Is an MS in Human Movement & Rehabilitation Science Worth It?

If you’re considering earning a master’s degree in a field like human movement and rehabilitation science, you likely have a lot of questions. You might be asking yourself what you can do with this degree, how the degree compares to other fields of study (like an MS in Exercise Science or Kinesiology, for example), and what you’ll learn throughout the program. 

Perhaps most important, however, is the question of whether or not your investment will pay off. According to Kristin Greenwood, chair of the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences and associate clinical professor, the answer is clear.

“Yes, [the degree is worth it] for anyone with a background in a technical field looking to work in the human health and movement space,” Greenwood says. “You will receive the skills to bridge your current knowledge with the knowledge health professions and movement science experts have.” 

Below is a closer look at the benefits you can expect to realize from earning such a degree so you can make an informed decision about your future education and career path.

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Benefits of Earning an MS in Human Movement & Rehabilitation Science

1. You’ll gain skills and experience.

Earning a master’s degree in human movement and rehabilitation science allows you to layer on an additional area of expertise that you can use in your career. If you already have a background in a technical field such as engineering, the skills you’ll develop throughout the program will be essential in advancing your career and narrowing your professional focus. 

Programs like Northeastern’s, which value experiential learning and offer many hands-on opportunities to develop your skills, will also provide you with valuable experience working with the human body and related movement and rehabilitation equipment before entering the field. 

2. You’ll have a variety of career options.

Furthering your education in the field of human movement and rehabilitation science will open up a variety of career opportunities that will allow you to specialize. Gaining this specialized experience can propel you forward in career paths such as product or therapy development, research, healthcare, and academia. Within those career paths, there are a number of related job titles you might aspire to. 

Some of the most common job titles held by those with a master’s degree in human movement and rehabilitation science include:

• Rehabilitation Engineer
• Field Clinical Engineer
• Biomechanical Engineer
• And others

3. You’ll enter a growing and interesting field.

According to Jack Dennerlein, PhD, professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Science, the field of human movement and rehabilitation science is an exciting and growing one. 

As technology continues to evolve, movement scientists, researchers, and engineers have made breakthroughs in the way that human movement can be measured and analyzed. With the increasing ability to capture such valuable data, more professionals with this type of expertise are needed to analyze this data and act on the findings. 

Engineers are needed to construct, maintain, and utilize the equipment that measures human movement as well as products to treat and manage injuries and disabilities. Researchers are needed to take our understanding of the mechanics of the human body to a deeper level. Academics are needed to train the next generation of human movement and rehabilitation science professionals. 

As the field continues to move forward rapidly, those who are interested in working in movement and rehabilitation science will find it to be an interesting and exciting career. 

4. You’ll have a lasting impact.

Finally, if you choose to earn your master’s degree in human movement and rehabilitation science, your future career will have the potential to make a lasting impact on the field and the health and wellbeing of others. 

Much of the work of human movement and rehabilitation science is dedicated to understanding the mechanics of the human body in order to optimize its performance, treat and prevent injuries, and support those with disabilities. Entering this field is a great way of applying your existing knowledge (in engineering or another field, for example) to a meaningful setting that has the power to change peoples’ lives for the better.

Choosing the Right Movement Science Program

If you have an interest in learning the mechanics of the human body and how its performance can be optimized, earning a degree in this area could be a worthwhile option for you. If you already have a background in a technical field such as engineering, a master’s degree can unlock powerful benefits that will help you achieve your career goals. 

Once you’ve decided that earning such a degree is right for you, you’ll need to take care in selecting a program that will position you for success. At Northeastern University, the MS in Human Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences is ideal for students who want to contribute to breakthroughs in our understanding of how our bodies can work better. Students enrolled in the program are able to work with state-of-the-art technology and industry-aligned faculty in order to gain hands-on experience in the field. 

Learn more about the MS in Human Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences at Northeastern, and take your first step toward a career in this exciting field today.