Prospective Students
Why should you apply?
Am I a good fit for the MS Kinesiology program at SDSU?
The SDSU Master of Science in Kinesiology prepares students to advance the scientific and applied study of human movement while addressing real world challenges in health, rehabilitation, and performance. Students develop strong skills in research methods, data analysis, and the interpretation and communication of scientific findings. Through laboratory and field-based experiences, they gain practical training in assessing movement and physical activity behaviors and translating research into effective interventions.
The program offers two concentrations. Biomechanics & Motor Control focuses on measuring and analyzing human movement for applications in rehabilitation, injury prevention, aging, and sport performance. Physical Activity examines psychological, social, and environmental influences on physical activity and prepares students to design evidence-based solutions that promote healthier, more active communities.
Graduates are well prepared for careers in health, sport, and wellness professions or for advanced doctoral and professional training in movement science and related health fields.
Admissions Process
1. Program and Course Pre-requisites
A bachelor’s degree
A grade point average of 3.0 in the last 60 units of bachelor’s coursework.
The names of two (primary and secondary) prospective research mentors within our MS Kinesiology faculty. Your application will be routed directly to the faculty members you list. Be selective in identifying possible faculty mentors. There is no guarantee that identified mentors will have capacity to take on additional students; prospective students are encouraged to reach out to individual faculty to discuss research opportunities.
Completion of the prerequisite courses below:
Biomechanics & Motor Control- Biomechanics of Human Movement (e.g., ENS 306) or Introductory Physics (e.g., PHYS 180A)
- Human Anatomy with Lab and Human Physiology or Anatomy and Physiology I and II with Lab (e.g., BIOL 212; BIOL 216; or BIOL 336)
- Introductory or General Statistics (e.g., STAT 119; BIOL 215; PSY 280; SOC 201)
- Motor Control (e.g., ENS 307) or Neuroscience (e.g., PSY 360; PSY 363)
- Recommended courses include neuroanatomy (e.g., PSY 568), Exercise Physiology with Lab (e.g., ENS 304 & ENS 304L), and Research Methods (e.g., ENS 305; PSY 301)
- Statistics (e.g., PSY 280)
- Promoting Physical Activity and Healthy Eating (ENS 434) or equivalent (e.g., psychology, health promotion, behavior change theories)
Applications are reviewed after the December 15th deadline.
2. Master of Science in Kinesiology Graduate Admission Procedure
3. Questions
Questions about the MS Kinesiology application process may be directed to:
Frankie Wade, PhD
Program Director, Master of Science in Kinesiology
[email protected]
Questions about applying to SDSU may be directed to:
Prospective Student Center
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-7455
(619)-594-6336
Curriculum for each concentration
Core Courses
- Students will enroll in the following courses, regardless of concentration:
- ENS 600A & ENS 600B: Seminar in Kinesiology
- ENS 601: Experimental Methods in Exercise and Nutritional Sciences
- ENS 602: Research Evaluation in Exercise and Nutritional Sciences
- ENS 609: Professional Dissemination of Research in Kinesiology
- ENS 797: Research
- ENS 799A or ENS 790: Thesis or Culminating Research Project
+6 units of electives
Concentration Courses
Graduate Outcomes & Career Options
Graduates of the SDSU Master of Science in Kinesiology will gain the scientific knowledge, analytical skills, and practical experience needed to address challenges in human movement, health, and performance. Through training in research methods, data analysis, and movement assessment, students will learn to evaluate scientific evidence and translate research findings into strategies that improve health and physical activity. The program prepares students for diverse careers in health, sport, wellness, and research, with growing opportunities in professions that promote movement and physical activity across the lifespan.
Graduates can pursue careers such as:
- Human performance specialist or sport scientist
- Strength and conditioning coach
- Wellness or corporate health coordinatorPhysical activity program specialist
- Clinical or research laboratory technician
- Health promotion specialist
- Research assistant in academic or medical settings
Graduates will also be prepared to continue their education in doctoral or professional programs, including kinesiology, public health, occupational/physical therapy, or related health science fields.
International Applicants
We welcome applications from students around the world to the San Diego State University Master of Science in Kinesiology program. International applicants follow the same admissions process as all M.S. Kinesiology applicants, with a few additional requirements related to graduate admission, English proficiency, and immigration documentation.
Before You Apply
International applicants should:
- Apply through Cal State Apply
- Meet all SDSU Graduate Admissions requirements
- Submit any required international admission documents
- Demonstrate English language proficiency by the application deadline.
F-1 Visa Responsibilities
Students studying on an F-1 visa are responsible for maintaining their immigration status throughout their degree program. This includes maintaining full-time enrollment, keeping travel and immigration documents current, and following all employment regulations. Because immigration policies may change, students should regularly consult the SDSU International Student Center and USCIS for the most up-to-date information.
For a step-by-step overview of the application process, English proficiency requirements, post-application timeline, and important F-1 visa information, download our International Applicant FAQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kinesiology is a broad field of study focused on human movement and physical activity. Based on the interests and expertise of our faculty, we have two concentrations within our MS Kinesiology graduate program:
- Biomechanics & Motor Control
- Physical Activity
Most faculty affiliate with a single area but some faculty have interests that cross multiple areas. Applicants should apply to a concentration and discuss their application with a prospective mentor, prior to submitting an application.
10-20 students
The MS in Kinesiology has several graduate scholarships students will be able to apply for once enrolled in the program. Also, there are several competitive scholarships available to all graduate students via Aztec Scholarships.
- ENS Emeritus Professors' Scholarship
- George Ellis Memorial Scholarship
- Reet Howell Memorial Scholarship
- The Zasueta Family Endowed Scholarship
- Dr. Michael Buono Scholarship
- Kasch-Boyer Endowed Scholarship
Additionally, our college and university have several other graduate scholarships and fellowships.
- Research assistantships are available through funded research grants. Please contact the kinesiology faculty for more details.
- We employ graduate students as either Graduate Teaching Associates (GTAs), Graduate Assistants (GAs), or Instructional Support Assistants (ISAs). Please see the ENS Graduate Assistantships page for more information and how to apply.
Regardless of your undergraduate degree, there is undergraduate coursework that is considered important for your chosen area of graduate study. For biomechanics and motor control concentration the following prior coursework is necessary:
For Biomechanics & Motor Control, the following prior coursework is necessary:
- Biomechanics of Human Movement (e.g., ENS 306) or Introductory Physics (e.g., PHYS 180A)
- Human Anatomy with Lab and Human Physiology or Anatomy and Physiology I and II with Lab (e.g., BIOL 212; BIOL 216; or BIOL 336)
- Introductory or General Statistics (e.g., STAT 119; BIOL 215; PSY 280; SOC 201)
- Motor Control (e.g., ENS 307) or Neuroscience (e.g., PSY 360; PSY 363)
- Recommended courses include neuroanatomy (e.g., PSY 568), Exercise Physiology with Lab (e.g., ENS 304 & ENS 304L), and Research Methods (e.g., ENS 305; PSY 301)
For physical activity concentration, the following prior coursework is necessary:
- Statistics (e.g., PSY 280)
- 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.
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.
Start by researching the interest of core faculty members on their profiles here. You might read some journal articles or books that a potential mentor has authored or co-authored. These are often available free of charge through your current institution’s library, or through free public databases like PubMed. When you contact your prospective mentor, let them know that you have learned something about their work. The faculty member will not expect you to fully understand everything you read, and it is fine to ask questions. Remember that you will complete your thesis in an area that is directly related to the faculty member's current research.