“While I was at Mason, I loved being able to work with all kinds of populations, helping people understand how the right kind of movement and exercise and form can have a strengthening and healing effect on their bodies...I feel like the kinesiology degree has prepared me well for my career.”
—Emily Busch, BS Kinesiology ‘19
Mission Statement
The mission of the Kinesiology undergraduate program is to advance the field of kinesiology through research, community outreach, and the preparation of future leaders in kinesiology-related professions. Program faculty use a multidisciplinary, evidence-based approach to the study of human movement, utilizing classroom, laboratory, and experiential learning environments.
Our curriculum and learning environments prepare students to excel in careers and advanced professional or graduate study by instilling strong scientific knowledge in health, wellness, and performance across the lifespan. Multiple internships provide students with the opportunity to apply their learning in general fitness, clinical, and sports performance settings.
Vision Statement
Our vision is to graduate kinesiologists who are well equipped with the requisite knowledge, skills, and qualifications to become tomorrow’s leaders in addressing major health and wellness challenges facing society.
Concentrations
Our program offers three pathways: a BS without concentration; a BS with a concentration in Allied Health Sciences, to prepare students with the prerequisite knowledge and skills needed to advance to graduate programs in pursuit of becoming an allied health professional; and a BS with a concentration in Strength and Conditioning, to prepare students with the requisite knowledge and skills needed to become Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS). Students are encouraged to pursue a concentration.
This program is recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
- fitness instructor / personal trainer
- health promotion and wellness coach
- physical therapy technician
- cardiac rehabilitation / clinical chronic disease rehabilitation therapist
- certified exercise physiologist
- certified strength and conditioning specialist
- corporate or community wellness fitness specialist
Students who complete our program are prepared to sit for national certification exams such as the American College of Sports Medicine’s Certified Exercise Physiologist exam and the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist exam.
A bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Mason is also a solid foundation for graduate study in the health care field, paving the way to study medicine, occupational therapy, physical therapy, athletic training, chiropractic medicine, and more.
Yes, the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology degree is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES). This accreditation ensures students are taught necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) to prepare them for jobs in the health, fitness, and exercise industry.
Please click the following link for the Kinesiology B.S. Program Outcomes.
Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology
Courses for the Kinesiology BS are primarily held on the Science and Technology campus.
Foundation Requirements:
Exploration Requirements:
Integration Requirement:
Writing Intensive**
Synthesis/Capstone***
*Met by BIOL 124: Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits) and BIOL 125: Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits), program requirements.
**Met by KINE 450: Research Methods (3 credits) (Mason Core), a program requirement.
***Met by KINE 490: Kinesiology Internship (6 credits) (Mason Core), a program requirement.
Students are encouraged to pursue a minor and/or concentration. Students who do not select an optional concentration must complete the professional sequence and select at least 38 additional credits from any of the courses in the university catalog. At least 15 of these credits must be at the 300 and 400 level. Please see the BS in Kinesiology without Concentration advising sheet for more details and a suggested academic plan.
Electives
Select an additional 32-38 credits from any of the courses in the university catalog: Electives.
Note: Students are encouraged to complete BIOL 103: Introductory Biology II-Survey of Cell and Molecular Biology (3 credits) and BIOL 105: Introductory Biology II Laboratory (1 credit) as electives before taking BIOL 124: Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits).
This concentration prepares students with the prerequisite knowledge and skills needed to advance to graduate programs in pursuit of becoming an allied health professional, such as an athletic trainer, physical therapist, occupational therapist, sports medicine physician, or sports chiropractor. Please see the BS in Kinesiology with Concentration in Allied Health Sciences (AHS) advising sheet for more details and a suggested academic plan.
Total Credits: 29-35
*If PSYC 100: Introduction to Psychology (3 credits) fulfills a Mason Core requirement, students may need to complete an additional 3 credits of electives.
Electives
Select an additional 9-15 credits from any of the courses in the university catalog: Electives.
Note: Students are highly encouraged to review the prerequisite courses required by their desired graduate program(s) and use their electives to meet any additional program requirements. At least 6 elective credits must be at the 300 and 400 level.
