MS in Kinesiology
Empowering Leaders in Health, Movement, and Human Performance
The Master of Science in Kinesiology prepares you to advance your expertise in human movement, exercise, and sport while developing the knowledge and skills to improve health, fitness, performance, and education across diverse settings. Designed for working professionals and career-minded graduates, the program combines rigorous academic study with practical application to support professional growth and leadership in kinesiology-related fields.
Choose Your Concentration
You can tailor your degree through two distinct concentrations. The Exercise Science concentration focuses on the scientific foundations of exercise, equipping you to apply principles from exercise physiology, biomechanics, sport nutrition, and strength and conditioning to assessment, program design, and research. The Sport and Physical Education concentration emphasizes teaching, coaching, and leadership, preparing you to strengthen student learning, athlete development, and program leadership across K–12, collegiate, and community settings.
Sport and Physical Education (Online)
- Best if you want to advance your career in physical education, coaching, and athletic program leadership in K–12, collegiate, and community settings.
- Focuses on curriculum design, leadership and administration, ethics, and sport psychology.
- Delivered in a fully online (asynchronous) format.
Exercise Science (Hybrid)
- Best if you want to advance your career in exercise science, healthcare, sport performance, or research.
- Focuses on exercise physiology, biomechanics, sport nutrition, and strength and conditioning, with hands-on assessment and program design.
- Delivered in a hybrid format with online and in-person coursework.
Program at a Glance
The Master of Science in Kinesiology equips students to be difference makers in fields such as exercise science, strength and conditioning, healthcare, education, coaching, and athletics administration, guided by experienced faculty in fully online and hybrid formats.
Upcoming Events
Coming soon.
Application Deadline
-
The MS in Kinesiology program offers three start times each year: Fall I, Spring I, and Summer.
- Call (626) 815-2020 or email gpadmissions@apu.edu for current deadlines.
Program Information
- Program Units: 30
- Cost per Unit: $745
- Base Cost: $22,350*
Location
- Online (Asynchronous)
- Hybrid (Online and Azusa Main Campus)
Sport and Physical Education Concentration: Lead with Purpose in Sport, Education, and Athletic Administration
The Sport and Physical Education concentration prepares you to strengthen student learning, athlete development, and program leadership across K–12, collegiate, and community sport settings. Through focused study in curriculum design, athletic leadership and administration, sport psychology, facilities and event management, and physical conditioning, you’ll develop practical, evidence-based approaches that enhance teaching, coaching, and managing sport programs. Offered fully online, the program provides the flexibility you need to advance your knowledge and skills while balancing professional and personal responsibilities.
Gain Practical Experience
- Integrate evidence-based principles of teaching, coaching, and leadership in sport and educational settings.
- Design and implement physical education curricula and instructional strategies for diverse student populations.
- Apply sport psychology, sports medicine, and physical conditioning concepts to enhance athlete development and well-being.
- Lead athletic programs and events with professionalism and strategic vision.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sport and Physical Education
The Sport and Physical Education concentration prepares graduates for a wide range of
professional roles, including:
- Athletic director
- K-12, community college, or university teacher or coach
- Administrator of community or youth sport programs
- Manager of sport facilities or health and fitness clubs
- Sport entrepreneurship
Exercise Science Concentration: Apply Science to Elevate Health, Fitness, and Sport Performance
The Exercise Science concentration prepares you to develop advanced expertise in how the body responds and adapts to exercise and training to improve fitness, athletic performance, and health. Through focused study in areas such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, sport nutrition, and strength and conditioning, you’ll learn to apply scientific principles to evidence-based assessment and program design across health, fitness, and performance settings. Delivered in a hybrid format, the program combines the flexibility of asynchronous online coursework with in-person laboratory experiences, allowing students to build practical skills in exercise testing, program development, and research while learning alongside expert faculty mentors.
Gain Hands-on Experience
- Explain the physiological and biomechanical foundations of human movement and exercise training.
- Apply evidence-based principles to improve fitness, athletic performance, and health across diverse populations.
- Conduct exercise assessment and design effective, science-driven programs in a variety of professional settings.
- Design and participate in applied research projects alongside program faculty.
Frequently Asked Questions: Exercise Science
The program follows a blended format. Four advanced exercise science courses are delivered in-person and include a laboratory component. Students take one advanced course per semester.
Six core courses are delivered online in an asynchronous 8-week format. Students typically take two online courses per semester.
