Explore the science behind human movement and its real-world impact on performance, injury prevention, and rehabilitation through PLNU’s one-year Master of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Biomechanics. Grounded in the principles of physics, anatomy, physiology, and data analysis, this program prepares you to collect, interpret, and apply biomechanical data in both athletic and clinical settings.

With opportunities to work hands-on with collegiate, amateur, and professional athletes — including potential fieldwork through the PLNU x Padres Biomechanics Lab — you’ll gain the tools and experience to pursue advanced careers in human movement science, athlete development, and sports medicine. 

The Biomechanics concentration also aligns with the knowledge and standards of the International Society of Biomechanics in Sports (ISBS) and prepares you to sit for the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS) credential.

PLNU’s accelerated, 12-month biomechanics program is designed to deepen your expertise while offering the flexibility to balance professional demands. This curriculum supports your growth with a strong foundation in biomechanical principles and hands-on experience in the field.

Biomechanics Concentration Outcomes:

• Integrate the fundamental principles of physics, mathematics, anatomy, and physiology in the comprehensive analyses of human movement in sports and clinical settings
• Apply knowledge of the ability to capture, reduce, and analyze biomechanical data to establish key kinematic, kinetic, and muscle-activation indicators of athletic performance and injury risk
• Incorporate scientific methods and data-driven outcomes to inform best practices within the context of athletic performance and injury risk
• Develop interdisciplinary approaches for performing common lab and field assessments to evaluate and employ emerging technologies for gathering biomechanical data around key performance indicators

Relevant Experience

Take courses that pair an applied learning approach with the latest industry research and trends, giving you real-world experience today to fulfill your potential tomorrow.

Professional Preparedness

Foster relationships with industry leaders, gain exposure to internship and job opportunities, and learn from faculty and professional colleagues through a robust, flexible, and customizable curriculum.

Pursue Your Purpose

Develop a deeper understanding of how to faithfully apply your work. Through a robust curriculum, collaborative group work, and direct professional experiences, you’ll be equipped to integrate the current best research evidence with your professional practice to solve relevant problems for your clients in the sport industry.

Program Start Date(s):

• Fall 2025 — September 2, 2025

Application Deadline(s):

• Fall 2025 — August 15, 2025

If you are interested in applying to any of our Graduate Assistant (GA) or Teaching Assistant (TA) positions, please scroll to the Financial Aid & Student Support section for more information.

Start Application

The Selection Process

The educational context at PLNU will challenge you to live a full life that integrates the pursuit of knowledge with beliefs, values, and actions. While honoring diverse perspectives and beliefs, Christian values and principles are woven into the educational experience. We understand your application is not only a reflection of you as a student; it reflects you as a person. At PLNU, we holistically evaluate your academic history, work and life experience, background, and circumstances to determine admission into a graduate program. Your undergraduate GPA is an important piece of your application, but if you do not meet the minimum GPA requirement of a 3.0, you may still be eligible for admission based on your application package as well as the exceptions policy per your particular program.* Therefore, we strongly encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor, who will advise you regarding your qualifications and provide specific information about the admission-under-exceptions process.

To be admitted into PLNU's MS-KIN, you must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, as evidenced by an official transcript from that institution indicating the completion of an undergraduate degree.

If you have any questions about your qualifications or the program in general, we encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor.

*Exceptions Policy: If you have a GPA below 3.0 in your baccalaureate degree, you will need to speak with your enrollment counselor for more information on the exceptions materials needed for your particular program.

Program Prerequisites

Please refer to the program’s prerequisite course descriptions below for any concentration within the MS-KIN program that you’re considering. All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of B- or better. 

Application Checklist

Note: The application is completed entirely online with the exception of transcripts, which can be submitted electronically or directly to PLNU, and test scores, which should be submitted electronically.

1. Submit online application for admissions (including $50 non-refundable application fee, which is waived for PLNU alums, current or former military and their dependents, and PLNU employees).
2. Submit official transcripts with proof of earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.* (If you are a PLNU alumnus, please notify your counselor to have your transcripts retrieved. You do not need to request transcripts from the PLNU Office of Records.)
   
