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Kinesiology, M.S.

Master of Science

About this program

The Master of Science in Kinesiology helps you explore how movement, exercise and sport affect people’s lives. You’ll study the science and social impact of physical activity across different ages and settings. The program builds skills in research, problem-solving and critical thinking. You’ll focus on a topic that interests you — like fitness, motor learning or coaching — and learn how to apply your knowledge in real-world or academic settings.

Program Curriculum and Requirements

Master's

What you can do

Employment Opportunities

A graduate degree in Kinesiology prepares you for careers such as:

Athletic Trainers, Exercise Physiologist, Fitness Trainers and Instructors, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Recreation Workers

Program Scope

Our graduate program provides students with an interdisciplinary approach to advanced study and research in kinesiology. We provide students with the scholarly and applied tools from the perspectives of exercise physiology, movement science and social science to address problems and advance knowledge related to exercise, fitness, motor development, sport, coaching, psychological well-being and daily physical activity.  

The 30-unit Master of Science degree includes 9 units of required core courses in addition to 15-18 units of elective courses and 3-6 units of culminating experience work. Students are encouraged to choose electives that will best meet their professional and personal needs in consultation with their faculty advisor. Most students complete their degree requirements in two years.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the M.S. program in Kinesiology:

  1. Students will be able to apply multiple perspectives to the study of various forms of physical activity (e.g. exercise, fitness, movement, and skill) across the lifespan and in a variety of contexts.
  2. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the body of knowledge related to one or more of the sub-disciplines in the field of kinesiology.
  3. Students will be able to identify and search for information associated with problems or topics in kinesiology.
  4. Students will be able to use appropriate methodologies and technologies to address specific problems or topics in kinesiology.
  5. Students will exit the program with an understanding of dominant theories, models, and systems in the study of kinesiology.
  6. Students will become critical consumers of the literature in kinesiology and will have the skills and knowledge to make contributions to the literature.

Admissions Information

  1. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 units.
  2. A Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, or related field, and statistics course.
  3. Prerequisite courses must be completed prior to taking individual graduate program courses (see bulletin).
  4. The GRE is no longer required.
  5. International students must achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper); 213 (computer); 80 (internet) or 7.0 (IELTS).
  6. Students who have completed or are currently enrolled in a credential program are also eligible and encouraged to apply.

Prerequisites:

Exercise Physiology Emphasis:

  1. Human Anatomy (4-5 Units)
  2. Human Physiology (4-5 Units)
  3. Exercise Physiology (3 Units)
  4. Statistics (3 Units)

Movement Science Emphasis:

  1. Human Anatomy (4-5 Units)
  2. Human Physiology (4-5 Units)
  3. Statistics (3 Units)
  4. Biomechanics (3 Units)
  5. Motor Learning (3 Units)

Physical Activity Emphasis:

  1. Youth Development (3 Units)
  2. Sport/Exercise Psychology (3 Units)
  3. Motor Learning (3 Units)
  4. Cultural/Sociological Perspectives (3 Units)
  5. Motor Development (3 Units)

Prospective students are encouraged to check out the Graduate School Guide.

Spring admission deadline:  November 1
Fall admission deadline:  April 1 


 

Application Process

Prepare application materials in advance before starting the online Cal State Apply application. 

  1. CV/Resume which includes your degree(s) and relevant work experience
  2. Statement of purpose identifying the emphasis you wish to apply for, any specific areas of study within the emphasis, your personal and professional goals.
  3. Test score report for the  TOEFL (only required for international students)
  4. Teaching credential (if applicable)
  5. Licenses (MD, OT, PT, etc., if applicable)
  6. 2-3 letters of recommendation which describe the recommender’s opinion of your work ethic, desire to continue in the field of Kinesiology, and possible success in the program.  ​
  7. Unofficial transcript(s)**

**You are required to upload .pdf copies of unofficial transcripts from each college or university attended (including study abroad coursework, or community college coursework, even if this coursework appears as transfer credit on your degree transcript).  Full academic disclosure is required. Photographs or screenshots of transcripts will be rejected. An incomplete academic history will significantly delay review of your application.  The Division of Graduate Studies may request official transcripts from you at any point during the application review process.  If selected for admission, you will be required to submit official transcripts to the Division of Graduate Studies in order to secure your offer of admission.

Ready to apply? Visit the Graduate Students page to get started.

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