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Frequently Asked Questions

Applying:

How do I apply to Kinesiology?

As an incoming freshman, you apply to Kinesiology, by selecting Kinesiology on your undergraduate application as the school you’d like to attend. Admission is available for Fall and Winter terms only. Athletic Training, Physical Education and Sport Management majors require a secondary application prior to your sophomore or junior year.

What are the application deadlines?

Fall Term (September through December classes) deadline:

February 1 for Freshmen

March 1 for Transfers

Winter Term (January through April classes) deadline: October 1.

What are my chances being admitted as a freshman?

Your chances for admission are based on a number of factors; academic performance in high school, the types of courses you took and your ‘matching factor’ for Kinesiology. In other words, does what you want to study in college match with our curriculum and how you have demonstrated your interest through courses and activities in high school.

What classes in high school can best prepare me for a degree from Kinesiology?

Depending on the program you're interested in, there are several suggested courses for you to take. For Athletic Training and Movement Science, suggested courses are pre-calculus or calculus, physics, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, biology, psychology, public speaking and English composition courses. For Physical Education, suggested courses are pre-calculus or calculus, physics, anatomy, physiology, psychology, public speaking and English composition. For Sport Management, we suggest statistics, economics, marketing, accounting, business, psychology, public speaking and English composition.

Do I need to complete a secondary application to specific majors once I'm accepted in Kinesiology?

You are required to complete a secondary application for three of the programs: Athletic Training, Physical Education and Sport Management. Students apply to Athletic Training during a required course taken winter term usually during freshman year. Students apply to the Sport Management and Physical Education their second term sophomore year. Second level admission into the programs is based upon a number of factors, more fully explained on the Kinesiology web site for each respective program.

Is Kinesiology a good option for pre-professional students (i.e. medical, physical therapy, dental, law, MBA)?

Yes. Many Kinesiology students continue on in school to attend a graduate program of some type, whether it's a physical therapy, physician assistant, medical school or law school, just to name a few. The majors in Kinesiology provide a solid foundation for those students who want to continue on to a professional graduate program. The opportunities for Kinesiology graduates are endless. The course content and the critical thinking skills acquired, opportunities for self-directed learning, working in the research labs, field experiences and internships give Kinesiology graduates an edge when applying to these programs.

Can I talk to an advisor before applying to Kinesiology?

Yes, any of the Kinesiology advisors would be happy to discuss your questions over email, in-person or on the telephone. Reviewing the Kinesiology web site will give you background knowledge.

Does Kinesiology accept advanced placement (AP) credit?

Yes, Kinesiology does accept AP credit. AP credit works differently for every subject. Sometimes it may count as a requirement, other times it may be used toward their general elective credit. For information on tests and scores accepted, please visit the Admissions page on AP credit. Students should discuss their own AP credit and how it counts for them with their advisor at orientation.

What is a credit hour?

A credit hour is what you earn when you take a class. One credit hour usually means that you have spent approximately one hour per week in that course with 3-4 hours of preparation. Most courses at Michigan earn 3-4 credit hours. To graduate with a Movement Science, Sport Management or Athletic Training degree you need 120 credit hours, Physical Education requires 130.

What is the tuition rate based on the number of credit hours I take?

Full Term Tuition and Fees - Effective Fall Term 2007
each student will be assessed the following mandatory fees per full term:

Registration Fee $80.00

Michigan Student Assembly $7.19

Student Legal Services $6.00

School & College Government $1.50

A Health Service Fee of $161 and an Infrastructure Maintenance Fee of $185 is included in all "Full Time" and "First Credit Hour" Tuition Amounts.

If you have changed your plans and do not intend to return to the University for a term and have already registered for classes, you need to disenroll PRIOR to the first day of any term.

Students who register and subsequently withdraw after the term begins will be charged a registration and disenrollment fee of $130. Term withdrawal procedures.

Tuition and Fees are subject to change without notice by the Regents of the University

Kinesiology, Lower Division	Michigan Resident	NON-Michigan Resident
Full time (12-18 credits)	$5,416	$16,543
First Hour	$769	$1,696
Additional Hours	$423	$1,350

Kinesiology, Upper Division	Michigan Resident	NON-Michigan Resident
Full time (12-18 credits)	$6,229	$18,081
First Hour	$837	$1,824
Additional Hours	$491	$1,478

Is Kinesiology more expensive than other colleges or schools at U-M?