This concentration prepares students with the requisite knowledge and skills needed to become Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS). This certification is a requirement for many positions in personal training, strength and conditioning coaching, sport science, fitness, and player development. Please see the BS in Kinesiology with Concentration in Strength and Conditioning (STCN) advising sheet for more details and a suggested academic plan.
Total Credits: 33
Electives
Select an additional 11 credits from any of the courses in the university catalog: Electives.
Note: Students are encouraged to complete BIOL 103: Introductory Biology II-Survey of Cell and Molecular Biology (3 credits) and BIOL 105: Introductory Biology II Laboratory (1 credit) as electives before taking BIOL 124: Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits).
An 18-credit Kinesiology minor is available to all Mason undergraduate students, with the exception of those enrolled in the BS in Kinesiology. Eight credits of coursework must be unique to the minor and may not be used to fulfill requirements of the student's major, concentration, an undergraduate certificate, or another minor.
This program has been identified by George Mason University as one that may lead to a career requiring professional licensure/certification. Federal regulations require Mason to disclose information as to whether this program meets/does not meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification in your state, or whether such a determination has not been made. Please consult our Licensure Disclosure Tool for the disclosure statement specific to your desired state/program combination.
George Mason University will verify completion of the requirements of a Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) state-approved preparation program at the graduate or undergraduate level. Such verification does not guarantee the issuance of a Virginia Collegiate Professional, Postgraduate Professional, or Pupil Personnel license from the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is solely the student's responsibility to comply with all requirements for licensure by the Commonwealth. Under Virginia law, a social security number is required for licensure.
This program is 120 credits, with a mix of online and in-person classes. Many courses are held at Mason’s Science and Technology campus.
Freshman
- Non-Binding Early Action Deadline: November 1
- Regular Decision Deadline: January 15
Transfer
- Fall Priority Deadline: March 1
- Spring Priority Deadline: October 1
For more information and to apply, visit the admissions website.
Prospective George Mason students can visit the How to Apply page for more information about submitting an application.
Learn about submission deadlines and admissions requirements using the links below:
TUITION CLASSIFICATION |
COST PER CREDIT |
Virginia Resident |
$592.50 (includes MSF*) |
Non-Virginia Resident |
$1,612.00 (includes MSF*) |
CEHD Course Fee
($25/credit with higher per credit or flat course fees for internship and select ATEP, RECR, and RMGT courses) |
$25 - $257 |
Total Cost for Virginia Residents per Credit |
$617.50 - $849.50 |
Total Cost for Non-Virginia Residents per Credit |
$1,637.00 - $1,869.00 |
Undergraduate New Student Fee (non-refundable, one-time fee) |
$350 | $275 for transfer students |
Please Note: Refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees. Various course and lab fees may be assessed depending on the course(s) in which the student is enrolled.
*Mandatory Student Fee (MSF): $159.50
For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers, and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department. Also, many school districts offer tuition reimbursement options. Speak to your employer for more information.
Each student is responsible for knowing Mason’s rules, regulations, requirements, administrative policies, and academic policies. The University Catalog, your program advisors, and the staff in the Student and Academic Affairs Office are key resources to assist you as you work toward completion of your degree requirements. It is highly recommended that you meet with your advisor at least once per semester to review degree progress and plan for future semesters.
Kinesiology Academic Advisors
Please note:
- Students may schedule appointments up to two weeks in advance. If no appointments are available, please continue to check as new times will open up.
- If you are 10 minutes late, your appointment may be canceled. Please make sure you are aware of the date and time when scheduling an appointment.
- If you need to cancel your appointment, please do so through NavigateMason (SSC) as soon as possible (24 hours minimum notice appreciated), so we may offer that time to another student.
- All appointments will follow the University procedures for delays/cancellations.
The 2024-25 Kinesiology Advising Sheet is a helpful tool for monitoring progress throughout the academic program. George Mason core requirements, details of coursework, and coursework sequencing necessary for completion of the KINE program are included. However, advising sheets are designed as supplemental guides and do not supersede the official degree requirements detailed in the corresponding year's George Mason University Catalog.
Forms
Current students should visit MyMason for important forms and documents.