Program Overview
Department of Kinesiology
The Department of Kinesiology offers a Master of Science in Kinesiology with a specialization in Exercise Physiology. This graduate program is designed to prepare students for careers in corporate and community fitness, clinical exercise physiology, coaching, teaching, and research.
Our Focus
The graduate specialization in exercise physiology provides an advanced theoretical and research background in exercise physiology, as well as hands-on experience gained through a required internship. There are three areas of focus in the exercise physiology graduate program:
- General Exercise Physiology
- Clinical Exercise Physiology
- Strength & Conditioning - NSCA Graduate Education Recognition Program
Curriculum
The curriculum prepares students for a variety of careers, including corporate and community fitness specialists, clinical exercise specialists, coaching for performance enhancement, teaching, and research.
Strength & Conditioning
Additionally, after completing the M.S. program, students often complete various certification exams (e.g., National Strength and Conditioning Association), and others continue in doctoral programs in exercise physiology.
Why MS KIN at SJSU?
The MS in Kinesiology at San Jose State University offers:
- Excellent opportunity to link personal passion with employment opportunities and scholarship in the chosen field of exercise physiology
- Advance knowledge through graduate coursework in exercise physiology, environmental exercise physiology, and clinical exercise physiology
- Gain hands-on experience at a relevant internship site
Highlights
The program highlights include:
- Internationally published and recognized faculty
- Programs of study in exercise physiology, clinical exercise physiology, and strength and conditioning (NSCA recognized program)
- Strategic location with access to professional, collegiate, and community sport organizations, as well as influential companies outside the traditional sport scope
- Student-developed programs of study and research opportunities
Program Entry Requirements
The program entry requirements include:
- 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester units (2.75 and above considered)
- Complete Cal State Apply application
- Two letters of recommendation
Coursework
The coursework includes:
Core Courses
- KIN 250 - Fundamentals of Quantitative Research
- KIN 251 - Fundamentals of Qualitative Research
Exercise Physiology Courses
- KIN 255 - Advanced Exercise Physiology
- KIN 256 - Environmental Exercise Physiology
- KIN 287 - Advanced Clinical Exercise Physiology
- KIN 285 - Internship
Electives
Elective courses are chosen with the academic advisor to accentuate and bolster the program of study.
Careers
Graduates of the MS program in Kinesiology (exercise physiology option) currently work in a variety of settings, including:
- Colleges and universities (teachers, strength and conditioning coaches)
- Corporate fitness programs (personal trainers, program managers, group exercise leaders)
- Community health and fitness facilities (personal trainers, program managers, group exercise leaders)
- Hospital-based cardiopulmonary wellness programs (exercise physiologists)
- Research
- Secondary schools (strength and conditioning coaches)
Faculty
The faculty includes:
- Craig Cisar, Ph.D., Professor
- Areum Jensen, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
- Peggy Plato, Ph.D., Professor
- Sherveen Riazati, Ph.D., Lecturer
Alumni Testimonials
Alumni testimonials include:
- Pamela Ben Rached, '18: "My experience did not disappoint as it was the perfect blend of academic rigor and unbridled encouragement."
- Gustavo Aldama, '22: "The research experience and knowledge I acquired in this program has been indispensable for my success in this profession!"
- Stephen Richardson, '24: "My professors have been excellent at inspiring and nurturing my quest for knowledge, as well as providing opportunities in which I can further expand my understanding."