The MS in physical activity track is for those already certified, or have a BS, in fields like: athletic training, biomechanics, exercise physiology, strength and conditioning (CSCS/PES), and personal training. Specifically, the program is for students looking to obtain an entry-level research experience in exercise science via Plan A Thesis or Plan B. Research topics are in fields like athletic training, biomechanics, and exercise physiology.

The MS in adapted physical activity track is geared more towards those who are teaching physical education or working with individuals with disabilities in activity settings. The program is for students looking to obtain practical knowledge and experience working with individuals with disabilities and gain entry-level research experience via Plan A or Plan B. Research topics are focused on adapted physical activity.

Student will move onto careers based on their individual certifications. Students typically move into clinical positions in secondary schools, colleges/universities, or professional sports. Since there is an emphasis on research and master’s plan A thesis development, the program also is designed for those looking to pursue a doctoral PhD in their respective fields.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must have graduated from an accredited, four-year institution of higher education recognized by the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM), prior to beginning the MS, Kinesiology & Rehabilitation Science: Physical Activity or Adapted Physical Activity (PA/APA) program.
• An Undergraduate Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Note: The GRE is no longer required for admission to this program, effective for Fall 2023. The GRE is required for PhD programs only, and scores cannot be older than five years from the application deadline.

Application Requirements

• Submit the Graduate Division application & transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended
• Upload supplemental documents listed:
  • A written cover letter.  (E.g. 1-2 page statement of objectives as part of your application; focusing on research and/or future career goals)
    • • Why are you interested in the program? What about the MS KRS program made you say “I’ve got to apply!”?
      • What 2-3 experiences connect your skills to those listed in the position? What made you say “I can do that!”?
      • What final point do you want to make?
  • Your resume or CV
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation

International Student Considerations

• Applicants who are not native English speakers may need to take the TOEFL or IELTS (Academic) tests. For more information view the Graduate Division website.
• International students are required to submit a copy of their Identification documents (i.e. Passport or Identification Card)
• Upon admission, international applicants will need to show proof of sufficient funding to cover all educational and living expenses in order to enroll

Information on graduate program tuition and fees can be found at the Office of the Registrar website.

There are many resources available to help graduate students pay for college, including College of Education scholarships. There are also several scholarships listed generally through the STAR website (this is only accessible to students with a valid UH ID number – you must be admitted as a student prior to looking for scholarships on STAR) and the Financial Support section of the Graduate Division website. For more information on financial aid and additional resources, please visit the UH Manoa Financial Aid Office.

Project ALOHA Grant Funded Opportunity: Available for the Adapted Physical Activity concentration only. See APA information below for more details.

KRS courses are offered as live, hybrid, and fully online via the Manoa campus. Courses are scheduled within the standard UHM semester. The program typically takes 2-years to complete.

The Master of Science in Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science is a 30-credit program.

Core Courses (6 credits-both required)

• KRS 673: Research Methods in KRS
• KRS 640: Seminar in Physical Activity

Concentration Courses & Culminating Degree Requirement: Courses and culminating degree requirement options are dependent upon the program concentration the student is accepted into (MS PA or APA). Please refer to Program Sheet for specific courses by chosen concentration area or review each concentration info below.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)

SLO1: Understand and Explain content in movement and pedagogy.

SLO2:  Represent and communicate content knowledge to make it comprehensible to learners (i.e., pedagogical content knowledge).

SLO3: Understand processes and methods of systematic intentional inquiry about learning and teaching in physical activity.

SLO4: Demonstrate understanding and application of content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge appropriate to the learners, the learning environment and long- and short-term outcomes/goals.

SLO5: Demonstrate integration of planning, instruction and assessment as a unified process to achieve long- and short-term outcomes/goals.

SLO6: Demonstrate differentiation of instruction based on personal and cultural characteristics of learners particularly persons of color and Native Hawaiians.

SLO7: Demonstrate systematic inquiry about the practice and the learners served.

SLO8: Understand processes and methods of systematic intentional inquiry about learning and teaching in physical activity.

SLO9: Conduct inquiry into professional knowledge and practice, and communicate results of inquiry to the profession and community.

SLO10: Continue personal development through contributions to the growth and professional learning of others.