How to Apply-Kinesiology

Learn more about how to apply for Seattle University’s Kinesiology graduate program.

Fall 2026 Application is Now Open

The application for Seattle University’s MS in Kinesiology program for fall 2026 is now open. Submit your application by February 15 for priority consideration. No application fee.

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Application Review Process and Timeline

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through the final deadline or until the cohort is filled. Early submission by the priority deadline is encouraged to ensure consideration for the upcoming cohort as well as consideration for institutional aid scholarships and graduate assistantship positions. Please note that cohort coursework officially begins fall quarter.

International students should review the international admissions page for more information on deadlines, additional requirements and more.

International Admissions Information

Application Timeline for Fall 2026 Admissions

Priority Deadline February 15
Rolling Deadline Rolling admission until April 15 or the cohort is full
Application Review 4-6 post-submission, review by faculty committee
Notification of Admission  6-8 weeks post-submission, admissions decision released
  1. STEP 1

    Start the Process

    1. Research the Kinesiology program to see if it’s right for you.
    2. Review Kinesiology Suggested Coursework
      Note: 
      These courses are not required, but are highly recommended preparation courses. If you have not completed all these courses, you can still apply. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us. Review options for completing suggested coursework below. 
      • Data in Performance Science Track:
        • Biomechanics with Lab
        • Exercise Physiology with Lab
        • Integral Calculus
        • Probability and Statistics
        • Python/R
      • Research in Performance and Movement Science Track:
        • Biomechanics with Lab
        • Exercise Physiology with Lab
        • Probability and Statistics
    3. Review Admissions Dates & Deadlines
      • Applying by the application deadline ensures consideration for the Kinesiology cohort, institutional aid scholarships and graduate assistantships.
    4. No Application Fee
      • We are committed to removing barriers to graduate education by waiving the application fee for all applicants.

    Meet with an Admissions Counselor

    This is an opportunity learn about our program and gain insights into the admissions process as well as get your questions answered.

  2. STEP 2

    Begin Your Application

    Once you start an application you will be able to save your progress and will not have to complete it all at once.

    The Master of Kinesiology application includes the following elements:

    1. Letter of Intent
      • In 750 to 1,000 words, please describe your interest in the MS Kinesiology program at Seattle University. Specifically, please address the following:
        • Why are you interested in the MS Kinesiology at Seattle University?
        • What do you want to achieve by taking part in the program?
        • How do you anticipate contributing to the program?
        • How would this degree advance your future career goals?
        • Please describe your area of interest for your capstone project or research thesis.
    2. Résumé
    3. Three References
      • In the application you will be asked to provide contact information for three references, with at least one being an academic reference.
      • We only need contact information. Please do not include letters of recommendation.
    4. Bachelor’s degree or higher
      • Evidence of a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. 
    5. Minimum of 3.00 GPA
      • For information on GPA calculations for admission, please visit the Graduate Admissions How to Apply page. 
      • Applicants with less than a 3.00 GPA might be considered for probationary admission and can submit an additional GPA explanation statement. Applicants with a non-graded bachelor's degree are required to submit a GRE/GMAT test score.
    6. Required Transcripts
      • Submit official or unofficial transcripts for your most recent coursework to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
      • Transcripts may be submitted electronically to  grad-application@seattleu.edu or mailed.
      • Once accepted to the program, students will need to submit official transcripts within their first quarter of enrollment.

    Start Your Application Today

    You will be able to save your progress while completing your application and will not have to complete it all at once.

  3. STEP 3

    Finish Your Application

    1. Submit your application
      • Make sure you hit “Submit” on your application.
      • Submitted applications are only considered complete once all application materials have been received including your recommendation forms.
  4. STEP 4

    Check Your Application Status

    1. Check Your Status
      • You can login here to check the status of your application anytime.
    2. Monitor your email
      • Make sure to regularly check the email you listed on your application for updates, including your admission decision.
      • Applicants should review the application timeline for information on when to expect an admission decision.

Options for Completing Suggested Coursework

If you haven’t completed all the suggested courses for entry into the MS in Kinesiology, don’t worry. We offer flexible ways to satisfy suggested coursework—through Seattle University, local community colleges or online courses—so you can start your graduate journey with confidence. 

