Health and Kinesiology

Website: https://health.utah.edu/health-kinesiology

The Health and Kinesiology Graduate Programs are rigorous and scholarly programs which provide a broad education in the numerous subdisciplines that comprise health promotion and education. The program comprises one non-thesis focus area, and 4 thesis focus areas:

• Health Education Specialist and Wellness Coaching (MS non-thesis),

• Physical Activity and Well Being,

• Exercise and Disease,

• Cognitive and Motor Neuroscience,

• Behavioral Science & Community Health.

In addition, students can shape their education by taking advantage of a variety of specialized opportunities. Each student's educational program is developed with his/her mentor and Master's committee. The MS degree includes thesis and non-thesis options.

• All applicants must match with an individual faculty mentor.

• It is highly recommended that MS thesis and PhD applicants contact the faculty member with whom they wish to conduct their research prior to submitting the application; faculty members are more likely to accept students to conduct research under their supervision if the applicant's research interests match their own.

• MS thesis applicants who do not match with a faculty mentor may be accepted into the MS non-thesis option, however, you will still need to select a faculty mentor.

• The MS non-thesis option is very practice-oriented and involves field experience, an internship, and a project.

• It is highly recommended that doctoral applicants contact the faculty member with whom they wish to conduct their research prior to submitting the application. Faculty members are more likely to accept students to conduct research under their supervision if the applicant's research interests match their own.

• Applicants to the doctoral program are strongly encouraged to visit the campus for a personal interview with a possible faculty mentor.

Application Procedures: The following items should be submitted directly to the Graduate Admissions Office through the Apply Yourself WebCenter:

• Personal Statement:

MS non-thesis students: Your personal statement should address two points. First, please summarize your prior educational and work experience as they pertain to this degree program. Second, please touch on your aspirations and motivation for applying to this program. Please limit your statement to 500 words.

MS thesis students: Your personal statement should address two points. First, please summarize your prior educational and work experience as they pertain to your intended degree program. Second, expand on your motivation to study with us. Please limit your statement to 500 words.

• Research Statement:

MS-thesis students will submit a research statement. Please address the following in 500 or fewer words. First, identify the research theme and faculty member you would like to study under. Secondly, tell us about your research experience. Lastly, please touch on the types of research questions you would like to address if admitted.

• Letters of Recommendation:

You are required to submit three letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional references who are able to speak to your academic competencies and ability to thrive in graduate school.

• Transcripts:

Transcripts from all universities are required. For the graduate school application, unofficial transcripts are acceptable. If a student is accepted into the graduate program, they will then be notified to send official transcripts directly to the University’s Office of Admissions (http://admissions.utah.edu/apply/graduate).

​​​​​​​Minimum Requirements

• GPA: The University of Utah Graduate School requires that all applicants for graduate degrees have a minimum 3.0 GPA (of maximum 4.0) to be considered for admission. Applications of students with a GPA below 3.0 will not be evaluated. Meeting this minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the graduate program

• GRE Scores: The GRE requirement has been suspended for the 2021 application cycle due to Covid-19. You do not need to submit your scores during the application process.

• TOEFL or IELTS Language Test for International Students: International applicants are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS test. The University of Utah requires a minimum TOEFL score of 80 iBT (550 pBT), or a minimum IELTS band score of 6.5, for an application to be evaluated. International students that have received a Bachelors or Master’s degree from an accredited institution in the United States, Canada (except Quebec), the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand are not required to take the TOEFL exam. More information regarding language proficiency requirements is available at the University’s Office of International Admissions (http://admissions.utah.edu/apply/international/graduate.php).

​​​​​​​Other Application Considerations

• Transfer Credits: A maximum of 6 credit hours may be transferred from another institution, subject to approval of student’s Supervisory Committee (which is described a bit later on).

• Interview: MS thesis and PhD students being strongly considered for acceptance will be asked to participate in an interview (in person or Skype) with faculty. This will likely occur in February or March.

• Back-up Mentor: Upon acceptance MS thesis and PhD students will be assigned a primary mentor and a back-up mentor. We do this for two reasons. First, so that you have a broader direct support system. Second, in case your mentor is no longer able to guide you through the program we want you to have another faculty member who can step right in and assist in your progression.

• Application for Funding: Please contact the Program Manager for applications for funding. Applications are due to the Program Manager on January 30 (MS).