MA in Kinesiology - Prospective Students
Join a Winning Team
Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve
Saint Mary's MA in Kinesiology currently offers concentrations in Sports Management and Sports Coaching.
Students can customize their program and have the flexibility to complete their degree in 14-26 months. Class sessions are scheduled on weekday evenings from 6-9pm and are held in-person on Saint Mary's campus.
Interested in applying for our next cohort? Applications are officially open for students looking to start in Spring and Fall 2026 and you can see more about deadlines and application requirements below. Click the following button to start your Spring application before our Friday, December 12th, 2025 deadline!
Application Checklist
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Interested in applying for our next cohort? We accept students for both Spring and Fall starts with degree completion possible in as short as 16 months. Applications are officially open!
Spring 2026 Deadline (classes begin in early-February): Friday, December 12th, 2025
Fall 2026 Priority Deadline (classes begin in late-August): Friday, April 10th, 2026
Fall 2026 General Deadline (classes begin in late-August): Friday, June 26th, 2026
ALL APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING:
- Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts can be uploaded for initial application review but all applicants must submit official transcripts for all higher education institutions if accepted into the program. Official digital transcripts can be sent to smcadmit@stmarys-ca.edu. Note: Current SMC students and alumni will not have to submit official transcripts.
- GPA Exemption Petition: If your undergraduate GPA is below 2.8, please submit a statement that includes relevant information about past academic or personal circumstances and evidence of your ability to succeed in a graduate program.
- Personal Statement: Applicants are asked to provide a 2-3 page, double-spaced document addressing their goals, how they're prepared to achieve success in a graduate kinesiology program, and how they can contribute to the program and the wider Saint Mary's community.
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation: We require two recommendation letters from people familiar with the applicant’s ability to be successful in the classroom and pursue graduate-level work. At least one of the letters should reference your potential for professional growth in the field of kinesiology and the contributions you would bring to the program.
- Current Resume/CV: Please be sure to include your educational background and any work experience in Kinesiology or a related field.
- Non-Refundable Application Fee ($50)
- Please note that the MA in Kinesiology program does not require applicants to submit Graduate Records Examination (GRE) scores.
International Applicants
Saint Mary’s MA in Kinesiology deeply values the intellectual and cultural diversity that International students bring to the classroom. As such, we strongly encourage International students to apply to our program.
Due to the federal requirements involved in providing our International students with educational visas, International applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their application materials as quickly as possible. International applicants will also be required to submit additional documents with their application. Please refer to Saint Mary's International Graduate Admissions page for more information.
Gain NCAA Administrative Experience
Work in a Small, Division I Environment
Saint Mary's Graduate Kinesiology program is proud to offer funding and professionalization opportunities to students through our Graduate Coordinator positions in partnership with SMC Athletics. Grad Kines students work alongside SMC Athletic Directors to gain real-world experience, build knowledge in the field, and develop a future-focused professional network.
Learn More Here
A Passion for Kinesiology Required
Students with a Bachelor's degree in any major are encouraged to apply as we believe that the field of kinesiology is wide-ranging and involves many different disciplines. We only ask that students demonstrate personal, educational, and professional aspirations in the fields of kinesiology, sports, and fitness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should apply?
Our students come from all kinds of backgrounds! Some are straight out of undergrad while others come to us after years of professional experience in coaching, athletic administration, or sports business—no matter your experience level, a graduate degree from Saint Mary's can help you advance your career. Check out our alumni to get a better sense of the interests and expertise our students bring into the program.
Should I apply if I don't meet all the admission criteria?
At a small school like Saint Mary's, every applicant will be considered. We review each student on their individual merits and pay particular attention to potential for success, not just traditional measures of past performance. We look for motivated students who want to learn and make a difference in the lives of others.
Do I need to take the GRE (Graduate Record Exam)?
No, the GRE is not required.
When can I start the program?
Students can elect to start the program in the Spring semester (early February) or Fall semester (late August).
When is the application deadline?
While students may apply until the general deadline, applying by the priority deadline ensures max eligibility for departmental scholarships and fellowships. Students who apply after the general deadline may still be considered for admission depending on their circumstances and timing—always feel free to reach out and we'll try to help!
When will I know if I've been accepted?
Once the program receives your completed application, we do our best to review your materials and issue your decision within 2 weeks.
How long will it take to finish the program?
If taking courses full-time, requirements may be completed in as few as 16 months depending on a student's start term. If taking courses part-time, the degree can be completed between 18 and 26 months depending on how many units they plan to take each semester.
Can I transfer graduate courses from another institution?
A maximum of 6 graduate-level units may be transferred as long as they were completed within the past 5 years and not used towards a previously completed degree. In most cases, students must have achieved an A or B grade to transfer a class and all transfer units must be approved by the Program Director.
Is there flexibility in the program?
Yes! While all students must complete 30 units of coursework, they are able to choose from a mix of required and elective courses from both our Sport Management and Sport Coaching concentrations. Students meet with the Graduate Program Director in advance of their first term to develop an academic plan that works specifically with their goals.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. Saint Mary's offers a mix of scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid options. For Kinesiology-specific awards, start by reading through the Tuition and Scholarship information on our website. For more general graduate school funding opportunities, including FAFSA-related aid, check out our Graduate Financial Aid page.
Are internships available?
Yes. Most of our students complete internships with local sport organizations with some students taking advantage of on-campus work opportunities like our Graduate Coordinator roles. We have excellent relationships with high schools, colleges, and professional sport franchises all across the San Francisco Bay Area and, while we do not directly place students into internship positions, we are committed to working with students to identify and apply for positions that fit their long-term career goals.
Are there teaching opportunities for Graduate Kinesiology students?
Yes, when available, eligible Graduate Kinesiology students can apply to teach undergraduate Physical Education (PHED) courses.
Is on-campus housing available for graduate students?
Saint Mary's is proud to offer housing for graduate students and living on-campus can offer a great mix of convenience and community! Check out our Graduate Student Housing Options page for more information about availability and costs.
How do I find off-campus housing?
The Bay Area is a diverse and exciting place to live, especially as a graduate student who may be working while taking classes. The Saint Mary's Housing Office has some great tips and useful tools to help you find off-campus housing near our Moraga campus on our Housing website.
How often will I need to come to campus for classes?
Graduate Kinesiology courses are typically offered once a week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) from 6-9pm. Occasionally, some courses will be offered on Friday as well depending on student and instructor schedules. The program does everything it can to inform students about class days/times as early as possible to give students more flexibility when juggling personal, professional, and family responsibilities.
A Small Program With a Personal Touch
Interested in talking more with our faculty and staff about your career goals and whether Saint Mary's program is a good fit for you? We're happy to meet one-on-one through Zoom to give you a personal consultation about our MA in Kinesiology. Contact us using the button below to schedule your meeting today!
School and Department Information
Derek Marks
Program Director, Graduate Programs in Kinesiology
dwm1@stmarys-ca.edu
Collin Skeen
Assistant Director of Admissions and Recruitment
cas38@stmarys-ca.edu
925-631-4190