Kinesiology, M.S.

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(30 UNITS)

The Master of Science in Kinesiology prepares students to enter doctoral programs in Kinesiology or related fields, or professional careers in such areas as corporate/commercial fitness, older adult fitness and wellness, advanced pedagogy, sport, exercise and performance psychology, and athletic coaching. With a strong foundation in the natural and social sciences, graduates gain knowledge and skills needed to provide scientifically grounded, community-focused and ethically principled expertise to a diverse clientele, from children to older adults. Students work with faculty advisers to gain research and professional experience, completing one of three culminating experiences for graduation: thesis, project or comprehensive exam.

Admission Requirements

Students must meet the CSU requirements for admission to a master’s degree program. Please consult the Graduate Admissions section in this catalog for complete information. In addition, applicants must also fulfill the following:

Earn an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology (or equivalent field) with an overall minimum GPA of 3.0.
A 500-word essay describing the applicant’s academic/professional interests.
A minimum of two letters of recommendation, preferably from tenure-track faculty.

Students without an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology (or equivalent field) will be required to complete a prescribed set of 9 units of prerequisite courses for admission:

3-unit upper-division course in the area of study that the applicant plans to focus on (e.g., exercise physiology, sociocultural and philosophical aspects of human movement, gerokinesiology, pedagogy, sport and performance psychology, biomechanics, strength and conditioning, motor behavior). The course should be selected in consultation with faculty members from the applicant’s area of study.
3-unit undergraduate course in human anatomy and physiology, which may be a lower division course.
3-unit undergraduate course in fundamental concepts of statistics, which may be from any major, taken at any point in an applicant’s undergrad experience.

Some graduate courses may have other prerequisites, which do not need to be taken at CSUF. The department will consider courses (including online courses), taken at other accredited institutions that are offered at the upper-division level, for all requirements other than human anatomy and physiology. If an applicant wishes to take the prerequisite courses at CSUF, registration is available through the university’s Extended Education program.

Advancement to Candidacy

Advancement to candidacy is attained by requesting a graduation check in the semester prior to graduation (see class schedule for deadlines) and receiving subsequent approval from the graduate studies adviser.

Degree Requirements

A minimum of 21 units must be 500-level courses.

Core Requirements (6 units)

Advanced Study Requirements (6 units)

Electives (15-18 units)

Select courses in consultation with faculty members from sub-disciplinary focus area. Other courses may be selected with graduate adviser approval.

Culminating Experience (0-3 units)

The culminating experience marks the end of a graduate program. It demonstrates mastery of disciplinary materials and meets requirements from Section 40510 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. Please consult the Culminating Experience section in this catalog for more information.