How to Apply

The major objectives of the masters programs in Kinesiology and Health Promotion are twofold. First, every student is to acquire knowledge of sound scholarly procedures so that professional literature may be properly evaluated and significant findings incorporated into the work of the professional. Second, the program will permit the student to study indepth a specialized area. Areas of concentration can be developed in biomechanics, exercise physiology, health promotion, physical education – teaching and coaching, and sport leadership.

Requirements for Admission

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with adequate preparation in health, physical education, or related fields. Each program has certain undergraduate course prerequisites to meet. Deficiencies will be determined by the program faculty of the specialized area chosen by the student.
2.  A minimum of 2.75 undergraduate grade point average (4.0=A) on all work attempted.
3. The Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion will not require GRE scores for the current recruiting cycle for all KHP graduate programs. Applicants who do not submit GRE scores will be given full consideration and not be penalized. Those who have taken the GRE and wish to submit their scores may do so. All applicants are evaluated holistically. Please note that some university level fellowships and/or college level scholarships may require GRE scores for consideration. For questions on this new policy, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies (melinda.ickes@nulluky.edu).
4. International applicants whose native language is not English must submit either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. The University of Kentucky requires a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based). For IELTS, a minimum mean band score of 6.5 is required.Duolingo scores will also be accepted for all international applicants for the 2021-2022 academic year. Only Duolingo English Test scores with sub scores will be accepted, that is tests taken after July 15, 2019. The minimum score will be 115, and students recommended for admission may also be interviewed by a CESL evaluator. Students may be recommended to take ESL courses if there are language deficiencies.
5. Three letters of recommendation are required.*
   *For application to the Biomechanics program only: A total of 3 reference letters are required, with a minimum of 2 out of 3 of these letters being submitted by someone with a terminal degree (i.e. Ph.D., M.D., Ed.D., etc.).

Note: Requirements for admission to the Master’s program in Exercise Physiology differ from the other programs. Those requirements are listed on that program page.

The Ed.D. is a professional degree program designed to prepare educators to assume teaching and research leadership roles in schools, colleges, universities, and other agencies. The Ed.D. is conceived as an interdisciplinary program; coursework is required in KHP, Education, and in other departments outside the College of Education. Current faculty strengths permit a student to concentrate studies in either Physical Education Teaching or in Health Promotion.

Requirements for Admission

1. A master’s degree or 30 semester hours of approved graduate course work with a 3.0 (out of 4.0=A) grade point average.
2. The Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion will not require GRE scores for the current recruiting cycle for all KHP graduate programs. Applicants who do not submit GRE scores will be given full consideration and not be penalized. Those who have taken the GRE and wish to submit their scores may do so. All applicants are evaluated holistically. Please note that some university level fellowships and/or college level scholarships may require GRE scores for consideration. For questions on this new policy, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies (melinda.ickes@nulluky.edu).
3. A sample of scholarly writing is to be submitted to the Director of Graduate Studies.
4. International applicants whose native language is not English must submit either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. The University of Kentucky requires a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based). For IELTS, a minimum mean band score of 6.5 is required.Duolingo scores will also be accepted for all international applicants for the 2021-2022 academic year. Only Duolingo English Test scores with sub scores will be accepted, that is tests taken after July 15, 2019. The minimum score will be 115, and students recommended for admission may also be interviewed by a CESL evaluator. Students may be recommended to take ESL courses if there are language deficiencies.
5. Three (3) letters of recommendation are required.

The major goal of the Ph.D. Program in Exercise Science is to provide education to qualified students so that they will have a better understanding of the full spectrum of exercise science, as well as an in-depth knowledge of one specific area or discipline. Graduates of the program will be able to conduct exercise science related research, teach at the university level, direct discipline specific education programs, and collaborate with other professionals on various issues pertaining to exercise science and health related topics.

Objectives of the proposed program are to:

• provide a multidisciplinary doctoral program in exercise science with coordinated and expanded course offerings to meet the varied needs and interests of students wishing to pursue a research and/or academic career in the exercise science areas of exercise physiology, biomechanics, and motor control.
• develop scientific expertise and knowledge of resources which will enable students to conduct independent research in their given area of expertise.
• foster cooperative interdisciplinary research.
• provide opportunities for critical interdisciplinary evaluation of current research trends.
• participate in guided research projects of sufficiently complex scope and design to prepare students for conducting their own research.
• prepare leaders to educate others in the area of exercise science.

Requirements for Admission

1. A Master’s degree or graduate level professional (e.g. M.D.) degree from a fully accredited institution of higher learning. The Graduate School of the University of Kentucky requires an overall grade point of 3.0 on all prior graduate work and a 2.75 from undergraduate work.
2. The Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion will not require GRE scores for the current recruiting cycle for all KHP graduate programs. Applicants who do not submit GRE scores will be given full consideration and not be penalized. Those who have taken the GRE and wish to submit their scores may do so. All applicants are evaluated holistically. Please note that some university level fellowships and/or college level scholarships may require GRE scores for consideration. For questions on this new policy, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies (melinda.ickes@nulluky.edu).
3. Students who have not written a Master’s level thesis will be required to submit an example of their research writing. A literature review or project from a completed class are acceptable examples for submission for application. Special circumstances will be considered at the discretion of the applicant’s designated potential advisor.
4. International applicants whose native language is not English must submit either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. The University of Kentucky requires a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based). For IELTS, a minimum mean band score of 6.5 is required.Duolingo scores will also be accepted for all international applicants for the 2021-2022 academic year. Only Duolingo English Test scores with sub scores will be accepted, that is tests taken after July 15, 2019. The minimum score will be 115, and students recommended for admission may also be interviewed by a CESL evaluator. Students may be recommended to take ESL courses if there are language deficiencies.
5. Letters of recommendation are required (3-4 depending on program area). Please see application page for more information.