M.S. in Kinesiology

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 80

1. Academic Qualifications:

• Applicants should have completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
• A minimum overall percentage of 83-86 or its equivalent is typically required for admission.

2. English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: An overall score of at least 6.5 with no individual band score below 6.0.
• TOEFL iBT: A minimum overall score of 79 is often required.

3. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) / Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT):

• GRE (Graduate Record Examination): A GRE score of 310 is required.

4. Score reporting required.

Mississippi State University (MSU) recognizes the importance of providing financial assistance to international students to help them pursue their higher education goals. The university offers a variety of scholarships to support the academic achievements and contributions of international students. These scholarships are designed to recognize excellence, diversity, and leadership. 

1. Global Excellence Scholarship: The Global Excellence Scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international students based on their academic merit. This scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance in their previous studies. The scholarship amount varies and is renewable based on maintaining a specified GPA.

2. International Student Scholarships: MSU offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships consider factors such as academic achievement, leadership potential, and contributions to the campus community. Award amounts and eligibility criteria may vary.

3. Intensive English Institute (IEI) Scholarships: MSU's IEI offers scholarships to international students who enroll in English language programs. These scholarships help students improve their English language skills before pursuing their academic studies at the university.

4. Departmental Scholarships: Various academic departments at MSU offer scholarships to international students who are pursuing specific fields of study. These scholarships are often based on academic performance, research interests, and involvement in departmental activities.

5. Cultural Exchange Scholarships: MSU encourages cultural exchange by offering scholarships to international students from specific countries or regions. These scholarships promote diversity and foster a global learning environment on campus.

6. Graduate Assistantships: International graduate students may have the opportunity to work as research or teaching assistants, which can come with a stipend, tuition waiver, and valuable work experience.

7. External Scholarships: MSU provides information and guidance to international students seeking external scholarships, grants, or funding opportunities offered by government agencies, foundations, and organizations.

Application Process: The application process for scholarships at MSU may vary depending on the scholarship program. Generally, students need to complete their application for admission to the university before they can be considered for scholarships. Some scholarships may require additional essays, letters of recommendation, or a statement of purpose.

Deadlines: Scholarship application deadlines vary and are often aligned with the university's admission application deadlines.

Earning a Master of Science (M.S.) in Kinesiology from Mississippi State University (MSU) opens up a wide array of career opportunities in the field of human movement, exercise science, and physical activity promotion. Graduates are well-prepared to work in diverse settings, promoting health, wellness, and physical performance.  

1. Clinical Exercise Physiologist: Graduates may work in clinical settings, designing exercise programs for individuals with chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes, or obesity. They monitor patients' progress and adjust programs as needed.

2. Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist: In cardiac rehabilitation centers, specialists help patients recovering from heart surgeries or cardiac events regain their cardiovascular health through supervised exercise programs and lifestyle modifications.

3. Sports Performance Coach: Graduates can work with athletes at various levels, from high school to professional, to enhance their physical performance. They may focus on strength and conditioning, speed, agility, and injury prevention.

4. Physical Education Teacher: Some graduates become physical education teachers in schools, promoting physical activity and healthy habits among students. They create engaging lesson plans and lead physical education classes.

5. College or University Instructor: Those interested in academia can pursue teaching roles at colleges and universities, educating the next generation of kinesiologists and exercise scientists.

6. Health and Wellness Coach: Health and wellness coaches guide individuals in achieving their fitness and wellness goals. They develop personalized plans and provide ongoing support and motivation.

7. Corporate Wellness Coordinator: Many companies are investing in employee wellness programs to improve productivity and reduce healthcare costs. Graduates may coordinate these programs, organizing fitness challenges, health screenings, and wellness initiatives.

8. Recreation Director: Graduates can work in recreation centers, planning and overseeing recreational activities and programs for individuals of all ages. They ensure that community members have access to opportunities for physical activity and leisure.

9. Exercise Consultant for Older Adults: As the population ages, there is a growing demand for professionals who specialize in designing safe and effective exercise programs for older adults to improve their quality of life and independence.

10. Public Health Educator: Public health educators promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles in communities. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or healthcare providers.

11. Researcher: Graduates interested in research can pursue roles in research institutions, contributing to studies that advance our understanding of exercise science, biomechanics, and human movement.

12. Fitness Center Manager: Fitness center managers oversee the day-to-day operations of gyms and fitness facilities. They ensure equipment maintenance, staff training, and a positive member experience.

13. Athletic Director: In schools or community organizations, athletic directors manage sports programs, including scheduling, budgeting, and compliance with regulations.

14. Biomechanist: Biomechanists study the mechanics of human movement, often using advanced technology like motion capture systems. They may work in sports performance analysis or injury prevention.

15. Nutrition and Wellness Consultant: Graduates with a focus on nutrition can offer dietary guidance and wellness coaching to individuals seeking to improve their health through diet and exercise.

16. Private Practice Exercise Physiologist: Some graduates choose to open their own private practices, offering exercise testing, prescription, and training services to clients.

17. Health Policy Advocate: Those interested in policy can work as advocates for health-related causes, influencing policies that promote physical activity and wellness at the community or national level.

18. Adaptive Physical Education Specialist: These specialists work with individuals with disabilities, tailoring physical education programs to meet their unique needs and abilities.

19. Occupational Health and Safety Specialist: Some graduates may focus on workplace wellness, ensuring that employees have access to safe and ergonomically designed work environments.

20. Healthcare Administrator: Graduates with strong leadership skills may pursue administrative roles in healthcare settings, overseeing wellness and fitness programs within hospitals or healthcare organizations.