Kinesiology, MS

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.