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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the right program for me?

The Program will prepare graduates to: 1) enter careers requiring a Master’s Degree including worksite health promotion, clinical exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation, commercial fitness, public/private or non-profit health agencies, chronic disease prevention in community settings, teaching/coaching at the community college level, or 2) initiate doctoral study in Allied Health (e.g. Physical Therapy), Exercise Physiology, Motor Control, Biomechanics, or other related fields. 

Overall, this program will produce graduates who are independent learners prepared to initiate doctoral study, seek careers in health care or health and fitness, and become leaders in promoting health and movement related growth in the North San Diego County region.

I don’t have a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology.  Can I still be accepted into your program?

We recommend that applicants have an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology/Exercise Science or related field, including prior coursework in Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Exercise Physiology, Motor Control, Biomechanics, Public Health, Physical Education and Statistics.

What is the minimum GRE requirement?

The GRE is not a requirement for the MS in Kinesiology Program.

What is the minimum GPA?

We expect competitive applicants to have an undergraduate GPA ≥ 3.0, however we will carefully consider all factors (letters of recommendation, letter of intent, experience/background, etc.) when making admissions decisions.

How long does it take to complete your program?

The program is 36 units to be completed over 2 years.

What is the time requirement and workload like?

Excluding the time spent in the classroom and lab, students generally average anywhere from 9 - 18 hours per week working on assignments and readings per class.

Will I have to write a thesis?

Students must develop and successfully defend and complete a thesis in order to advance to candidacy for the Master's Degree.

Can I start the program in Spring semester?  

Unfortunately, you cannot begin in the Spring semester.  Each new group of graduate students starts in the fall. 

When are the applications due?

We will begin reviewing applications on February 15.

Is it possible to attend the program part time?

Our program is designed for full-time study to be completed over 2 years.  Courses are held in the afternoons and evenings.  Unfortunately, a part time track is not offered.

I plan to work while I'm in the program. Will that be a problem?

It is possible to work and go to school; however your work hours would need to adjust around your course schedule.

What are you looking for in the applicants?

While it varies year over year depending on applicant pool, committee members are looking for a well-rounded applicant with a strong academic record of accomplishment, some experience in the field, high aptitude for the discipline, and unique skills and perspectives that will complement the program.

Additionally, we are seeking applicants who denote a strong rationale for why they want to initiate their Master’s degree in our program.

What does the application entail?

Applicants must submit the CSUSM Graduate Admissions Application through Cal State Apply. Please review the How to Apply Tab for step-by-step instructions.

 The application asks us to name two faculty advisors.  Why is this important?

Students must identify two potential Faculty Mentors when they apply to the program. To enter the program, a tenure-track Kinesiology faculty member must also agree to serve as the student’s Faculty Advisor, who will oversee their graduate work and serve as Chair of the student’s Thesis Committee. Typically, the Faculty Advisor is one of the Faculty Mentors identified by the students in their application.

What should the Letter of Intent include?

The Letter of Intent should focus on the ways you are prepared to handle the coursework and laboratory experiences of the graduate program. You should identify your academic and personal strengths using specific examples.  Your letter should detail your goals for your career as well as your rationale for applying to the  program. You should also let us know your research interests, and any experience you have in those research areas.  Your letter should be well written, free of grammatical errors, typos, etc., and should show us that you have the maturity, skills, and motivation to be successful in the program.

Will you take transfer credits?

Up to 9 units of graduate level coursework may be transferred in from an Accredited Institution if approved by the Department Graduate Coordinator and the student’s faculty advisor.

Can I apply for financial aid?

Federal financial aid is available to regularly enrolled CSUSM graduate students for types of aid and policies surrounding Federal financial aid, please visit the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.