Master of Science
The Master's of Science (MSc) degree is a full-time, thesis-based program, offering student-focused, individualized programs of study and many interdisciplinary opportunities. In this program each student, with the guidance of a supervisor, will decide the research direction and select courses based on their individual area of interest.
This master's program prepares students for a wide variety of advanced career possibilities in the applied health sciences, recreation, kinesiology and sport management.
Interdisciplinary opportunities
Our programs take advantage of our professors' collaborative, interdisciplinary research activities. You will have the opportunity to take courses across the U of A campus and to extend your academic and professional networks beyond those in our own faculty.
Collegial community
We are a relatively small faculty in a big university. You will be able to take advantage of all of the opportunities that a top-100 world ranked university has to offer, along with the benefits of a close-knit, supportive community of peers.
As an MSc student you will:
- hone your analytical skills
- gain in-depth training and understanding in your area of interest
- foster the research skills necessary to have an impact
- benefit from the broad cross-disciplinary approach of our professors
- engage with a collaborative, supportive and collegial peer group
- expand your professional and academic networks
MSc Program Requirements
As a full time MSc student, you will take a minimum of nine credits in fall and winter terms and six credits of thesis registration over the spring and summer terms. Full-time registration is required. Part-time and distance education degrees are not offered at this time.
Because our professors collaborate in research across many faculties, you are not restricted to only taking courses in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation. You may also take courses in other faculties, such as Rehabilitation Medicine, Arts and Science.
Thesis-based students who are admitted and register full-time must register full-time for the remainder of their program (FGSR Graduate Program Manual; Section 6.10). Courses are decided by the supervisor and student in preparation for conducting independent research in an area that will create new knowledge. The choice of course(s) depends on student's previous academic preparation and area(s) of study.
In addition to the thesis, 12 credits (minimum) of coursework including:- KSR 580 - Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Research OR KSR 581 - Scientific Inquiry and Qualitative Research (3 credits each)
- nine credits per fall/winter term; can be a combination of courses and thesis. Typically, all required coursework is completed in the first year of the program with full-time thesis registration to follow
- six credits of thesis registration per spring/summer term
- Ethics and Academic Citizenship Requirement; mandatory for all students
- Professional Development Requirement (8 hours of Professional Development Activities and Individual Development Plan); mandatory for all students admitted September 2016 and onwards
The average time to completion is two and a half to three with four years being the maximum time for completion.
MSc FAQs
The MSc accepts Canadian and international students. You must have a four-year baccalaureate degree, or its academic equivalent, in physical education, kinesiology, recreation or another related degree. An admission grade point average of 3.0 on most 4.0 grading systems or B on most letter grading systems, based on your most recent two years of full-time study (or equivalent).
Yes. Acceptance into the MSc is contingent upon having an academic supervisor. Therefore, it is highly recommended that before you apply you identify and contact a potential academic supervisor from the faculty's list of professors.
The following link provides details concerning the tuition and fees to complete the MSc. In terms of financial support from the faculty, a number of possibilities exist, including funding as a teaching or research assistant or a principal instructor. Learn more about the fees.
Learn about the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation graduate student funding opportunities.
On average a MSc degree will take two and a half to three years to complete.
Contact Graduate Student Programs at KSRgrad.info@ualberta.ca