MASTER OF SCIENCE IN KINESIOLOGY
Admission to Program
A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 in the last 60 units will be required for admission to the M.S. program. In addition, the following specific criteria must be met depending on the concentration to which the student applies.
Exercise Physiology Concentration Minimum GPA of 3.0 in the following courses: human anatomy (with laboratory), human physiology (with laboratory), exercise physiology (with laboratory), and statistics.
Movement Science Concentration Minimum GPA of 3.0 in the following courses: human anatomy (with laboratory), human physiology (with laboratory), biomechanics, motor learning, and statistics.
Physical Activity: Social Scientific Perspectives Concentration Minimum GPA of 3.0 in three of the following or equivalent courses: youth development, sport/exercise psychology, cultural/sociological perspectives of physical activity, motor learning, or motor development. Consult with a graduate advisor to determine if additional courses are needed. Students who have completed or are currently enrolled in a credential program are also eligible and encouraged to apply for admission.
A minimum score of 4.0 on the GRE writing component is required for admission to all concentrations. International students must achieve a minimum score of 600 on the TOEFL (or 250 on the computerized TOEFL). The TOEFL standard must be completed prior to admission to the graduate program.
All students are conditionally admitted pending:
Completion of the required entry courses and/or the minimum 24 unit undergraduate equivalency.
Completion of all requirements of the Graduate Program.
No more than 6 units of graduate work may be completed prior to fulfillment of all prerequisites for admission to the program.
Upon admission, the department sends a letter to the candidate containing the name of the assigned adviser and classification conditions.
Written English Proficiency Requirement
There are two levels of literacy examinations required by the university.
Level One: the Kinesiology Department will require a minimum of 4.0 on the writing portion of the GRE exam Level Two: the second level assessment of literacy proficiency occurs by virtue of the written thesis or master’s project. For students who choose the non-thesis option, the second level will be satisfied by completion of a course upon academic advisement.
Culminating Experience Requirement
The culminating experience consists of two options: 1) thesis; 2) project (for more information about possible options, please consult with the Graduate Coordinator or your adviser).
Program Requirements
The Master of Science in Kinesiology is 30 units and includes a core, concentration, culminating experience, and electives. Students from each concentration, in consultation with their adviser, select electives and a culminating experience that best meets their professional/personal needs. Final approval of the student’s program rests with the graduate faculty.
Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.Core Requirements Units
KIN 710 Research in Kinesiology 3
KIN 715 Research Designs and Analysis 3
KIN 795 Seminar in Kinesiology 3
Concentration in Exercise Physiology
KIN 740 Advanced Exercise Metabolism 3
KIN 742 Exercise and Cardiovascular Dynamics 3
KIN 746 Clinical Exercise Physiology 3
KIN 755 Exercise Electrocardiography 3
Elective Upon Advisement
Concentration in Movement Science
KIN 730 Advanced Biomechanics 3
KIN 733 Motor Learning 3
KIN 736 Neuromotor Control Processes 3
KIN 763 Psychology of Human Performance 3
Elective Upon Advisement
Concentration in Physical Activity: Social Scientific Perspectives
KIN 734 Physical Activity Programs for Underserved Youth 3
KIN 763 Psychology of Human Performance 3
KIN 766 Sociocultural Bases of Physical Activity 3
Electives Upon Advisement 6
Culminating Experience 6
KIN 897 Independent Research in Kinesiology 3
KIN 898 Master’s Thesis 3
or
KIN 895 Master’s Project 3
Elective Upon Advisement 3
Minimum total for Master’s Degree 30
Continuous Enrollment: Students are expected to continuously enroll in the university while working on the degree.
Assistantships: Opportunities may be available to work in the Kinesiology Department as a graduate student at San Francisco State University. Qualified students may apply, when available, to work in the activity program, as laboratory assistants, or as supervisors in the Intramural and Recreation Program. Students may also apply for financial aid through the university.