About

The Kinesiology: Pathway to the Medical Professions program at UMass Amherst offers rising high school sophomores through seniors an immersive introduction to the scientific study of human movement. Hosted on the Amherst campus from June 28 to July 11, 2026, this two-week residential program brings students into labs and field settings to explore how biomechanics and exercise physiology underpin medical outcomes. Participants who complete the course earn 2 college credits.

Tuition for the 2026 residential session is $4,119, which covers instruction, supervised housing in residence halls, and #1-ranked campus dining. Commuter options are available for $2,299. Need-based scholarships are available through the UMass Pre-College portal. Enrollment is capacity-limited, with a final application deadline typically in early May, though rolling admissions prioritize early applicants. Instruction blends morning lectures with afternoon hands-on labs. Students collect and analyze data using wearable technology and conduct VO2 tests to measure aerobic capacity.

Under the guidance of senior lecturer Judi LaBranche, students explore how kinesiology integrates with nursing, physical therapy, and neuroscience. Daily assignments include written reflections on how specific topics—such as muscle fatigue or metabolic health—impact future medical decisions. Programs specializing in niche fields like kinesiology are not common in the pre-college landscape, and for a student with interest in this field UMass Pathway is an ideal experience. By utilizing the university's research facilities, students gain a professional lens on health science, preparing them for the rigors of a pre-med or health-related college major.