Kinesiology M.S.

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Kinesiology program allows students to pursue various interests and goals, including but not limited to promoting wellness, influencing the sport and fitness industry, and addressing psychological and sociological dynamics underlying performance and physical activity.

Within this diverse discipline, students may choose one of five different specializations to guide their program of study:

• Exercise Physiology
• Movement Science
• Sport Management
• Psychosocial Aspects of Sport and Physical Activity
• Individualized Specialization - Designed for students with goals not represented above.

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Why study Kinesiology at SJSU?

Work With Faculty on Research Projects

• Exercise Technology and Wearables
• Athlete Activism and Social Justice
• Sport for Development and Peace
• Exercise and Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Lower Extremity Joint Mechanics Patterns
• Impact of Sport Participation and Fandom on Identity
• Sport Team and Individual Brand Development
• Facilitators/Barriers to Exercise in Individuals with Dysautonomia

What Kinesiology Students Say About The Program

"I chose SJSU with the goal of implementing less harmful practices and more inclusion for participation in physical activity my time in this program has provided a newfound confidence in my ability to take on challenges bigger than myself. Through a critical lens, this program has challenged me to find ways where I and the industry as a whole can do better for their athletes and clients."

Kendra Campbell
'23 MA Kinesiology (Sport Studies, now Psychosocial Aspects of Sport and Physical Activity)

"I chose to pursue my Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology at San Jose State University because of the tremendous class of instructors, as well as the long-standing history that SJSU has with physical education. My professors were excellent at inspiring and nurturing my quest for knowledge, as well as providing opportunities in which I can further expand my understanding."

Stephen Richardson
'25 MS Kinesiology (Exercise Physiology)

"My experience in the Sport Management program at San José State University is everything I wanted it to be and more. The faculty truly care about the students and do an incredible job developing students through a combination of theoretical and practical learning. My time at SJSU has changed my career path for the better!"

Ivanna Anderson-Villela
'24 MS Kinesiology (Sport Management)

Kinesiology Graduates at Work

With an M.S. in Kinesiology, students have the ability to work across various careers and disciplines. Several students complete internships, which allows them to gain hands-on experience in the field by working alongside some of the most influential sport, health, and fitness organizations in the Bay Area. Many internships transition to full-time jobs after graduation. Other students continue their education by pursuing their doctoral degree in a related field.

Snapshot of Career Pathways

• Strength and Conditioning Coach
• Sales and Client Service Director
• Clinical Exercise Physiologist
• Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist
• Sport and Exercise Technology Specialist
• Athletic and Exercise Equipment Designer
• Mental Performance Consultant
• Director of Athletic Events and Operations
• Sport Marketing Manager
• Disability Sport Program Coordinator
• Youth Sport Program Coordinator
• University Faculty

Where are Kinesiology Graduates Getting Jobs?

• Apple
• Golden State Warriors
• NASA AMES Research Center
• Santa Clara University
• San Francisco 49ers
• San Jose Earthquakes
• San Jose Sharks
• San Jose Sports Authority
• San Jose State University Athletics
• Stanford Health
• Stanford University
• Sutter Health

Visit the Career Center to view all the resources available to help you explore career pathways and opportunities to engage with employers.

Admission Requirements

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Kinesiology admits students for the Fall and Spring semesters and admits a cohort of 25 students. This program is not STEM-eligible.

Deadlines

We are typically open for admissions both Fall and Spring terms.

For Fall Admissions, the application opens on October 1 and closes April 1, unless otherwise stated on the Graduate Admissions Deadline webpage. 

For Spring admissions, the application opens on August 1 and closes on October 1 for International students and November 1 for Domestic students, unless otherwise stated on the Graduate Admissions Deadline webpage.

All documents (e.g., transcripts, letters of recommendation) must be received by the stated document deadline.

Typically, you can expect to hear back from us with an admission decision within three weeks after your application has been referred to the Department of Kinesiology.

Application Process

SJSU follows a two-step graduate admissions process:

Step 1

Apply through Cal State Apply.

Step 2:

Upload program-required documents in the Cal State Apply application (Quadrant 4).

