Kinesiology M.S., Sport Science

Kinesiology M.S., Sport Science

Overview

If you're driven to explore the science behind athletic performance, support injury prevention, and contribute to the health and longevity of athletes, PLNU’s M.S. in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport Science prepares you for meaningful work in this evolving and interdisciplinary field. Through advanced coursework and practical application, you’ll be equipped for roles in coaching, performance analysis, and sports health, helping individuals and teams perform at their best, safely and sustainably.

PLNU's accelerated 12-month program offers a flexible course load suited to your professional and academic goals. This program, the first of its kind in Southern California, integrates applied sport science, health education, and human performance strategies to prepare you for impactful roles such as an educator, sport scientist, or corporate wellness professional.

The Sport Science curriculum is designed to launch students into the field of high performance as a sport science practitioner and prepares them to pass the rigorous Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS) exam, which is a new requirement by many national and professional sporting organizations.

Sport Science Concentration Outcomes:

  • Apply both lab and field-based assessment techniques in collegiate sport, professional sport, and tactical settings using the latest technology.
  • Integrate the latest research with a nuanced understanding of training theory to translate evidence into action in a high-performance setting.
  • Learn the foundations of data science such as data handling and processing, data visualization, athlete dashboard creation, and basic coding techniques.

Relevant Experience

Learn from professionals at the forefront of sport science that pair an applied learning approach with the latest industry trends, giving you real-world experience today to fulfill your potential tomorrow. Students will have opportunities to learn from and work with sport scientists in the San Diego region and have access to state-of-the-art athlete testing and monitoring facilities to enhance their practical experience.

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 engaging learning, 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.

"The Right Decision for my Career Path"
"A Holistic Approach to Kinesiology"
Videos (5)
Quotes (5)
The Right Decision for my Career Path
"I've really loved the flexibility and all of the available electives. I found the tactical strength and conditioning and the movement interventions courses extremely inviting based on what I want to do afterward. Those units have put me in the right direction for my career path. "
Jamie Bearnish Kinesiology M.S.
A Holistic Approach to Kinesiology
"Point Loma did such a great job preparing me for my work. Being able to take such a diverse course load helped me have a really holistic approach to the whole kinesiology field."
Jesús Ramos Kinesiology M.S.
Known by Professors
"Having the teacher know your name and developing a personal relationship with them was really big for me."
Marques Cardiel Kinesiology M.S.
Welcomed Well
"I've never felt more welcomed into a group of people. It's very clear that the faculty, staff, and students at PLNU are here for a reason and a purpose. And I believe that purpose is to become a better version of themselves."
Rachel Miller Kinesiology M.S.
You Get Out What You Put in
"My biggest advice for people going into a masters program at PLNU is you get out what you put in. You get hands-on experience that perhaps you wouldn’t be getting at a bigger grad school or program."
Amy Ogren Kinesiology M.S.

Application Information

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. 

Exercise Physiology

A study of the effects of vigorous physical activity upon the systems of the body; development of an understanding of factors that constitute training of the human body for high levels of health and physical performance.

Statistics

An introduction to statistical concepts and methods, including data analysis, probability theory, theoretical frequency distributions, sampling, estimation, and hypothesis testing.

Praxis of Strength Training and Conditioning (or equivalent)

A practical application of NSCA-aligned principles in strength training and conditioning, covering exercise technique, program design, performance assessment, and coaching strategies for diverse populations.

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.

Career Opportunities

PLNU’s Master of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport Science is ideal for individuals passionate about human performance, movement science, and applied sport technology. Whether you're aiming to become a sport scientist, educator, or wellness professional, this program equips you with the scientific knowledge and practical skills to make a measurable impact in athletic, educational, and corporate wellness settings.

PLNU’s Kinesiology M.S., Sport Science program will prepare you for leadership in a variety of career fields, such as:

  • Educator (Physical Education, Health, Kinesiology Instructor)
  • Sport Scientist
  • Corporate Wellness Professional
  • Rehabilitation Specialist (in collaboration with healthcare professionals)
  • Sports Performance Analyst
  • Fitness Program Coordinator
  • Community Health and Wellness Coordinator

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

Sport Scientist

Median annual salary: $89,622–$112,384
Projected growth: 9% from 2020 to 2030

As a sports scientist, you’ll harness advanced technology and data analysis to understand and improve athletic performance. By collecting and interpreting metrics such as GPS tracking, force plate measurements, and heart rate variability, you help athletes, coaches, and military personnel optimize training, prevent injury, and enhance recovery. This role blends scientific expertise with practical application, making it ideal for those passionate about applying evidence-based methods to real-world performance challenges. With a Master of Science in Kinesiology focusing on sport science, you’ll gain the skills needed to contribute to cutting-edge research and become a vital part of interdisciplinary teams in sports, military, and wellness settings.

