Kinesiology

fitness
Explore the science of human movement and its impact on health and performance with Iowa State University's Kinesiology graduate program. Our program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in exercise science, sports medicine, rehabilitation, and wellness promotion.
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Our programs are based on a strong mentoring model in which incoming graduate students are linked with their chosen graduate faculty mentor at the time of admission. Our programs are intentionally small to promote close working relationships between faculty and students. Given the diversity of faculty expertise, graduate students may choose from several areas of emphasis: biomechanics, exercise physiology (including metabolic, cardiovascular, and immunology), exercise psychology, motor control, pedagogy, and physical activity/health promotion (including epidemiology). Our laboratories are well equipped to support faculty and student research across these areas of specialization.


Degrees Offered:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
  • Master of Science (M.S.)

Area(s) of Specialization: 

  • Biomechanics
  • Exercise Physiology (including metabolic, cardiovascular, and immunology)
  • Motor Control
  • Exercise Psychology
  • Physical Activity & Health Promotion (including epidemiology)

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 4.0 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 2.0 years (Methods)

Dr. Jason Gillette

gillette@iastate.edu
515-294-8310
Iowa State University
Department of Kinesiology
103J Forker Building
Ames, IA 50011-4008

Learning Goals

  • Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of scholarly literature in the area of study.
  • Form testable hypotheses and articulate research objectives that, when met, will lead to significant contributions to the field of study.
  • Conduct qualitative and/or quantitative research via appropriate acquisition, analysis, and reporting of data.
  • Interpret research results appropriately, integrating them into the existing knowledge in the discipline.
  • Clearly and accurately communicate research findings orally and in writing, and often through the use of images (tables, figures, and other forms of imagery) and electronic or other forms of media.
  • Articulate how the graduate program, including coursework and creative scholarship, fits into life and career goals.
  • Conduct scholarship, in teams or with independence, in ways that consistently demonstrate ethical practice and professionalism.

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

  • Graduate Program Information Sheet
  • Application for Graduate Assistantship
  • Program Requires GRE: No
  • Program Requires GMAT: No
  • Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: Yes

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 560
    TOEFL Internet (iBT)
    79 for exams taken before January 21, 2026; 4.5 for exams taken on or after January 21, 2026
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 56
    Duolingo 115

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

February 1 for fall admission

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions