College of Education and Human Development

School of Kinesiology

Which degree is right for me?

MS/MA versus MEd

The School of Kinesiology offers different types of master’s degree programs: The master of science/master of art (MS/MA) which are research based and the master of education (MEd) which is professional based. Here is information that can help you choose the program that's right for you.

Admission requirements

MS/MA

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 are:

  • An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale).
  • An english proficiency test score (if a non-native English speaker) on the TOEFL of 79 or higher on the Internet-based test.

Other program requirements include:

  • Submitted online application
  • A personal statement
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • A writing sample

MEd

Students admitted typically have interests in improving their current professional practice and applying their education to their current or anticipated work responsibilities. The MEd 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 are:

  • An undergraduate GPA minimum (on a 4.0 scale)
    • 3.0 for physical activity and health MEd
    • 2.5 for sport and exercise science MEd
    • 2.5 for sport management MEd
  • An english proficiency test score (if a non-native English speaker) on the TOEFL of 79 or higher on the Internet-based test.

Other program requirements include:

  • Submitted online application
  • A personal statement
  • A resume
  • Unofficial transcripts

Application deadlines

Program requirements

MS/MA

Final project, paper, or examination
The master's degree is offered under two plans: Plan A, requiring a thesis (KIN 8777), and plan B, which substitutes additional coursework and special projects for the thesis (KIN 8995). Both plans require a final oral exam before an examining committee.

Registration requirement
Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits (for MS) and 36 credits (for MA).

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 faculty advisor, the transfer of up to 8 credits of graduate-level coursework (for plan A) or 10 credits of the graduate-level coursework (for plan B) from an accredited institution may be permitted (not including thesis or project credits).

GPA requirement
A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for successful completion of the degree.

Read more about the MS in kinesiology/MA in sport management degrees.

MEd

Final project, paper, or examination
Each MEd program involves a culminating experience in the form of a project, paper, or examination (KIN 5995). No final defense is required.

MEd credit requirements
All MEd students must complete at least 30 graduate-level semester credits to qualify for the degree.

Transfer credits
With advisor approval, students may apply graduate-level coursework taken at an accredited institution other than the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities toward their MEd program. A maximum of 10 grad-level course credits may be transferred. Transfer credits from other institutions must have been taken after the completion of the undergraduate degree.

GPA requirement
A minimum GPA of 2.80 is required for successful completion of the degree.

Read more about the MEd degrees: physical activity and health MEd, sport and exercise science MEd, sport management MEd.

Tuition

MS/MA

Graduate tuition and fees (scroll to the "Graduate and Professional" section)

Scholarships and awards are available through the College and the School.

Graduate assistantships are a way for students to cover some or all of their tuition, receive a stipend, and receive some or all health benefits. A limited number of assistantships may be offered by a department or program.

Graduate assistantship application is due December 1.

MEd

Tuition and fees

Scholarships and awards are available through the College and the School.

Graduate assistantships are not available for MEd students.