Admission to the Exercise Science concentration requires completion of two semesters of Anatomy and Physiology with laboratory components.
A bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology or a related field is recommended. Additional coursework in Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, Sports Nutrition, and Strength and Conditioning is highly encouraged.
The Exercise Science concentration prepares graduates for a wide range of professional roles, including:
- Cardiac rehabilitation specialist
- Coaching and sport performance roles
- Community college or university teaching
- Corporate wellness or program director positions
- Exercise physiologist
- Fitness professional or personal trainer
- Research roles
- Strength and conditioning specialist
By the Numbers
Get Started
Program Details
The Master of Science in Kinesiology provides advanced study in human movement, exercise, and sport to support careers across education, fitness, and health settings. Within the degree, students choose from two distinct concentrations aligned with their professional goals.
The Exercise Science concentration focuses on the scientific foundations of exercise, including exercise physiology, biomechanics, sport nutrition, and strength and conditioning, with an emphasis on assessment, program design, and research.
The Sport and Physical Education concentration emphasizes teaching, coaching, and athletic administration across K–12, collegiate, and community settings. Across both pathways, students integrate theory and practice to improve health, enhance performance, and positively impact the individuals and communities they serve. The program is designed for working professionals and offers flexible delivery options, including fully online and hybrid formats.
Browse the tabs below—if you have questions, visit the Student Services Center page, and we’ll make sure you get the info you need.
Admission Requirements—Domestic Applicants
The university graduate and program admission requirements below must be met before an application is considered complete.
- Graduate application for admission
- $45 nonrefundable application fee
- Official transcripts from all institutions leading to and awarding the applicant’s
bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and all postbaccalaureate
study
An official transcript is one that Azusa Pacific University receives unopened in an envelope sealed by the former institution and that bears the official seal of the college or university. A cumulative minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade-point average on the posted degree is required for regular admission status. Provisional admittance may be granted to individuals with a lower GPA if competency can be shown through multiple measures. - Two recommendations submitted by professors, employers, principals, or district administrators, who have current knowledge of the applicant’s academic ability and potential.
- Personal Statement of 1-2 pages describing how you anticipate that APU’s master’s degree will enable you to achieve your short- and long-term professional goals.
- Résumé or statement of experience including the most relevant work and volunteer experience.
Send official transcripts to:
Office of Graduate and Professional AdmissionsAzusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
gpadmissions@apu.edu
What to Expect
After all admission materials have been received by the Student Services Center, the faculty or department chair reviews the applicant’s file. The applicant is notified in writing of the admission decision.
Graduate Kinesiology Programs
Financial Aid
Several types of financial aid are available to graduate students. The resources range from federal loans and state grants to, for some graduate programs, fellowships and scholarships. For details about financial aid available for your program, please contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020.
Military Benefits
Military members—and in some cases their spouses and dependents—qualify for financial assistance covering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, so you can be confident that you’ll receive the benefits and flexibility you need to complete your education.
Kinesiology Scholarships
Kyle Ian MacDonald Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is in honor of Kyle Ian MacDonald, MS ’15, a graduate of APU’s MS in Kinesiology program. The intent of this scholarship is to financially support students in the pursuit of teaching and mentoring students through coaching, physical education, and exercise science. Awards range from $2,000-$2,500. Please visit apu.scholarshipuniverse.com to apply for this scholarship by August 1.
To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic
catalog:
If you have questions, we’re here to help! Connect with a representative who can walk you through the program details and application process.
Contact Your Admissions Representative
Additional Program Contact
Madeline Cheaney, Program Director, mcheaney@apu.edu
Sarina Bautista, Program Manager, sbautista@apu.edu
Department of Kinesiology, kin@apu.edu
Phone
(626) 815-5086
Hours
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
Student Services Center
- Email:
- admissions@apu.edu
- Phone:
- (626) 812-3016
Admissions, financial aid, and registration. Visit apu.edu/student-services.
International Services
- Email:
- international@apu.edu
- Phone:
- +1 (626) 812-3055
Visa, I-20, and international student support. Visit apu.edu/international.
- Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Career Outlook and Outcomes
Featured Faculty
Andrew Alstot
Associate Professor, Department of Kinesiology
Angela Robles
Professor, Department of Kinesiology
Christy Gendron
Program Director and Associate Professor, Department of Kinesiology