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Kinesiology and Lifestyle Medicine (MSH)

The University of North Florida’s M.S. in Kinesiology and Lifestyle Medicine prepares students to become leaders in preventive health, clinical exercise physiology, and wellness-focused care. Grounded in evidence-based practice, this program emphasizes the crucial role of physical activity, nutrition, and behavioral change in preventing and managing chronic diseases.

Transforming Health Through Movement

Learn to use movement as a powerful tool for healing and prevention. This program prepares you to improve lives through exercise science, clinical practice, and lifestyle-based interventions.

Apply Now!

UNF student and Professor checking a patient's blood pressure in a gym setting
UNF student and professor checking patient's blood pressure in a gym setting

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Health (M.S.H.) in Kinesiology and Lifestyle Medicine (KALM) at the Brooks College of Health is a unique, interdisciplinary graduate program designed for professionals aiming to improve health outcomes through evidence-based, lifestyle-focused care. Grounded in applied research and practical training, the program emphasizes the integration of exercise science, nutrition, and behavioral strategies to prevent and manage chronic diseases, including diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular conditions.

As the only graduate program in the nation accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) that combines Kinesiology and Lifestyle Medicine, KALM offers a distinct pathway for students seeking both advanced credentials and career flexibility. The program prepares graduates for nationally recognized certifications, including Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP), Lifestyle Medicine Professional (ACLM), and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS). It also serves as a strong foundation for those pursuing medical, physical therapy, or other professional healthcare programs, offering a rigorous academic experience that supports advanced clinical study.

The 39-credit-hour curriculum includes advanced coursework in exercise physiology, epidemiology, behavioral medicine, biostatistics, and research methods. Students complete their final six credit hours through a thesis, internship, or capstone project, allowing for a customizable academic experience. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available to meet diverse professional goals.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree, preferably in exercise science, health sciences, kinesiology, or a related discipline. Whether you're a recent graduate or a working professional, the KALM program will equip you to lead in clinical, community, corporate wellness, or human performance settings, all while preparing you to make a measurable impact on health through lifestyle medicine.

Program Contact

Dr. James Churilla

Graduate Program Director
Brooks College of Health

Program At-a-Glance

Delivery: Standard (in-person)
Credit hours: 39
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Application Deadlines

Deadlines may vary for specific programs and are subject to change.

International Applicant Deadlines

International Applicant Deadlines

  • Fall: June 1

 

These deadlines are for international students who are required to submit documents for immigration processing. While not mandatory, applicants are encouraged to submit all documents for immigration by these dates to ensure timely visa processing.

  • Fall: August 1

Application Review Process

Applicants are reviewed on a rolling basis (once recieved) starting on February 1. Decisions are then released to applicants every two weeks until the program is full.

It is important to submit your application early to be considered for a Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA), scholarship, fellowship or tuition waiver. If applying for a GRA position, be sure to identify a potential mentor within the program who has a research agenda congruent with your interests

 

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Admissions Requirements

The below Program Requirements, University Requirements, and International Applicant Requirements*, if applicable, must be submitted no later than the deadline posted above. Incomplete applications or those with required materials post-marked after the deadline are subject to cancellation. Once an application has been canceled, the decision cannot be reversed.

*International students must be fully admitted to a full-time, on-campus, in-person, degree-seeking program at the University of North Florida. Please contact the International Center for more information.

  • University Requirements

    University Requirements 

    Application and Fee

    Prospective students are required to use our online system to create an account and submit an application. The application opens approximately one year in advance and is only good for the term and program in which it is submitted. Applicants who have submitted their application and wish to change their admission term or major/concentration may submit a new application and associated application fee. If you would like to cancel an open application, please contact us.

    A $30 (USD) application fee is required regardless of previous enrollment. The application fee is non-refundable and cannot be waived. Undergraduate application fees cannot be used for a graduate application, and vise versa. The application fee must be submitted prior to the review of an application.

    Current students who would like to add or change a major, concentration or certificate should submit the Change of Concentration or Major form.

    College Transcripts

    All applicants must provide transcripts from a U.S. institution accredited by an accepted institutional accreditor or its equivalent from a non-US institution that awarded the bachelor’s degree and master’s degree, if applicable, and transcripts from institutions where any post-baccalaureate and/or graduate credits were earned.

    All admits must provide official transcripts.

    All international transcripts will require a course-by-course evaluation by an approved third-party credential evaluation agency unless a graduate program has established an alternative credential evaluation procedure that is approved by the graduate school. To be accepted, the evaluation must be:

    1. Translated to English and be the U.S. equivalent
    2. Evaluated course-by-course
    3. Include the overall academic GPA
    4. Be from an approved third-party accredited evaluation service. Recommended evaluation agencies: 

    Important Notes

    • The UNF Graduate School cannot request transcripts on an applicants behalf.
    • Unofficial transcript copies are accepted for admissions but must clearly state the institution name, student name, course information, terms, grades, and credits. Degree audits are not accepted. Admitted students will be prompted to provide official transcripts. 
    • If currently enrolled in courses, an incomplete transcript must be submitted before the posted deadline. 
    • Applicants who also have to apply through systems such as ATCAS or PTCAS, must submit separate transcripts to UNF. 
    • Official transcripts must:
      • Must be less than one year old from the date of printing
      • Must be submitted in a sealed envelope from your institution, or emailed through official electronic means.
    • When requesting college transcripts, please verify with your institution(s) whether or not they are able to submit electronic transcripts in the proper EDI format. Institutions can submit transcripts via e-mail to graduateschool@unf.edu from an approved vendor such as ScriptSafe, Credentials, or Parchment. 
    • Former or current UNF students should not request UNF transcripts. After application submission, the UNF requirement will be updated to a "waived" status.

    Where do I send transcripts and test scores?

    Mail

    UNF Graduate School
    1 UNF Drive
    Jacksonville, FL 32224

    Email

    graduateschool@unf.edu

    Test Score Institutional Codes

    GRE: institutional code 5490
    GMAT: institutional code CF3QB51

  • Program Specific Requirements

    Program Requirements

    Specific Requirements

    • An interview with the graduate program director 
      • Zoom interviews are an option for applicants who are not able to come to UNF, however, visiting the campus for an in-person interview is encouraged

    Express Application Requirements

    UNF undergraduates applying through the Express Application portal will be required to submit the below documents directly to the department. Questions should be directed to the graduate program director.

    • Letter of recommendation from a faculty member of the program graduated from

    Program Requirements

    Course numbers listed below are for courses in the Florida State University System. 
    • BSC 2085C Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
    • BSC 2086C Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab
    • CHM 2045/2045L General Chemistry I with Lab 
    • STA 2014 Elementary Statistics 

    • HSC 4612 Exercise Physiology (recommended)

    Applicants who completed the prerequisites under different course numbers must contact the graduate program director to have those courses approved.

  • International Applicant Requirements