   Official transcripts must be sent to:
   Point Loma Nazarene University
   Office of Graduate Admissions
   3900 Lomaland Dr.
   San Diego, CA 92106
   
   Official electronic transcripts must be emailed to:
   gradprocessing@pointloma.edu
   
   *Please note, official transcripts must be sent directly from the regionally accredited institution.
3. Submit personal essay. Specifically state how you would like to use your master’s degree from PLNU to further your career. Make sure you clearly touch on these three points:
   • Clarify what job setting you see yourself pursuing upon completing the MS-KIN and specify how this degree program will help you in that setting.
   • Describe how you will appraise, use, and integrate current evidence in kinesiology into your professional practice.
   • State how your previous education and work experiences have uniquely prepared you for success in this program.
4. Submit a resume/vita.
5. Three professional references.
6. Ensure undergraduate course prerequisites are met:
   • Clinical Exercise Physiology Concentration: Human Anatomy and Physiology, Exercise Physiology
   • Strength and Conditioning Concentration: Human Anatomy and Physiology, Structural Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology
   • Sport Science Concentration: Exercise Physiology, Statistics, Praxis of Strength Training and Conditioning (or equivalent)
   • Biomechanics Concentration: Human Anatomy and Physiology, Statistics, Physics
   • Sport Management Concentration: No prerequisite other than those required for courses offered in the Fermanian School of Business

Start Application

State Authorization

In certain states outside California, PLNU is not authorized to enroll students in online courses and/or offer internships. If a student moves to another state after admission to a program or enrollment in an online course, continuation in the program/course will depend on whether PLNU is authorized within that state. Please refer to the State Authorization map to view which states allow online courses and/or internships.

PLNU’s M.S. Kinesiology with a concentration in Biomechanics is ideal for those who are passionate about the science of human movement and performance. If you're ready to advance your career through hands-on research, data-driven analysis, and applied movement science, this program offers specialized training to help you make a lasting impact in athletic, clinical, or research settings.

With specialized training in biomechanics, you’ll be equipped to pursue roles such as:

• Biomechanist
• Sports Biomechanist
• Clinical Biomechanist
• Product Development Engineer
• Sports Performance Specialist
• Physical Therapist
• Athletic Trainer

Learn more about  some of the most common career paths with a master’s in Biomechanics:

Biomechanist

Median annual salary: Academic/ Research $76,000

• Tech industry (e.g., Nike, Technogym, Qualisys): $80,000–$150,000+

Projected growth: 8% from 2020 to 2030

Biomechanists analyze movement patterns to optimize athletic performance and reduce injury risk across a variety of settings, including sports, healthcare, and research and development for technology companies. By using advanced tools, they gather and interpret biomechanical data to inform training programs, rehabilitation protocols, and innovative product design. Biomechanists collaborate closely with coaches, clinicians, engineers, and scientists to apply evidence-based strategies that improve human movement efficiency and safety. Career opportunities span professional sports organizations, healthcare facilities, research institutions, and tech companies focused on wearable devices and performance equipment.

Product Development Engineer

Median annual salary: $86,075–$125,075
Projected growth: 3–4% through 2028

As a Product Development Engineer, you apply your knowledge of human movement and biomechanics to design, test, and improve athletic equipment, wearable technology, and performance-enhancing products. Your expertise helps create innovative solutions that enhance athlete safety, comfort, and efficiency. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams including designers, engineers, and researchers to bring cutting-edge products from concept to market. Strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of kinesiology principles allow you to develop products that meet the needs of athletes and consumers alike.

Sports Performance Specialist

Median annual salary: $87,520–$110,039
Projected growth: 8% from 2020 to 2030

Sports Performance Specialists analyze movement patterns to optimize athletic performance and reduce injury risk across various settings, including sports, healthcare, and research and development for technology companies. By utilizing advanced tools such as motion capture systems and force plates, they gather and interpret biomechanical data to inform training programs, rehabilitation protocols, and innovative product designs. Their work supports the development of performance-enhancing strategies and equipment that cater to athletes' needs. This role offers opportunities in professional sports organizations, healthcare facilities, research institutions, and tech companies focused on wearable devices and performance equipment.

Scholarships

Scholarships ranging from $500-2500 are available to those who qualify. Please contact your Enrollment Counselor for further information.

Kinesiology Graduate Assistant and Teaching Assistant Positions are available.

Each year the M.S. Kinesiology program seeks highly motivated students for various graduate assistant (GA) and teaching assistant (TA) positions. Compensation for these positions is based on experience, work hours, and hourly rates. The positions range from 5-20 hours per week at a benefit comparable to 25% - 50% of tuition.

Learn More

Questions About Financial Aid? Meet Your Advisor

If you have any questions about your student account balance, payments, financial aid, or just need to talk about all of your options, please feel free to contact your assigned student financial services advisor:

Office of Student Financial Services

For information about the courses required for the Kinesiology M.S., Biomechanics program, view the PLNU Catalog.

Course Information