MVS and SM Master's FAQs

1. Are there course prerequisites for enrolling in the Movement Science or Sport Management master's programs?
No. There are course requirements for the Athletic Training master's program, though, and they can be found on the AT Admissions page.

2. My undergraduate major was not in Kinesiology, but I am very interested in pursuing a master’s degree in Movement Science or Sport Management. What should I do?
We accept students from all different types of undergraduate majors – we prefer a diverse cohort of students. Sometimes we ask students to take specific courses to help them attain the level of knowledge we would expect to ensure successful completion of our program. There are no specific prerequisite course requirements.

3. Do you have a GPA minimum requirement? All applicants should report their Grade Point Average (GPA) on page 5 of the online application. The GPA should be reported using a standard U.S. four point scale. Applicants who attended an institution outside the United States should follow the instructions to convert their international average grade point to a U.S. four point GPA (see "How to Convert Grades to a U.S. GPA" on the Scholaro website)

4. Do you accept the GRE?
We are no longer requiring or accepting GRE scores for the master's program.

5. Do you have minimum requirements for the TOEFL/IELTS (academic) test scores?
Your Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score should be at least 84. We also accept International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (academic test) scores in place of the TOEFL. The minimum IELTS is 6.5. We require your most recent TOEFL or IELTS from all applicants whose native language is not English, regardless of their educational background.

6. I am an international student. Do I have to submit a TOEFL/IELTS (academic test) score if I received my master’s degree at an English-speaking university?
You must submit your most recent valid TOEFL/IELTS (academic test) score regardless of your educational background or Rackham requirements. There are no exceptions.

7. Is a master's thesis required?
The master's thesis is an option and is not required. However, if you intend to go on for your PhD, it’s strongly recommended.

8. Can I transfer credits toward my program?
Once you have been admitted and complete one successful semester, you can petition to transfer up to 6 credits toward your degree. All transfer credits must be approved by the graduate chair. View Rackham's transfer policy on their website.

9. Does the University of Michigan offer distance learning for the graduate program?
No, we do not offer distance learning for any of our graduate programs.

10. What’s the difference between Rackham Graduate School and the School of Kinesiology?
The School of Kinesiology is one of the 19 schools and colleges at U-M. Our graduate program is co-administered by the Rackham Graduate School. Rackham oversees the requirements and procedures and certifies the admission recommendation as appropriate.

11. How much does it cost to attend graduate school?
View the U-M Financial Aid website estimator tool on the U-M financial aid site.

12. What funding opportunities are available?
Although we do not have assistantships available at the master's level, admitted students can apply for incoming student scholarships. Scholarship information can be found on our Graduate Awards & Funding page.

13. Will I have a faculty advisor?
All admitted students will be assigned a faculty advisor based on their area of interest.

14. How do I view my admissions decision?
You can view application decisions online by following directions outlined on the Rackham admissions page.

15. Should I come visit?
Visiting U-M and the School of Kinesiology is a good idea, so that you can get a feel for the faculty and students, as well as the Ann Arbor area. If you’d like to visit, email Manager of Graduate Student Affairs Charlene Ruloff (kingradcomm@umich.edu) with a convenient day and time. She will set up a meeting and email you the details. Let her know if you would like to meet with current students while you’re here.

We also offer in-person and webinar info sessions. Check our Events page for dates and details.

16. How can I find a place to live?
Previous graduate students have found the University Housing website helpful.

If your question isn't answered on this page, check the Rackham admissions page or email us at kingradcomm@umich.edu.

17. Do you offer application fee waivers?
Based on the following criteria, if you believe you qualify for an application fee waiver, contact kingradcomm@umich.edu. In a brief e-mail, provide proof and explain how you meet all criteria for a fee waiver. Fee waivers are limited and are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Application Fee Waiver Criteria:

1. You have applied for and not received or do not meet the requirements for a Rackham Graduate School Fee Waiver and 
2. You must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident and
3. You have a record of high academic achievement (send unofficial transcript) and
4. You must meet one or more of the following:

• Come from an educational, cultural or geographic background that is underrepresented in a graduate study;
• Have demonstrated a commitment to diversity in the academic, professional, or civic realm through your work experience, volunteer engagement, or leadership of student or community organizations. By diversity, we mean efforts to reduce social, educational or economic disparities based on race, ethnicity or gender, or to improve race relations in the U.S.;
• Are a first generation U.S. citizen or first generation in your family to graduate from a four-year college. 
• Member of one of the following organizations;
  • Gates Millennium Scholars Program (GMS)
  • Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP)
  • Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC)
  • Post-Baccalaureate Research and Education Program (PREP)
  • Public Policy and International Affairs Junior Institute (PPIA)
  • Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (RISE)
  • Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program (McNair)

Please keep in mind race, ethnicity, gender, or national origin may not be used as criteria for requesting an application fee waiver.

• One fee waiver is allowed per applicant. Additional applications submitted by the applicant will require payment of the application fee.
• If you pay the application fee and are approved to receive a fee waiver at a later date, the fee cannot be refunded.

If your question isn't answered on this page, check the Rackham admissions page or email us at kingradcomm@umich.edu. You may also use our question submission form at myumi.ch/L1XKO.