Every school at the University of Michigan has slightly different tuition rates. Tuition rates are based on several factors including the size of the school and the instructor/student ratio.

Is financial aid available? Scholarships?

Financial aid is available on a need basis and can be determined by applying for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Board Profile. Most of the undergraduate scholarships are awarded when a student applies to the University (no separate application is necessary for most scholarships). See the U-M Financial Aid web site for more information. Kinesiology has several small monetary awards for current Kinesiology students.

Will I be at an advantage if I'm a Kinesiology student when applying to the Second Level of the Sport Management program?

Students who begin in Kinesiology will have somewhat of an advantage – access to the Kinesiology core classes, an opportunity to get to know the curriculum and the faculty, and the opportunity to work with faculty on projects.

What are the criteria for being accepted into the second level of the Sport Management program?

Students apply for advancement to Level 2 during their sophomore year; if accepted, they begin the program their junior year.

Advancement in the Sport Management program is selective and based on the following factors:

A. Completion of the following prerequisite courses:

SM 101: Public Speaking and Interpersonal Communication

SM 111: Historical and Sociological Bases of Human Movement;

MOVESCI 110: Biological and Psychological Bases of Human Movement;

SM 203: Introduction to Sport Management

ENGLISH 125: English Composition;

ENGLISH 225: Argumentative Writing; and

PSYCH 111: Introduction to Psychology;

B. Significant progress toward the completion of the following foundation courses:

ECON 101: Principles of Economics I

ECON 102: Principles of Economics II

ACC 271: Accounting Principles or equivalent

STATS 100: Introduction to Statistical Reasoning or equivalent

C. Completion of at least 54, and no more than 75, semester hours of credit by fall term of the junior year, including prerequisites and completion of distribution requirements;

D. A strong overall record of academic achievement in college course work (although there is no minimum grade point average required, applicants who are competitive for advancement in the program will typically present a "B" average or better in prerequisite and distribution course work); and demonstrated interest and experience in the field of sport management as reflected in the application questions.

E. Students who wish to transfer (cross-campus or external) into Kinesiology’s Sport Management Program must also apply through the University’s Office of Admissions.

Do I have to take ECON 101, ECON 102, ACC 271 or 471, STATS 100 or 350 to be accepted into the Sport Management program?

These courses are strongly encouraged. The Sport Management faculty feel strongly that these courses provide the foundation necessary for students to understand and learn the concepts which will be presented in the curriculum and will greatly increase success in the Second Level courses. Exposure to, and performance in, these courses will be considered in the application.

Transferring from within U-M's Ann Arbor campus

Will Kinesiology accept credits from other U-M schools and colleges?

Yes, Kinesiology accepts credits from other U-M schools and colleges. There are a few specific exceptions which you can discuss with your OSS advisor.

I've been accepted to another school at U-M. Can I transfer to Kinesiology before my freshman year?

If you would like be considered for admission to the School of Kinesiology, please contact a Kinesiology Admissions Counselor at 734-764-7433 to discuss the possibility of updating your application.

How do I transfer into Kinesiology from another U of M School?

During your second semester at U of M in another unit, you can apply for a “cross campus transfer.” You must complete two semesters or one year in your first unit before transferring (enrolling) in another unit. If it’s before the March 1 deadline, you can complete an online application found on the Undergraduate Admissions web site. If it’s after March 1, you will need to complete a paper copy either by downloading a copy of the application from the Undergraduate Admissions website or by picking one up at the Undergraduate Admissions Office, 1220 Student Activities Building. Admission is based upon number of factors including prior academic performance, progress towards meeting degree requirements and a good match factor for Kinesiology. Admission is competitive and consideration for Kinesiology requires a minimum (GPA) of 3.0. Cross Campus U of M general guidelines are significantly different from entering guidelines.

Will Kinesiology courses transfer into other U-M schools and colleges?

All Kinesiology 100 level courses transfer to LSA and some Kinesiology courses transfer to other U-M schools and colleges. The School of Literature, Science and Arts accepts MVS 110 (Intro to Movement Science), SM 101 (Public Speaking), and SM 111 (Historical and Sociological Basis of Sport). See the LSA bulletin for a complete listing.

Transferring from another university or college

Can I take courses at a community college?

Yes, you can take courses at a community college. Kinesiology will accept up to 60 hours of community college credit from new community college transfers. As a freshman, once you start at U-M, you are eligible to take courses at a community college until you reach 54 credit hours. You should check with your OSS advisor to see what classes transfer into U of M.

