“The professors created an environment that promoted critical thinking in the classroom. Acting more as mentors, the professors offer you guidance as you learn to sharpen your own skills within your chosen field of study.... The experience and wisdom I gained from this program has been monumental in my professional development.” - Kyle O’Toole, MS Kinesiology, '20
The purpose of the MS in Kinesiology at George Mason University is to provide students with an evidence-based approach to the study of Kinesiology in order to address the physical activity-related needs of Virginia and the nation. The program provides an advanced understanding of scientific evidence and research methods to address physical activity-related aspects of general well-being, chronic disease, and human performance. Our curriculum emphasizes an evidence-based approach and provides experiences in order to produce graduates who are movement and exercise specialists. Students learn how to become data scientists who collect, analyze, interpret and present data regarding human movement. Our students gain hands-on experience using state-of-the-art technology located in the SMART Lab.
Graduates are able to work in private and government sectors which may be characterized as clinical, athletic, and military environments. Our graduates fill positions such as sport scientists, biomechanical and physiology researchers, clinical exercise physiologists, and directors of strength and conditioning.
Applicants with an MS are more competitive when applying to selective doctoral programs and higher-paying jobs.
Students in the program get hands-on skills and experience through Mason’s state-of-the-art Sports Medicine Assessment, Research, and Testing Lab, where they do practical work in biomechanics, exercise physiology, and sport performance.
- Sport Scientist
- Human Performance Director
- Biomechanics and Human Movement Specialist
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Exercise Physiologists
- Research Assistants
- Pursue a terminal degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science or Related Field
Program Requirements
Core Courses: 24 credits
Capstone Course
Electives: 12 credits
Select 12 credits from the following. Students may take up to six credits of coursework offered by other programs with permission.
Total: 36 credit hours
- 36 credits
- Full and part-time options
- Program held at Mason’s Science and Technology Campus in Manassas, Virginia
- Classes are offered on campus, hybrid, and 100% online
- New students can begin classes in August or January
Fall Semester
(classes starting in August) |
Spring Semester
(classes starting in January) |
Summer Semester
(classes starting in May, June, or July) |
Priority*: April 1
Space Available: August 19 |
Priority*: November 1
Space Available: January 10 |
Applications not accepted for this term |
For more information and to apply, visit the admissions website.
* Priority deadline ensures consideration for the intended semester as well as financial aid options for students. Programs will continue to review applications until at capacity. Some programs do not review applications past the priority deadline.
All application materials must be submitted through George Mason’s online graduate application. In addition to meeting general university admissions requirements, applicants will need to provide the requirements below.
To be considered for graduate studies, the following items are evaluated during the admission review process:
- Graduate application and fee
- 750- to 1,000-word written statement of your goals and interest in the program
- Current resume
- Two letters of recommendation: Applicants should follow the instructions included in the online application to submit the recommendation forms directly to their recommenders. Mason does not accept paper recommendations. Recommendations should be professional or academic in nature.
- Transcripts from all previous institutions attended in the United States. Please refer to the Office of Graduate Admissions information page for specific requirements regarding uploading unofficial transcripts.
- Applicants with transcripts from institutions outside of the United States could have additional requirements. Please refer to the How To Apply page for specific requirements about submitting international transcripts, evaluations, and English language proficiency.
Admission to graduate programs at George Mason University is competitive. Applicants are evaluated on the strength of their academic backgrounds, results of standardized exams (if required by the program), work experience, and any additional evidence of potential success in the program. Faculty admissions review is a holistic review of requirements as well as the applicant’s potential academic and professional success upon completion of the program.
At a minimum all admitted students must have:
- An earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, or international equivalent, verified from official transcripts. Expectation of an earned baccalaureate prior to the first day of classes for the term for which the student is applying will also meet this requirement. See the graduate admissions policy for more information.
- A minimum 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale in baccalaureate study. Students with less than a 3.0 GPA are encouraged to apply, addressing previous academic challenges and highlighting evidence for future success in their goal statement.
- International students should reference Admission of International Students for additional requirements.
| TUITION CLASSIFICATION |
COST PER CREDIT |
| Virginia Resident |
$748.50
(includes MSF*) |
| Non-Virginia Resident |
$948.50
(includes MSF*; discounted from $1,679.50) |
| VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program** |
$635.50
(includes MSF*) |
| CEHD Course Fee |
$25 - $84 |
| Total Cost for Virginia Residents per Credit |
$773.50 - $832.50 |
| Total Cost for Non-Virginia Residents per Credit |
$979.50 - $1,038.50 |
| Total cost for VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program* |
$660.50 - $719.50 |
Graduate New Student Fee
(non-refundable, one-time fee) |
$60 |
Please Note: Refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees. Internship courses will incur a higher course fee to fund on-site assistance involving intensive clinical training/supervision.
*Mandatory Student Fee (MSF): $159.50
**VA state residents who are eligible must apply for the 15% PreK-16 VA Educators Discount in order to take advantage of the lower tuition. Eligible students receive 15% off the total tuition and mandatory student fee.
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.
MS Kinesiology Academic Advisor:
Debra Stroiney
Email: dstroine@gmu.edu
Charles Robison
Academic Program Coordinator (Undergraduate)
Debra Stroiney
Academic Program Coordinator (Graduate)
Jatin Ambegaonkar
Shane Caswell
Oladipo Eddo
Marcie Fyock
Joel Martin
Tiphanie Raffegeau