Master's in Educational Psychology & Research, Sport & Exercise Psychology (SEP) subplan Curriculum & Admission Requirements

Special note

For Sport & Exercise Psychology doctoral program interest, please see the Development & Learning page.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Coursework

The academic coursework includes 36 credit hours and is designed to fulfill degree requirements.

Thesis

All students have the options of completing either a thesis or a capstone course. Each student must take a minimum of six master’s thesis credit hours. These credit hours allow students to focus on completing their thesis.

Graduate Admission

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a regionally accredited institution or a foreign university with substantially equivalent bachelor’s degree requirements. International applicants are strongly encouraged to complete the application process well in advance of the application deadlines in order to ensure adequate time for processing of visa-related paperwork. Meeting minimum admission standards does not guarantee admission to the program.

Application Deadline

Dec. 3, 2025
for spring term
May 1, 2026
for summer term
Aug. 4, 2026
for fall term

Program Curriculum

A master’s plan of study is developed by students and their advisor to track progress toward their degree. Students enrolled full-time typically complete the program in 2-3 years.

Course Requirements

A typical course of study for students in the Sport & Exercise Psychology subplan is here:

Program courses

  • EPSY 715: Introduction to Educational Research
  • EPSY 710/711: Introduction to Statistical Analysis
  • EPSY Human Development (choose one)
  • EPSY 705: Human Development Through the Lifespan
  • EPSY 800: Development During Youth and Adulthood
  • EPSY 807: Theories and Research in Human Learning
  • Other Learning or development course approved by advisor
  • EPSY 804: Sport Psychology
  • EPSY 815 Stress Management
  • EPSY 892 Psychology of Physical Activity
  • EPSY 862 Practicum in Sport and Exercise Psychology or 800-level or higher special topics course in sport or exercise psychology.
  • Elective (3)
  • Thesis (6)
  • Two Elective Course (6 hours)
  • EPSY 898 Master’s Project (3 hours)

Please note: This is only a potential plan of study. Consult with your academic advisor before enrolling.

Additional requirements

  • Total credit hours: 36

Admission & Curriculum Resources

The online application is designed to give applicants the ability to submit all supporting documents in one form. We invite you to explore our graduate degree information, review our student resources, and learn more on our knowledgeable faculty and the vibrant community of Lawrence, Kansas.

Apply Online request info

Related Info:

Application Checklist

M.S.E. in Educational Psychology & Research

Applicants are required to submit the following materials and meet the following requirements before the application deadline:

List

  • Online application

    Complete through the KU Office of Graduate Admissions. If you are planning to apply to both the doctoral level and MSE level, you can save on application fees by submitting only one application to the doctoral level. Then, indicate your interest in the MSE level on the “Are you interested in our MSE program if not admitted to the PhD program?” question. At the discretion of the admission committee, those with strong credentials, but not qualified at the doctoral level, can be recommended to the MSE pool for consideration.

  • Transcripts

    One official copy of academic transcripts from each college or university attended. Official KU transcripts are not required; they will be obtained internally.

  • English translation of transcripts

    Official transcripts from an international university must include an English translation

  • GRE exam scores

    Official copy of general GRE scores no older than five years is optional.

  • Resume or CV

  • Statement of intent

    Please describe: 1) Why you are interested in this degree program, including what skills, competencies, and experiences you hope to gain in the program, 2) Your career goals and how this degree program relates to your career goals (that is, how you see this program preparing you to meet your career objectives), 3) Prior relevant educational, work, and research experiences, 4) One research topic or issue that you would like to pursue in this program, including the faculty member with whom you would like to work, if known.

  • Online letters of recommendation

    Names and email addresses of three persons to be asked to complete letters of recommendation who can provide a thorough evaluation of one’s abilities at the graduate level. While the system only allows for three recommendations, if you have additional letter writers, they can email those directly to fritts@ku.edu.

  • Proof of English proficiency

    Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency

  • Financial document (international students only)

    Required by U.S. government in order to issue the I-20 or DS-2019

  • Application fee

    $65 for U.S. residents; $100 for international applicants.

  • Writing sample

    A writing sample of your best academic work.

Program Faculty

Mary D Fry
Mary D Fry
Professor
Darrell Phillips
Darrell Phillips PhD, CMPC, CSCS
Adjunct Sport Exercise
Department Directory