Admission Requirements

The department actively seeks graduate students of the highest academic caliber. In addition to University requirements, the Department of Kinesiology requires:

1. Grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 in the last 60 units of undergraduate work (with a 3.0 GPA preferred).
2. Submission of the following items through CollegeNet/Apply Web on or before February 1 (for fall admission) and on or before October 1 (for spring admission) for priority consideration:
   1. Three letters of recommendation, which should assess the applicant's potential for success in a graduate program.  Each letter will be uploaded by the recommender. 
   2. Statement of Intent discussing the applicant's interests and goals as they relate to a graduate degree in Kinesiology, including the subdiscipline of Kinesiology in which the applicant would like to study, as well as the name of a potential faculty mentor.  Because our program includes a thesis or professional project, all applicants must be matched with a faculty research mentor prior to admission to the program. 
   3. GRE scores, if available. 
   4. Completed Student/Advisor expectations form (see below).
   5. Evidence of completed prerequisite courses (if applicable).
3. Online application to CSUN, available at Cal State Apply.  Please visit the Graduate Admissions page for admissions calendars, requirements, and the link to Cal State Apply.
4. Completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is optional for all applicants.  If you do plan to take the GRE, please read the information below:

The GRE is now being offered online for at-home testing. We are no longer requiring GRE scores as part of the application process.  However, GRE scores can be helpful in evaluating your application.  Should you plan to take the GRE, and would like the scores considered as part of your application, please let us know via an email to .  

WE DO NOT EVALUATE  INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS.  All completed Departmental Applications submitted through CollegeNET/Apply Web should include 3 letters of recommendation that will be uploaded by the recommender (see above for requirements), the Statement of Intent, and the Student/Advisor expectations form (see below). and be submitted on or before February 1 for the fall application cycle and on or before October 1 for the spring application cycle (these dates are for priority consideration).  Incomplete applications will not be evaluated.

CSUN does not allow duplication of MS degrees.  This means that if you already hold a Master of Science degree in Kinesiology (or a closely related field), you cannot be admitted to our CSUN KIN MS program.  One exception that may be considered is if you plan to focus your electives and research in a clearly different subdiscipline of Kinesiology while at CSUN.  In addition, the Department of Kinesiology does not admit students to our MS program who already hold a terminal degree (Ph.D. or similar) in Kinesiology (or a closely related field).  Similar to the rule regarding duplication of MS degrees, one exception that may be considered is if you plan to focus your electives and research in a clearly different subdiscipline of Kinesiology while at CSUN. 

For questions about the application process, please contact:
Dr. S. Victoria Jaque, Graduate Coordinator
Department of Kinesiology
California State University, Northridge
18111 Nordhoff St
Northridge, CA 91330-8287
Email:

Students are encouraged to apply to CSUN online at Cal State Apply.  Please visit the Graduate Admissions page for admissions calendars, requirements, and the link to Cal State Apply.  Otherwise, please send a hard copy of your application directly to the Office of Admissions and Records at CSUN.  To ensure a timely review of your file, please submit your official transcripts as soon as possible, and follow the directions found on the I Have Applied page for graduate students.

All transcripts, preliminary and final, must be official (received in sealed, unopened envelopes or sent securely online by your previous college or university). Ask your previous schools to send your official transcripts directly to the CSUN Office of Admissions and Records (NOT the Department of Kinesiology). In some cases, transcripts may be sent to CSUN electronically. Check with your previous school.

Send official transcripts to: 
CSUN - Office of Admissions and Records
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8207

Our Departmental application priority deadline is February 1 for fall admission.  Our priority deadline for the Departmental receipt of application materials for spring admission is October 1. We do not provide templates for letters of recommendation or statements of intent.

Admissions Policy for Students with Other Undergraduate Majors

It is expected that all students entering the Master's Program in Kinesiology will have an understanding and appreciation of the value of participation in physical activity.

1. For students with undergraduate degrees in Kinesiology, physical education, athletic training, and other highly related fields, no additional undergraduate coursework shall be required.
2. For students with undergraduate degrees in other areas, the following shall apply:
   1. Applicants for the Kinesiology MS program must proof of completion of prerequisite course work in human anatomy, human physiology and statistics. The students also must complete 2 of the following 6 undergraduate courses (or their equivalents):
      1. Historical and Philosophical Bases of Kinesiology (KIN 305)
      2. Socio-psychological Aspects of Physical Activity (KIN 306)
      3. Biomechanics (KIN 345)
      4. Physiology of Exercise (KIN 346)
      5. Motor Learning and Control (KIN 377)
      6. Motor Development (KIN 477)
   2. Students should provide proof of the completion of the prerequisites in their application packets. Applications will not be evaluated until all deficiencies in coursework have been satisfied.

NOTE: Each prerequisite course must be completed with a grade of "B" or better.

Resources

• Cal State Apply Graduate Application Guide (09-17)
• College Net / Apply Web Link
• Student/Advisor Expectations
• Expectations of Graduate Students