Eligibility Requirements

• Step 1: University Graduate Admission Eligibility Requirements

  • a. U.S. bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, or the completion of a 4-year bachelor’s degree from a recognized, accredited, and approved institution from a country outside of the U.S.

    b. A 2.5 institutional or college cumulative GPA (from the 0.0 - 4.0 U.S. grading scale) in the last degree completed, or a 2.5 GPA in the last two years of full time study. Please note that individual program requirements may have a higher GPA requirement.

    c. Good academic standing at the latest institution attended.

    d. English Language Proficiency Exam, if necessary.

    See Graduate Steps to Admission for additional documents the university requires.

    Need assistance with the university application process? Contact the College of Graduate Studies for assistance: grad-admissions@sjsu.edu.

• Step 2: M.S. in Kinesiology Admission Requirements
  • 1. A baccalaureate degree with a major or minor in Kinesiology OR successful completion of a maximum of 12 units of foundation coursework (upper division undergradate Kinesiology courses) as assigned by the Graduate Coordinator upon offering admission. Foundation units can be completed alongisde graduate coursework. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals with undergraduate degrees outside Kinesiology.
       
    2. A minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 units of undergraduate coursework. In select circumstances, a GPA of 2.75-2.99 in the last 60 units of undergraduate coursework will be considered.
    3. A fully completed Cal State Apply application. Upload program required documents in the Cal State Apply application (Quadrant 4).
    4. Statement of Purpose. In one page, discuss:
       (a) Why you are interested in the M.S. in Kinesiology at SJSU;
       (b) How your experiences have prepared you to complete the M.S. in Kinesiology at SJSU;
       (c) Your academic and professional goals;
       (d) How the M.S. in Kinesiology at SJSU will help you achieve your goals;
       (e) Other information that may help to explain your uniqueness as an applicant. 
    5. Two letters of recommendation. It is recommended that at least one letter come from a former or current professor/instructor who can speak to your ability to succeed in graduate school. You will use the Cal State Apply portal to request letters of recommendation.
    6. Students admitted after Spring 2025 must accept their admission if they plan to enroll by (1) saying ‘yes’ through Intent to Enroll and (2) paying a $200 non-refundable (and non-transferable) enrollment deposit by the deadline in their Next Steps account in order to register for their admitted term classes. The $200 enrollment deposit will be applied towards your tuition and fees once you enroll in classes. For more information visit the Mandatory Intent to Enroll webpage on the Graduate Admissions website.

     

Contact Us

If you have any questions about the program or need assistance, please email our team at kinesiology@sjsu.edu.

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Funding Resources

There are many ways you can fund your graduate education:

• Calculate Your Possible Tuition
• University and Department Scholarships
• Financial Aid

Program Courses

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Kinesiology is a 30 unit program. To complete the program, students must take two core research methods classes, two to four specialization subcore classes, two to five elective classes, and a culminating project. Descriptions of all of the courses are available on the SJSU Catalog. Program courses are subject to change.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of a Master of Science degree in Kinesiology, students should be able to achieve the following within their field of study:

1. Demonstrate the ability to critique and conduct research using theoretical and applied knowledge.
2. Synthesize research findings from a disciplinary perspective.
3. Communicate essential theories, scientific applications, and ethical considerations.
4. Apply research findings through acquired knowledge to address contemporary issues as agents of change.

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Faculty Spotlight

As an alum of this program, it is a privilege to now teach in the Department of Kinesiology. I not only enjoy teaching but also learning from students who bring valuable and diverse backgrounds and experiences to class discussions. In our graduate courses, students don’t just acquire new knowledge—they also challenge and reconsider assumptions about physical activity. As a faculty member, I find great satisfaction in helping students integrate their passions into my research program and supporting them as they present their findings at conferences. Both in and out of the classroom, discuss current controversies and the latest advancements in the field, empowering our students to become agents of change in their respective disciplines.

Dr. Matthew Bejar
Assistant Professor and Kinesiology alumnus.

About the program

The newly redeveloped M.S. Degree in Kinesiology consists of 30 units. Most of our course offerings are face-to-face and capped at 15 students to foster meaningful interactions between faculty and students, active peer collaboration, and enriching discussions. The program also allows flexibility for some units (e.g., internship, indepedent study, culminating project) to be completed independently under the guidance of an advisor.

The graduate program has achieved national and international recognition and has approximately 50 students from across the United States as well as Canada, India, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, Greece, and several other countries. Our graduates have successfully obtained jobs across the Bay Area, the state of California, the United States and abroad and have been admitted to top-tier doctoral programs across the United States and Canada.