explore our Master of Kinesiology emphasis areas:
Our Master of Science in kinesiology with an emphasis in biomechanics focuses on the mechanical basis of whole-body motion, gait, movement patterns and performance. Graduates gain are trained in the scientific basis of human performance using a first principles approach that has application across the fields of strength and conditioning, performance development, rehabilitation, ergonomics, orthopedics, physical therapy, footwear and sports equipment design.
Biomechanics Faculty
Graci Finco, Ph.D, CPO
Peter Weyand, Ph.D
Biomechanics Research
Our Master of Science in Kinesiology with an exercise physiology emphasis seeks to study the science, research and practical aspects of human movement physiology and is designed to ready students for advanced studies, research positions and careers related to exercise and health.
The coursework offers a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied physiology, along with research methods exploring various topics such as:
- Effects of community-based behavior change programs on metabolic and physiological markers associated with chronic disease risk.
- Influence of acute and chronic exercise on immunological function/response in various populations (athletes, elderly persons, etc.).
- Use of exercise, particularly resistance exercise, as a means of reducing the risk of diseases associated with inactivity (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, etc.) through the study of cellular and molecular mechanisms.
Physiology Faculty
Exercise Physiology Research
Our Master of Science in kinesiology with an exercise psychology emphasis is for students who want to learn about the psychological aspects of participating in physical activities, especially in recreation, exercise and physical education. The coursework offers a strong foundation in exercise psychology, research methods and their practical applications. Graduates can apply these principles in schools and with the active general population through advanced studies, employment in schools and careers related to exercise and health.
This degree involves researching the following topics in depth:
- Effects of physical activity in the school setting on academic performance and character development.
- Use of increased recess and the restructuring of the school day as interventions to improve the development and physical well-being of children.
- Exploring how to make exercise more enjoyable by targeting cognitive and emotional
factors through attentional interventions.
Exercise Psychology Faculty
Exercise Psychology Research
Our Master of Science in kinesiology with an emphasis on motor control explores how movements are coordinated, controlled and learned. This field draws from academic disciplines like neuroscience, biomechanics and experimental psychology and applies this knowledge to areas such as physical education, kinesiology, rehabilitation and human factors engineering. Graduates can pursue careers in movement-related fields or continue to doctoral studies.
This degree involves researching the following topics in depth:
- Effects of support surface angle and balance training on postural control in upright standing.
- Role of movement variability during functional tasks in healthy and injured populations.
Motor Control Faculty
Motor Control Research
The MS emphasis in Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Disease at TCU is a research-intensive graduate program designed to prepare students to become leaders in the fields of health science, human performance, and chronic disease prevention. This interdisciplinary program integrates advanced study in body composition, energy balance, eating behaviors, and the application of artificial intelligence in health and chronic disease management. Students will explore how these domains intersect with sport performance, public health, and lifestyle medicine to improve outcomes across diverse populations.
Students will engage in rigorous coursework and hands-on research that emphasizes:
- Mechanisms and interventions related to obesity, metabolic disease, and cardiovascular health
- The role of nutrition and physical activity in disease prevention and management
- AI-driven tools for health monitoring, behavior prediction, and personalized interventions
- Appetite regulation, eating behavior analysis, and nutritional psychology
- Translational research in tactical populations, athletes, and clinical populations
The program is ideal for students seeking to pursue doctoral studies or careers in applied research, clinical practice, or industry innovation.
Nutrition, Physical Activity, & Chronic Disease Faculty
Austin Graybeal, Ph.D.
Nutrition, Physical Activity, & Chronic Disease Research
Study of Human Anthropometry, Physiology, & Energy (SHAPE) Lab
Our Master of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sport Psychology blends theory, research, and applied practice to explore the connection between psychological and physical aspects of athletic performance. Grounded in the scientist-practitioner model, the program offers interdisciplinary training in both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of sport psychology. Students gain hands-on experience through active involvement in research and applied work, and they have the opportunity to complete a portion of the coursework and begin accumulating mentored hours toward becoming a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). This program emphasizes research-based learning, providing students with a strong foundation in scientific inquiry and evidence-based practice. Graduates are equipped to become mental performance consultants, pursue doctoral training, or enter related fields focused on performance and well-being.
Sport Psychology Faculty
Sport Psychology Research
Upon completion of the master’s degree, students gain the ability to devise solutions for practical challenges and research inquiries across kinesiology disciplines. They learn to seamlessly integrate movement-based principles into diverse settings including laboratories, educational, clinical and athletic environments. Graduates of this program will be well-prepared for roles such as:
- Clinical Research Coordinator or Scientist in academic, hospital, or industry settings
- Health Data Analyst or Health Applications Specialist
- Exercise Physiologist
- Wellness Program Director
- Mental Performance Consultant
- Nutrition and Health Behavior Consultant
- Public Health Specialist
- Doctoral Studies