Before You Apply
Start planning now
It’s never too early to start planning.
The number of applicants to our program continues to grow dramatically. Early preparation is the key to a smooth (and successful!) application and admission process.
Know your deadlines
Applications are due January 15.
Don’t wait until the last minute to apply! Start early and give yourself plenty of time to collect all your materials.
Check your requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in any field of study
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for the final 60 semester hours of undergraduate work (3.25 preferred) and 3.5 for all graduate work
- GRE General Test
- Prerequisite courses (listed below)
International Students: If English isn’t your native language, you may be required to take a minimum English proficiency test. Check the International Requirements to see if this applies to you.
Prerequisites
The following courses are expected for the exercise physiology concentration only:
- Biology of cells and organisms: 1 semester
- Chemistry: 1 semester
- Human anatomy and physiology: 2 semesters
- Human biomechanics: 1 semester
- Exercise physiology: 1 semester
UIC courses that meet our requirements:
- BIOS 100: Biology of Cells and Organisms
- Any 100-level chemistry course
- KN 251: Human Physiological Anatomy I
- KN 252: Human Physiological Anatomy II
- KN 261: Applied Musculoskeletal Anatomy
- KN 352: Physiology of Exercise
Biomechanics and Psychology and Promotion of of Exercise, Health and Sport Behavior do not have specific course prerequisites. However, previous coursework in biomechanics, engineering, physics and/or calculus (biomechanics) or psychology and/or sport/exercise psychology is recommended (PPEHSB).
Prepare your documents
Your application must include your transcripts, a personal statement and three letters of recommendation. Get started on those now! Refer to the Applying page for specifics.
The application process is paperless—don’t mail any materials unless instructed. Upload all documents in PDF format, no larger than 5 MB in size. Do not upload “Portfolio” PDFs or secured PDFs.
International Students: Additional items may be required. Read the International Requirements page to be sure you have all the necessary information.
Have your test scores sent in advance
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required for all applicants. Scores must be sent directly from Education Testing Service to UIC. If you have taken the GRE within the past five years, you must request that scores be sent from ETS to UIC.
Our ETS Institutional Code is 1851.
International Students: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores must be submitted to UIC directly from ETS. Paper score reports will not be accepted.
Think about funding
See what funding options are available to you. The Graduate College has some great information on financial resources and funding opportunities.
Graduate assistantships are the primary means of support for graduate students seeking financial assistance. We offer assistantships in teaching, research, or a combination of both. Teaching assistantships are available in the lab sections of anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, motor control and learning, or in the two undergraduate fitness assessment courses. Research assistantships are usually in the lab of your advisor or a faculty member pursuing research related to yours.
Assistantships are competitive, so submit your materials early for full consideration. Assistantship applications are due January 1 in the year of your intended enrollment.