Admissions

Admissions Requirements

A bachelor’s degree with a grade point average of at least 3.0 in the last 60 units, and completion of the pre-requisite courses below. Pre-requisite courses must be completed with a “C” grade or better.

Biomechanics and Motor Control Concentration

  • Biomechanics of Human Movement (ENS 306) or Introductory Physics (PHYS 180A)
  • Human Anatomy with Lab and Human Physiology (one of: BIOL 212; BIOL 261; BIOL 336)
  • Introductory or General Statistics (one of: STAT 119; BIOL 215; PSY 280; SOC 201)
  • Motor Control (ENS 307) or Neuroscience (PSY 360; PSY 363)

Physical Activity Concentration

  • Introductory or General Statistics (one of: STAT 119; BIOL 215; PSY 280; SOC 201)
  • Promoting Physical Activity and Healthy Eating (ENS 434) or equivalent (e.g., psychology, health promotion, behavior change theories)

Additional Information

  • Classes can be in progress at time of application but must be completed prior to start of Program
  • Prerequisite coursework must be completed with “C” or better
  • A grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 in the last 60 units
    of coursework

Students are encouraged to enroll in summer or fall (at the latest) offerings of any coursework prerequisites you might need.

Application Procedure

See information on application steps and deadlines below. Please also review the detailed steps to apply on SDSU’S Admissions website for Graduate Students. It is necessary to complete all of the steps in order to be considered for admissions.

1. Cal State Apply: Submit the Cal State Apply Online Application by December 1, 2026

  • An application fee applies.
  • Please carefully read the instructions and choose the degree you plan to pursue (MS Kinesiology; you will indicate on your supplemental application which track you’re applying to). Once submitted, the application cannot be changed.

2. Create Your my.SDSU Account

  • An SDSUid will be emailed to you within two weeks after Cal State Apply application submission, which allows tracking of application status online.

Submit Official Transcripts and Diploma/Degree Certificate to SDSU Graduate Admissions before December 15, 2026

  • The GRE is not required and will not be evaluated.
  • Electronic transcripts are accepted and preferable. If you are required to provide an email address for secure delivery, please use [email protected].
  • Paper copies of official transcripts can also be mailed to:

    SDSU Graduate Admissions
    5500 Campanile Drive
    San Diego, CA 92182-8225
     
    *Note: if you are sending paper copies, please allow 4-5 weeks for processing. Transcripts not sent in on time will result in processing delays.

4. Submit Proof of English Proficiency (If required) before December 15, 2026

  • All graduate applications applying from an international institution must submit one of the following as proof of English proficiency:
    • TOEFL
    • IELTS
    • PTE
    • Official transcripts received indicating English as the principal language of instruction.

International applicants: please refer to the International Admissions page for more information.

5. Submit Supplemental Application via Slate by December 15, 2026.

Within 72 hours of submitting your initial application to Cal State Apply, you will receive an email with a personalized link to Slate to submit your program application.

Slate Applicant Quick Guide

  • Required Documents
    • Statement of Purpose
      • This should be a concise and well-written 1-2 page statement that tells the admission committee about your academic and research background, your career goals, and how our graduate program will help you meet these goals. It should be specific about your rationale for pursuing an MS in Kinesiology, which concentration you want to specialize in, and which faculty mentors would support your educational and professional advancement.
      • This statement should not be emotive or overly personal, like you might have written for undergraduate college admissions. Tie your knowledge, skills, and interests directly to those of your primary potential faculty mentor.
      • Be sure to address any gaps in your academic record or provide additional context for items that may require further explanation (e.g., failing a prerequisite then passing on the second attempt). This is a great place to describe any relevant professional or applied experiences and how they have helped prepare you for an MS in Kinesiology.
    • Which concentration you are applying to:
      • Biomechanics and Motor Control
      • Physical Activity
    • Selection of primary and secondary faculty mentors:
      • Dr. Katie Crist (Concentration: Physical Activity)
      • Dr. Jeni Green (Concentration: Physical Activity)
      • Dr. Ashleigh Johnson (Concentration: Physical Activity)
      • Dr. Aram Kim (Concentration: Biomechanics and Motor Control)
      • Dr. Shawn O’Connor (Concentration: Biomechanics and Motor Control)
      • Dr. Sasha Reschechtko (Concentration: Biomechanics and Motor Control)
      • Dr. Frankie Wade (Concentration: Biomechanics and Motor Control)
      • Have you discussed your application with this faculty member?
    • Resume or Curriculum Vitae:
      • Make sure this covers any skills, prior research experience, and other related experiences.
    • Letters of Recommendation (2):
      • These should be from academic professors, advisers, or other professional references who can speak to your ability to succeed in our program.
    • Unofficial transcripts from all colleges/universities you have attended.

