M.A. or M.Ed./professional studies?
The School of Kinesiology offers two types of master’s degree programs: the M.A. (academic) through the Graduate School and the M.Ed. (applied) through the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). Here is information that can help you choose the program that's right for you.
Preferred performance levels for admission
Master of arts (M.A.)
Students admitted typically have interests in improving their professional practice, studying theory, developing research skills, and possibly pursuing a doctoral degree.
The preferred performance levels of the applicants we seek are:
- A preferred minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Preferred GRE scores of 500 or higher on the verbal and quantitative components.
- An English proficiency test score (if a non-native English speaker) of 550 (213 on the computer-based test, 79 on the Internet-based test) or higher for the TOEFL.
Other program requirements include:
- A School of Kinesiology application
- A goal statement or statement of purpose (goals and interests)
- Transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- A writing sample
Students must apply to both the Graduate School and the School of Kinesiology.
Master of education (M.Ed.)/professional studies in applied kinesiology
Students admitted typically have interests in improving their current professional practice and applying their education to their present work responsibilities. The M.Ed. is a professional, graduate-level degree that emphasizes applied coursework and requires completion of a field-based experience.
The preferred performance levels of the applicants we seek include:
- A preferred minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale).
- No GRE test required.
- An English proficiency test score (if a non-native English speaker) of 550 (213 on the computer-based test) or higher for TOEFL, 80 or higher for the MELAB, or 6.5 or higher for the IELTS.
Other program requirements include:
- A CEHD M.Ed. application
- A goal statement or statement of purpose (goals and interests)
- A resume
- Official transcripts
Students apply to CEHD Student Services.
Application process
Master of arts (M.A.)
All M.A. programs are administered by the University of Minnesota Graduate School.
Applying to the Graduate School
Application deadline is December 15 for fall.
Master of education (M.Ed.)/professional studies in applied kinesiology
All M.Ed. programs are administered by the College of Education and Human Development.
Application for admission—M.Ed./professional studies
Application deadlines are March 1 for summer, July 1 for fall, November 1 for spring.
Program requirements
Master of arts (M.A.)
Final project, paper, or examination
The master's degree is offered under two plans: Plan A, requiring a thesis, and Plan B, which substitutes additional coursework and special projects for the thesis. Both plans require a final oral exam before an examining committee.
Registration requirement
Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits. At least 60 percent of the coursework (excluding thesis credits) must be taken as a registered University of Minnesota Graduate School student.
Master's Plan A students must enroll for a minimum of 10 thesis credits (8777) before receiving the degree.
Transfer credits
With approval of the adviser, director of graduate studies in the major, and Graduate School, the transfer of up to 40 percent of the degree program coursework may be permitted.
GPA requirement
A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for coursework included on any official master’s degree program form.
Master of education (M.Ed.)/professional studies in applied kinesiology
Final project, paper, or examination
Each M.Ed. program involves a culminating experience in the form of a project, paper, or examination.
M.Ed. credit requirements
All M.Ed. students must complete at least 30 graduate-level semester credits to qualify for the degree.
Transfer credits
With adviser approval, students may apply graduate-level coursework taken at an accredited institution other than the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities toward their M.Ed. program. A maximum of eight semester credits may be transferred. Transfer credits from other institutions must have been taken after the completion of the undergraduate degree
GPA requirement
Students must maintain a 2.80 grade point average (GPA) throughout their program; individual programs may have higher minimums. All GPA requirements for student teaching, internships, and graduation are computed using University of Minnesota-Twin Cities coursework only.
Tuition
Master of arts (M.A.)
A limited number of assistantships may be offered by a department or program. These provide a waiver of some or all tuition. Contact individual program areas and see Scholarships and awards available through the College.
Master of education (M.Ed.)/professional studies in applied kinesiology
Updated May 2009