Start your journey
Transform lives with movement with a master's in physical activity and health
The Master of Education (MEd) in physical activity and health helps you turn your passion for health and wellness into a meaningful career. You’ll build the knowledge and skills to promote physical activity, prevent chronic disease, and support healthier communities.
With a primarily in-person format and an average class size of 25 students, this program helps you build your network with faculty and peers while you learn. You’ll have the support of both an academic and faculty adviser to support your goals and guide you through the program.
Taught by experts in the field, courses combine the latest research with real-world applications, preparing you to make a difference in schools, healthcare, community organizations, and beyond.
Careers
Graduates of the master's in physical movement and health program go on to work in a variety of roles and settings.
- Health promotion specialist
- Public health educator
- Fitness program director
- Community health professional
- Corporate wellness consultant
- Health policy analysis
- Non-profit program manager
Our graduates have gone on to work in physical activity and health across many organizations, including:
- Nonprofits
- Government agencies
- Hospitals
- Corporate businesses
- Universities and colleges
How to apply
Before applying
Review the MS vs. MEd degree information to ensure you want to apply for the MEd program: A professional and coursework-focused program.
Application deadlines
The School of Kinesiology reviews applications on a rolling basis. Review the deadlines below to be admitted to a specific semester:
- November 1: Spring start
- March first: Summer start
- May 1 (preferred) and July 1 (final): Fall start
Admission requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, exercise science, or a comparable experience
- Undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher
- English language proficiency (nonnative english speakers and/or international students)
- Transfer credit information
- Application fee
Application process
- Apply online
- Submit your application materials
- Statement of purpose for the program, including details on how the application’s experience, education, and goals align with the program (limit 2 pages)
- Resume or CV
- Unofficial transcripts
- Applicants are notified of admission decisions approximately 2-4 weeks after their application is submitted
Tuition
Visit the College of Education and Human Development's 2025-2026 professional program costs page for information on the master's in physical activity and health (MEd) program costs.
Visit OneStop for the most up-to-date tuition information and to understand the full cost of attendance.
Financial aid
- Employer tuition reimbursement
- College of Education and Human Development fellowships and scholarships
- University of Minnesota financial aid opportunities
Visit our funding webpage for additional opportunities.
Request information
Quote from Anna Sneltjes, MEd '25
This program has allowed me to continue working full-time while pursuing my masters degree. The flexibility of the program has been so helpful and the variety of courses offered has allowed me to choose classes that support my current and future professional goals. It was important for me to choose a program that had options for both online and in-person classes as my capacity changes each semester.
Coursework
Students will learn the practices and techniques to effectively educate communities to use physical activity to improve their quality of life. Our coursework-only curriculum dives into areas essential to create change in communities, including:
- Physical activity and health promotion
- Nutrition
- Aging and disease prevention
- Design of health interventions and program planning
This is a highly customizable program where students can take courses that align with their personal and professional goals.
Required coursework
This program requires 30 credits, divided into core courses, electives, and a capstone project. For more information, visit the Graduate Program Catalog.
Certification
The coursework in the physical activity and health MEd program also supports eligibility for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) Exam, furthering your professional development opportunities.
