The Department of Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has a rich history as a pioneer in graduate training and research in exercise, movement and physical activity. Here we offer students the opportunity to study movement, activity and occupation at a variety of levels. We offer both the MS and PhD degrees in specializations that reflect the breadth of the field of Kinesiology: Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Exercise Psychology, Motor Control & Behavior, Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Activity Epidemiology, and Occupational Science. A thesis or dissertation, reflecting the student’s research, is required in these specialty areas (except OT). We also offer a “non-thesis” track of the MS in Kinesiology, a degree that involves advanced coursework in the traditional disciplines within the field
but does not require a thesis. Financial support may be available in the form of assistantships, scholarships, and fellowships. We invite you to explore our website and learn more about the Graduate Program in Kinesiology at UW-Madison.
Graduate Program Areas
The Department of Kinesiology offers a number of graduate degrees. Each of these degrees and specializations, or tracks within a degree, may have unique admission requirements, application procedures and program requirements. Please click on the links below to learn more about each of these program areas.
OCCUPATIONAL SCIENCE & OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
- MS in Occupational Therapy: entry-level professional master’s degree
- OTD in Occupational Therapy: post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree
(These links will take you to the Occupational Therapy program website)
KINESIOLOGY
MS and PhD in Kinesiology
Specializations or tracks within these degrees:
- Biomechanics (MS and PhD)
- Exercise Physiology (MS and PhD)
- Exercise Psychology (Behavioral Aspects of Physical Activity) (MS and PhD)
- Motor Control and Behavior (MS and PhD)
- Physical Activity Epidemiology (MS and PhD)
- Occupational Science (formerly Therapeutic Science) (MS and PhD)
- Non-Thesis Track (MS Only)