Graduate Program Application Procedures

1. Steps for Applying to the Graduate School

To apply to the Graduate School, access the Graduate School application web page. Read the information on the application procedure. The link to the online application is at the bottom of the page. At the bottom of the first page of the application, you must select a major. You will select one of four options Kinesiology MS, Kinesiology MS-nonthesis, Kinesiology PhD. or Kinesiology Nondegree. Once you select one of these options, you will be asked to select a specialization. If you are applying for a master’s degree program, select Kinesiology MS or Kinesiology MS-nonthesis. The MS programs are research-oriented programs designed for students who want an in-depth research experience that involves completing a thesis. If you are interested in continuing for the PhD at UGA or another institution, you should select this option. The specializations available for Kinesiology MS are: biomechanics, exercise physiology, exercise psychology, measurement, motor behavior, pedagogy, and sport management and policy. The MS-non-thesis programs are professional programs designed for students who do not plan to conduct research as part of their career and do not plan to continue for a Ph.D. The specializations available for the MS-nonthesis are: athletic training, clinical exercise physiology, general exercise science, motor behavior (adapted physical education), pedagogy and sport management and policy. Students interested in a doctoral program should select Kinesiology PhD. Specializations available include biomechanics, exercise physiology, exercise psychology, measurement, motor behavior, pedagogy, and sport management and policy. If you are interested in athletic training or exercise epidemiology, please contact a faculty member with expertise in your area of interest prior to completing the application. If you are not interested in completing a degree, but only in taking some courses, you should select the Kinesiology Nondegree option.

Follow all the steps for submitting your online application, registration fee, transcripts (using the transcript request form), test scores and three letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation should be electronically submitted as described in the online Graduate School application.

1. Make arrangements to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) test if you have not already done so. The GRE is required for all graduate students and the scores should be sent directly to the Graduate School.
2. International applicants whose primary language in not English must also arrange to take the Internet-Based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which includes a speaking of English score. The English speaking score is required if applying for an assistantship. Have your scores sent directly to the Graduate School.

When your file is complete you will receive confirmation from the Graduate School.

2. Steps for Applying to the Department of Kinesiology

Send electronic copies in Word or Adobe pdf format as e-mail attachments to Melissa Farmer, kins@uga.edu. If you are interested in an assistantship, the Application for Graduate Assistantship form (below) should be filled out online, and submitted electronically (using the Submit by E-mail button).

Application for Graduate Assistantship

Purpose Statement: In a typed statement describe your interest in Kinesiology, graduate education goals, and career objectives.

Research Interests:If you are applying for entrance into a thesis program (M.S. or Ph.D.), provide a brief statement of your research interests.

Interest in The University of Georgia: In an attached statement, indicate why you are applying to the graduate program in Kinesiology at UGA (e.g., reputation of program, to work with a particular professor, recommended by friend or college professor, location of University, etc.).

Vita/Resume: In a resume or vita summarize your work experience, certifications held, college distinctions (honors, scholarships, activities), title of Master’s Thesis (if applicable), experience with computer use and research, and professional publications and presentations.

When your file is complete, it will be reviewed by the Department and a recommendation on admission will be made to the Graduate School. They, in turn, will send out the official acceptance or denial letter. A student may not register for classes unless they have been notified of admission by the Graduate School.

Departmental assistantships are chosen once a year for the coming academic year. Students with an assistantship must be enrolled during the academic year. Applications are reviewed starting around February 1. Usually 80% of the assistantships are awarded during the month of March and the remainder during April. A prospective graduate student cannot be awarded a teaching or research assistantship until he/she has been admitted to a degree program in the University.

All other financial aid information can be requested from the Office of Student Financial Aid at their web site: http://www.uga.edu/osfa/

The following deadlines are in effect for completed admission files (all materials):

Decisions concerning admission into the Kinesiology Department are made in February, March or April for Summer or Fall Semester admittance. Students are rarely admitted to start in the spring semester.

The deadline for receipt of applications for admission and for an assistantship is February 1. The deadline to be admitted and not considered for an assistantship is April 1. Applications received after April 1 are rarely considered.

International Applicants
February 1 to be admitted and considered for an assistantship. March 1 to be admitted.

If you have any questions or problems, please contact Melissa Farmer, Department of Kinesiology (706-542-4378, kins@uga.edu).