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Kinesiology, MS

Our MS in Kinesiology program offers a flexible, interdisciplinary education that integrates human performance science with data science. With two tracks, students gain hands-on experience and graduate prepared for impactful careers in sport science, health and sport analytics or advanced research.

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About this Program

Preparing Tomorrow's Leaders in Data-Driven Human Performance

Seattle University’s Master of Science in Kinesiology program delivers a cutting-edge, interdisciplinary education that integrates the mechanical, physiological and behavioral aspects of human performance with the power of data science. Designed to empower the next generation of leaders, this dynamic program blends lectures, labs, seminars, independent study and mentored research to equip students for impactful careers across a wide range of data-driven industries.  

This hybrid-format program offers flexibility for working professionals and those outside the Seattle area. With only three courses requiring on-campus attendance twice per quarter, you can pursue your degree from wherever you are while gaining hands-on experience that directly supports your career goals. 

Customize Your Career

Whether your goal is to influence elite sport performance, optimize outcomes or pursue advanced data research, Seattle University’s Kinesiology program offers two distinct academic tracks to match your aspirations: 

1. Data in Performance Science Track 

This innovative, interdisciplinary track prepares students to lead in the rapidly evolving fields of sport performance, human optimization and health analytics. Students gain a rigorous understanding of human movement—including biomechanics, neuromechanics and energetics — while developing robust data science skills such as programming, machine learning and advanced analytics.  

2. Research in Performance and Movement Science Track

The Research Track is a thesis-based pathway for students passionate about conducting  original research in movement, exercise and performance science. Ideal for those pursuing future doctoral or applied research careers, this track develops a deep understanding of biomechanics, neuromuscular control and the physiological foundations of health and performance—while cultivating expertise in research methodology, data science, statistics and critical scientific inquiry. 

Master of Science in Kinesiology at a Glance

Learn this degree from the Department of Kinesiology will contribute to your career goals. Then, explore course requirements and see how impactful a Seattle University degree can be.

Our program combines human performance science with data science. Designed for students interested in sport performance, health analytics and research, the program offers two tracks to align with individual career goals. Through a flexible hybrid format, students gain hands-on experience in biomechanics, physiology and data analysis while completing a capstone or thesis project that applies scientific knowledge to real-world challenges. 

The curriculum emphasizes: 

  • Human Performance Foundations – Courses in biomechanics, neuromechanics and exercise physiology 
  • Scientific Rigor – Training in measurement, statistical inference and evaluation methods 
  • Core Programming & Data Science – Foundations in coding, reproducible workflows and scalable data systems 
  • Ethics & Stewardship – Data privacy, AI ethics and responsible technology use 
  • Performance Analytics Visualization – Applying data to real-world decision-making in sport, health and tactical domains

This track culminates in a capstone project that empowers students to translate classroom knowledge into actionable solutions for real-world challenges. By engaging in applied, high-impact work, students graduate with a tangible deliverable that not only showcases their technical and analytical skills but enhances their impact in both industry and research environments. 

Graduates of this track will be uniquely positioned for careers in top-tier sport organizations, tactical performance units, rehabilitation technology and the broader performance tech industry, with potential roles including: 

  • Sport Performance Analyst
  • Applied Sport Scientist
  • Human Performance Data Scientist
  • Biomechanics/Data Integration Specialist
  • Director of Sport Science Innovation

Core Curriculum Includes: 

  • Biomechanics and Energetics of Locomotion 
  • Neuromechanics 
  • Advanced Exercise Physiology 
  • Measurement and Evaluation 
  • Analytic Methods/Applied Statistical Inference and Design 
  • Thesis Research Methods in Movement Science 
  • Introduction to Programming / Foundations of Data Science 
  • Programming for Data Science 
  • Data Ethics / Data Science, Law and Ethics 
  • Exercise and Mental Health 
  • Advanced Exercise Prescription for Health and Disease 

Central to this track is the master’s thesis, where students collaborate with faculty to design, conduct and defend original research. Projects may explore topics such as biomechanics, UX researcher and/or human factors researcher, or neuromechanical adaptations in rehabilitation. 

Ideal for Careers In: 

  • Academic and Applied Sport Research 
  • PhD or Applied Doctoral Study (e.g., DPT, MD) 
  • Human Movement and Health Sciences 
  • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Program Development 
  • University-Level Teaching and Research 

Through a unique cross-departmental collaboration with the Master of Science in Data Science program in the College of Science and Engineering, students learn from expert faculty across both kinesiology and data science disciplines—gaining a breadth of knowledge that sets them apart in today’s data-driven world. 

Both tracks integrate foundational coursework in biomechanics, physiology and research design, ensuring that all graduates emerge with a strong scientific core. What sets this program apart is its tailored approach—allowing students to pursue the tools, topics and trajectories that align with their professional ambitions. 

Whether your goal is to harness data to drive performance decisions or to advance movement science through rigorous research, our Master’s in Kinesiology will empower you to lead with innovation, integrity and impact. 

This program is approved by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to fall within the definition of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).

If you are an F-1 nonimmigrant student who has completed 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training, receiving a degree in a DHS-approved STEM program means you are eligible for a 24-month OPT extension. To learn more, please speak to a Seattle University international admissions counselor.

What You’ll Learn

Learn about the classes you’ll take as a student here.

Experiential Learning to Advance Your Career

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Capstone or Thesis: Real-World Application

Regardless of the track you choose, all students complete a capstone or thesis project rooted in hands-on, experiential learning. Whether in academic data research, elite sport performance or industry partnerships, students apply scientific rigor to real-world challenges—emerging ready to lead with evidence-based insight and technical skills. 

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Graduate Assistantships in Kinesiology

Gain research and lab experience through graduate assistantships in kinesiology. Include a resume with your application and be considered for part-time, paid positions in the department.

Learn More
The mobile kinesiology lab

Mobile Laboratory: Community-Engaged Learning

The mobile laboratory is an innovative solution to invest in our students and community by providing portable technology that can be used for education, research and community engagement. It is our model for the future of kinesiology and a way of empowering the next generation to create societal impact through human movement!

Explore Now
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Human Performance Lab: Hands-on Research

At Seattle University's Human Performance Lab, we pride ourselves in the hands-on research experience that students gain. We challenge students to answer their own questions in the laboratory. Every day is a new challenge in the lab and we want to empower our students to pursue their dreams.

See How

From Our Alumni

Katy Andersen, ‘22

 “In the first quarter alone, we were able to perform our own research projects in which we could familiarize ourselves with various equipment of our choosing, such as EMGs, force plates, gait analysis treadmill software, 3D motion capture technology and more. Before I came to SU, I had zero experience with lab technology. Thanks to this program, however, my learning has been taken from textbooks and classrooms to real life application, and I am now confident in my abilities as a researcher!”

MS in Kinesiology

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Get in Touch

If you have any questions about the program or application, we’re here to help.

Destiny Ledesma

Senior Admissions Counselor

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