Motor Learning
The Motor Learning Master of Arts program at Columbia University is a one-year, full-time graduate program designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the processes underlying human movement, skill acquisition, and motor control. The program integrates principles from neuroscience, kinesiology, biomechanics, and psychology to explore how individuals acquire, refine, and retain motor skills across the lifespan. Students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, learning to apply evidence-based approaches to enhance performance, rehabilitation, and physical education.
Through rigorous coursework, laboratory exercises, and applied research projects, students examine topics such as motor development, learning strategies, neuromuscular function, and motor adaptation. Columbia’s program emphasizes the translation of research into practice, allowing students to design interventions, assess motor performance, and implement strategies in clinical, athletic, or educational settings. With guidance from experienced faculty and access to state-of-the-art movement analysis labs, students develop the skills necessary to evaluate and improve motor function in diverse populations.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Motor Learning
- Degree Type: Master of Arts
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 15 November 2026
- Location: Columbia University, United States
- Field of Study: Sport and Exercise Science
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations of Motor Learning
- Principles of Motor Control and Coordination
- Neurophysiology of Movement
- Biomechanics and Kinematics
- Research Methods in Sport and Exercise Science
Semester 2 – Applied Motor Learning and Intervention
- Motor Skill Acquisition and Performance Analysis
- Assessment and Evaluation Techniques
- Elective: Rehabilitation, Sports Performance, or Cognitive-Motor Interaction
- Capstone Project or Applied Research Study
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in rehabilitation clinics, sports performance centers, educational institutions, and research laboratories. Many pursue roles as movement specialists, motor learning researchers, strength and conditioning coaches, or physical education coordinators, applying scientific principles to optimize motor performance and learning outcomes. Others continue into doctoral programs in kinesiology, neuroscience, or physical therapy, leveraging the program’s strong methodological and applied foundation. The interdisciplinary training ensures that graduates can design, implement, and evaluate motor learning programs across athletic, clinical, and educational settings.
Why Choose This Program
This program is ideal for students who want to combine scientific knowledge of movement with practical skills to enhance motor performance and learning. Columbia University provides a rigorous academic and research environment, access to advanced movement laboratories, and mentorship from leading experts in sport and exercise science. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary inquiry, and applied research, preparing graduates to address challenges in rehabilitation, sports, education, and human performance. For those committed to advancing the understanding of motor learning and applying it to improve outcomes across populations, this program provides the knowledge, tools, and professional network to succeed.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 212 854 1754
Email: admissions@columbia.edu
Address: University of Columbia, Admissions Office, New York, NY, United States