6. Review Your Application Status

Check your application and admission status periodically through my.SDSU.

Application FAQs

We appreciate your enthusiasm, but applicants must select one concentration and tailor their application accordingly. While there are opportunities to work at the intersection of Physical Activity and Biomechanics & Motor Control, this should occur under the guidance of a primary mentor within a single concentration. Applications that list faculty mentors from both concentrations will not be considered.

Yes, this is strongly encouraged. Reach out to potential mentors early to learn about their current research, expectations for graduate students, and whether they are accepting students this cycle. We recommend contacting one or two faculty members whose work aligns closely with your interests. A brief email introducing yourself, your interest in the MS Kinesiology program, and your research goals is appropriate.

Shortlisted applicants will also interview with a prospective faculty mentor during the review process.

Yes! If you have been shortlisted for an interview, a faculty member considering acting as your primary mentor will contact you via email to schedule your interview. Interviews will be a discussion between you and this faculty member.  Be prepared to answer questions about your background, research experience and program interest, long-term goals, program readiness, and lab- or concentration-specific questions. We anticipate that interviews will be conducted the week of January 8th. 

Address this in your statement of purpose. Explain why the course has not yet been completed and how you have prepared for graduate study despite this gap.

If your institution does not offer an equivalent course, outline your plan to complete the prerequisite before beginning the MS program.

Applications are reviewed holistically using the following criteria (in order of importance):

  • Alignment with the Program: Strong applicants demonstrate clear alignment with faculty research areas and articulate a focused interest in a research-based MS program within one concentration (Biomechanics & Motor Control or Physical Activity).
  • Scholarly and Research Potential: Strong applicants display evidence of readiness to complete a thesis project, including prior research experience or the ability to develop testable research questions.
  • Non-Cognitive and Interpersonal Factors: Strong applicants show evidence of factors that may indicate likelihood for success in leadership roles and an academic career (e.g., grit, persistence, passion, overcoming barriers, flexibility, collaboration, openness to feedback, commitment to mentorship, adaptability, integrity, taking ownership, conscientiousness, time management, focus). Strong applicants also show evidence of professionalism, ability to work in multidisciplinary teams, and strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Academic Preparation: Applicants should clearly have foundational knowledge in kinesiology and related areas (e.g., biomechanics, motor control, or physical activity), as well as quantitative methods and research design. Applicants should provide context for any academic challenges and highlight relevant applied or professional experience.
  • Letters of Recommendation: At least one letter should come from a faculty member who can speak directly to your academic and research potential.

We understand that this may be the case for certain applicants, particularly those who may be returning to academics after being part of the work force. In your statement of purpose, briefly explain your situation and ensure your recommenders can speak to your academic abilities and research potential. Letters from individuals who cannot evaluate your readiness for graduate study (e.g., family friends) will weaken your application.

While timelines may be subject to change, we anticipate the following:

  • December 16: Confirmation that your application has been received and is under review
  • Before January 8: Interview invitations sent to selected applicants
  • January 8–15: Interviews conducted
  • January 20: Admission decisions released (acceptance, waitlist, or denial)
  • April 15: Deadline to accept an offer of admission