Will Kinesiology accept transfer credit from other colleges/universities?

Yes, Kinesiology will accept transfer credit from other colleges/universities. We will accept up to 70 credits from a four year school or 60 credits from a 2 year school. As students approach graduation, 24 of the last 30 credits must be taken at the Ann Arbor campus. (Transfer credit is considered out of residence, credit at U-M is considered in residence.) Students should be aware that not all credits are transferable and should carefully plan their academic paths. For more information consult the LSA page on Transfer Credit/Course Equivalencies or contact the U-M Credit Evaluators in 1220 Student Activities Building or Kinesiology OSS.

Life in Kinesiology

What does the "best of both worlds" mean?

The best of both worlds means that as a Kinesiology student, you get the combined advantages of a close-knit, small school while drawing upon all the resources of a larger university. Because students take about half of their courses outside of Kinesiology, they get the opportunity to experience courses in other disciplines and get a balanced liberal arts education as well.

What is the difference between my faculty advisor and the Office of Student Services?

Our faculty advisors provide input regarding the content of the curriculum as well as career mentoring. The OSS advisors are generalists who also act as liaisons for our students with the rest of the university. The OSS goal is to guide and counsel students throughout their academic career. We strive to present a student-friendly environment designed to meet all student needs.

When do I get a faculty advisor? Who is my faculty advisor?

Once a student is admitted into the program and has selected a program of study or major, he or she will be assigned a faculty advisor. This process usually begins at the end of their sophomore year. Please see our undergraduate advising list.

Do professors teach courses or are some taught by graduate student instructors (GSI's)?

Most Kinesiology courses are taught by professors. The Introduction to Movement Science course is the exception, as it is sometimes taught by GSI’s. This course is taught in three parts, biomechanics, motor control and exercise physiology, and each part is taught by a GSI from that specific discipline. For example, the Biomechanics portion would be taught by a PhD student in biomechanics.

What is the faculty to student ratio?

Approximately 1:25

What is the average class size?

Most Kinesiology classes have 30-40 students. Classes outside of Kinesiology tend to be larger. First year writing courses and first year seminars tend to be smaller.

What are the typical freshman courses?

Every Kinesiology student is required to take the following classes*:

ENGLISH 125

MOVESCI 110

SM 101

SM 111

PSYCH 111

ENGLISH 225 (sophomore year)

Distribution courses for all majors

* specific course additions for specific majors apply

Other required first year courses vary by program requirements -- please refer to the specific program of interest.

What are distribution credits and how many do I need?

The Kinesiology distribution categories are as follows: Humanities (HU); Social Sciences (SS); and Natural Sciences (NS). The number of distribution requirements vary per undergraduate degree in Kinesiology.

When do I declare my program of study? Major?

All undergraduate students in Kinesiology select one of our programs: Athletic Training, Movement Science, Physical Education, or Sport Management. Many students declare an interest in an academic plan at the time of enrollment, and all are encouraged to choose a program of study be the end of their second year. All students in Kinesiology can do an approved minor. However, the Physical Education program is the only one that requires a minor. Physical Education teachers must complete at least one concentration and one minor to be certified to teach.

Can I get Kinesiology credit for studying abroad?

Most students elect to take distribution credit while studying abroad, so it’s important to plan early and discuss your plans with your advisor. Few courses can be taken for professional or concentration credit, meaning, courses that are specific to your major. For example, an Exercise Physiology or Sport Management course would have to be evaluated and approved by the faculty before a student takes the course if it is to fulfill a requirement of a specific program of study. See your advisor for more information on course evaluation.

Does Kinesiology have an honors program? Are there specific requirements for admission to the program?

Movement Science has an honors program, it offers qualified students advanced coursework and independent research opportunities in biomechanics, motor control, or exercise physiology. Students must have a commitment to the pursuit of strong academic goals. Movement Science honors students will complete a rigorous curriculum consisting of the movement science coursework, advanced coursework, independent study, and a senior honors thesis. Qualified students are invited to join the MVS honors program.

Students in other Kinesiology majors with advanced skills may work with a faculty member to complete a senior honors thesis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Applying:

Transferring from within U-M's Ann Arbor Campus

Transferring from Another University or College

Life in Kinesiology

Applying:

Transferring from within U-M's Ann Arbor campus

Transferring from another university or college

Life in Kinesiology