Note: These courses are not required, but are highly recommended preparation courses. If you have not completed all these courses, you can still apply. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us

Biomechanics courses are recommended to strengthen your understanding of human movement, including the kinematics and dynamics of the body and the role of force and motion in sport and everyday life. Courses should include both lecture and laboratory components with hands-on practice in movement analysis techniques.

Seattle University Courses

  • KINE 2200 – Biomechanics (4 credits)
    Study of the kinematics and dynamics of the human body and the factors influencing human performance.
  • KINE 2201 – Biomechanics Lab (1 credit)
    Laboratory course providing practical application of biomechanics principles and methods of analyzing human movement.

Other Institutions

Equivalent biomechanics with lab coursework may be completed at community colleges or other accredited universities, including online options. Use the Transfer Equivalency Guide to explore options.

Exercise physiology courses are recommended to help you understand how the body responds and adapts to physical activity. Coursework should emphasize both acute and chronic physiological responses and include laboratory experiences with exercise experimentation, cardiopulmonary function and exercise testing.

Seattle University Courses

  • KINE 2300 – Exercise Physiology (4 credits)
    Examination of the body’s responses and adaptations to exercise, including cardiopulmonary and environmental physiology.
  • KINE 2301 – Exercise Physiology Lab (1 credit)
    Laboratory course focused on experimental design, exercise testing and analysis of cardiopulmonary responses.

Other Institutions

Comparable physiology with lab coursework may be completed at community colleges or other accredited universities. Use the Transfer Equivalency Guide to explore options.

Probability and statistics courses are recommended—courses should cover probability, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing and regression. Calculus-based courses are strongly recommended.

Seattle University Courses

  • CRJS 3020 – Criminal Justice Statistics
  • ECON 2100 – Business Statistics
  • EVST 3400 – Research Design and Statistics
  • MATH 1210 – Statistics for Life Sciences
  • MATH 2310 – Probability and Statistics for the Sciences and Engineering*
  • MATH 3412 – Mathematical Statistics
  • PSYC 3050 – Statistics and Research Methods II
  • PUBA 4400 – Research Design and Statistics\
  • SOCW 4010 – Critical Research Literacy for Social Work

*Course offered online in the summer quarter.

Learn more about these courses in the Seattle University course catalog.

Community College Courses

If you’d like to complete this coursework through another institution, courses must transfer as one of the following Seattle University equivalents. Refer to the Transfer Equivalency Guide to explore your options:

  • MATH 1210 – Statistics for Life Sciences
  • MATH 2310 – Probability and Statistics for the Sciences and Engineering
  • ECON 2100 – Business Statistics

Integral calculus courses are recommended for the Data in Performance Science track and should cover integration, u-substitution and integration by parts. The following Seattle University courses meet these parameters:

  • MATH 1335 – Calculus II: Theory, techniques and applications of integration; differentiation and integration of trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions; indeterminate forms; improper integrals.
  • MATH 1230 – Calculus for Life Sciences: Limits; rate of change; derivatives, basic differentiation formulas, extrema; definite integral. Applications to life and social sciences.
  • MATH 1130 – Elements of Calculus for Business: Limits; continuity; rate of change; derivatives; area under a curve; definite integral and applications.

Learn more about these courses in the Seattle University course catalog.

Students may also complete equivalent courses at a community college or another regionally accredited institution, including online options. Be sure to reference the Transfer Equivalency Guide to explore your options.

Experience programming with Python is recommended for the Data in Performance Science track. This recommendation can be achieved in one of three ways:

  • University Course
    Complete a university-level course in computer programming using Python. You will need to provide a transcript showing successful completion. If “Python” is not in the course title, please include a syllabus or other documentation demonstrating that Python was the primary language used.
  • Approved Online Course
    Complete one of the following online courses and provide documentation of successful completion:
  • Python Placement Exam
    If your Python experience doesn’t come from one of the above options, you can demonstrate proficiency by taking our online Python placement exam. This exam is available after accepting a conditional admission offer.

Transfer Tools

Reference our Transfer Tools for more detail on approved courses, course equivalencies and transfer options.

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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