Educator

Median annual salary: $68,226
Projected growth: 4% from 2020 to 2030

Educators specializing in physical education and sport science play a pivotal role in promoting health, physical literacy, and overall well-being among students. With a strong foundation in kinesiology, these professionals are equipped to design and implement curricula that emphasize movement science, injury prevention, and lifelong fitness. Opportunities exist in K–12 schools, higher education institutions, and community programs, where educators can inspire and guide individuals toward healthier lifestyles. A master's degree in kinesiology not only enhances instructional capabilities but also opens doors to advanced roles in curriculum development, educational leadership, and further academic pursuits.

Corporate Wellness Professional

Median annual salary: $81,691
Projected growth: 32% from 2020 to 2030

As a corporate health and wellness director, you’re responsible for the planning and execution of programs that center around health, safety and wellbeing for your company or organization. You’d be the go-to person for promotion of overall health — both mental and physical — not only helping your company save money in the long run, but achieving greater overall employee success, satisfaction, and wellness.

Stories from the Program

Now Serving: Tina Stefanovic’s volleyball research takes her to the world stage
What Can I Do in My Career With a Master’s in Kinesiology?
Articles (2)
Now Serving: Tina Stefanovic’s volleyball research takes her to the world stage Her time in PLNU’s M.S. in Kinesiology program helped her reach very successful research goals. Discover
What Can I Do in My Career With a Master’s in Kinesiology? A master’s degree in kinesiology can allow you to pursue your passion for sports, health, wellness, and rehabilitation in a variety of growing industries. See 10 of the top career options for a graduate degree in kinesiology. Discover

Financial Aid and Student Support

We take seriously the role of providing you with financial, academic, and career support so you have the tools you need to be successful at PLNU and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.

With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.

Financial Aid and Student Support

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is required to be admitted into this program?

To be admitted into PLNU's MS-KIN program, you must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, as evidenced by an official transcript that indicates the completion of an undergraduate degree. You must also have an undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. If you don’t meet the minimum GPA requirement, please contact your enrollment counselor regarding the exceptions process.

Can I work while completing the program?

Absolutely. The MS-KIN program consists of blended in-person and online courses that allow for a flexible schedule, so you can continue to work full- or part-time.

What scholarship and financial aid opportunities are available to me?

You will have the option to apply for MS-KIN graduate and teaching assistant positions that include hourly compensation. 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. This program also qualifies for state and federal financial aid options. For specific details, please contact PLNU’s Graduate and Professional Student Services.

How long does it take to complete the program?

The expected completion time is 12 months.

How large will the classes be?

Class sizes are estimated to be 20 to 25 people.

Are international students eligible to apply?

Yes! As an international student, you can apply as a senior in university or any time after you obtain your bachelor’s degree. If you earned your baccalaureate degree outside of the United States, all documents must be translated into English and evaluated by members of National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). You must also submit official proof of English proficiency (TOEFL). Please contact Graduate Financial Aid and Student Support Services for more information.

We also will accept a 110 minimum score from DuoLingo as proof of proficiency. 

PLNU is a Christian university, but I am not a Christian. Would I feel out of place in this program?

We welcome and encourage people of all backgrounds as students in our programs. Issues that relate to faith may be discussed in some classes, and engaging in discussion with individuals with alternative points of view will be encouraged as learning opportunities. Students will work within a learning community that is supportive academically, spiritually, and emotionally.

What if I have work or personal commitments that interfere with completing the program in 12 months?

We understand that work or personal commitments might make it difficult to complete your degree in the accelerated time frame. We'll work to accommodate you as best as possible to ensure you finish your degree while fulfilling your other obligations. For specific questions related to your circumstances, please reach out to your enrollment counselor.

Course List

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

Course Information

Department Faculty