Master of Science [M.S] [Kinesiology] From San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University Master of Science in Kinesiology is a 2-year, 30-unit graduate degree designed for professionals seeking advanced expertise in human movement science, exercise physiology, and sports management. Delivered full-time on SFSU’s San Francisco campus, the program welcomes international students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and English proficiency scores (TOEFL 79+, IELTS 6.5+). Total tuition is approximately INR 27.33 Lakhs (USD 28,692) for the degree, with application fees of USD 55. Fall and Spring intakes are available, with the Fall application deadline on April 1 and Spring deadline on November 1. The program trains graduates for roles in athletic training, exercise science, sports administration, and health promotion.

This program stands out for its research-intensive curriculum, practical laboratory work with state-of-the-art equipment, and location in a major U.S. sports and fitness hub. SFSU’s Kinesiology faculty actively supervise applied research projects, and students gain hands-on experience in human performance assessment. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, scientifically rigorous, and eager to bridge exercise science with real-world health outcomes in competitive or clinical settings.

• Earn an advanced degree from a California public university ranked #80 in U.S. News Public Universities 2026.
• Access leading-edge lab facilities and research opportunities in biomechanics, exercise physiology, and sports psychology.
• Build a professional network in San Francisco’s thriving sports medicine, fitness, and health tech sectors.

Also Check: San Francisco State University Master of Science Kinesiology Admission

San Francisco State University Master of Science Kinesiology Fees and Living Costs 2026

The total cost of the 2-year M.S. in Kinesiology comprises tuition, mandatory fees, and living expenses. Below is a detailed fee breakdown for international students during the 2026-2027 academic year and beyond.

Source: San Francisco State University Bursar’s Office and Division of Graduate Studies, 2026

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.31 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.

• Tuition reflects international graduate rates and includes all instructional fees for full-time enrollment (9-12 units per semester).
• Mandatory fees cover student services, technology, recreation, and transportation; these are charged each semester regardless of residency status.
• Health insurance is required for all international students and covers basic medical, dental, and mental health services on campus and locally.
• Books and materials vary by semester; Kinesiology courses use anatomy textbooks, statistical software, and biomechanics lab manuals.

Cost of Living in San Francisco for Kinesiology Students

San Francisco is one of the United States’ most expensive cities. Graduate students living off-campus typically spend between INR 16,00,000 and INR 22,00,000 (USD 16,800 to USD 23,100) annually on housing, food, and personal expenses.

Key insight: Many SFSU Kinesiology graduates offset costs through research assistant (RA) or graduate teaching assistant (GTA) positions, which pay USD 18-22 per hour and offer partial tuition waivers.

Read More: Cost of Living in the USA for Indian Students

San Francisco State University Master of Science Kinesiology Admission 2026

SFSU’s graduate Kinesiology program admits students twice yearly. Fall 2026 applications close April 1; Spring 2027 applications close November 1. Admission is competitive, especially for international candidates. The program seeks applicants with strong science backgrounds and demonstrated commitment to kinesiology or allied health fields.

Academic Eligibility

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Preferred coursework includes anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and statistics.

English Language Proficiency

All international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency via standardized test scores. SFSU accepts TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, and Duolingo.

• TOEFL 79 is achievable for most Indian applicants within 8-12 weeks of focused preparation; consider IELTS if you have prior test exposure.
• IELTS is widely familiar to Indian students; prepare for 6.5 band in 6-10 weeks with dedicated study of academic reading and writing.
• PTE is less commonly required but offers faster results (scores available within 5 days); study for 6-8 weeks if this is your choice.
• Duolingo is quickest to obtain (results in 1 day) but often viewed less favorably; use as a backup if time is critical.

Tip for Indian students: IELTS is preferred by SFSU; band 6.5 is widely achievable and demonstrates clear competence in an academic setting. If your first attempt falls short, retesting is possible before the April 1 deadline.

San Francisco State University is ranked 80th among U.S. public universities in U.S. News & World Report 2026, signaling solid academic rigor and employer recognition in the North American market.

Also Check: Scholarships for International Students Studying in USA

San Francisco State University Master of Science Kinesiology Application 2026

The application process is conducted entirely online through the SFSU graduate admissions portal. Decisions are made on a rolling basis, so early submission (8-10 weeks before the deadline) significantly improves chances.

Application Timeline and Documents

International applicants should begin gathering documents 6-8 weeks before the deadline. WES credential evaluation alone can take 2-3 weeks.

• Completed online application with statement of purpose (500 words detailing your Kinesiology aspirations and program fit).
• Official transcript(s) evaluated by WES (World Education Services); WES charges USD 120-160 per transcript and reports directly to SFSU.
• Three letters of recommendation submitted directly by recommenders via the online portal.
• English proficiency test score (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo) sent to SFSU code 4684.
• Application fee: USD 55, paid via credit card at the time of submission (non-refundable).

Application tip: Submit your application by late February for Fall 2026 to maximize review time and secure admission before summer. Rolling admissions favor early submissions, especially from international applicants requiring visa processing.

Read More: F-1 Visa Requirements and Process for Indian Students

San Francisco State University Master of Science Kinesiology Scholarships 2026

SFSU does not offer full-tuition merit-based scholarships to international graduate students. However, teaching assistantships (TAs) and research assistantships (RAs) provide substantial cost relief and are available to qualified domestic and international students.

Graduate Assistantship Opportunities

Approximately 15-20% of Kinesiology graduate students secure GA (graduate assistant) positions, which typically pay USD 18-22 per hour for 20 hours per week and may include partial tuition waivers of USD 5,000-8,000 per year.

• GAs work 15-20 hours weekly alongside coursework, reducing financial burden and gaining professional experience in exercise science or health education.
• International students are eligible for GAs but must maintain F-1 visa compliance (maximum 20 hours per week during semester, full-time during breaks).
• Tuition waivers are awarded at the discretion of individual departments; Kinesiology typically waives USD 5,000-8,000 per academic year for selected assistants.
• Merit-based departmental scholarships of USD 1,000-5,000 are occasionally available to high-achieving applicants; apply separately via the department.

Scholarship reality: Expect to fund 60-70% of your graduate costs through personal savings or loans. Assistantships reduce this significantly but are competitive. Budget conservatively and treat GA awards as bonuses, not guarantees.

Check Out: Full List of Scholarships for International Students in USA

San Francisco State University Master of Science Kinesiology Salary 2026

SFSU Kinesiology graduates pursue careers in athletic training, exercise physiology, sports administration, health promotion, and clinical rehabilitation. Entry-level salaries vary by role and employer, but market data shows competitive compensation in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Graduate Salary and Employment Outcomes

Approximately 95% of SFSU Master’s graduates report employment or advanced study within 6 months of graduation. Specific Kinesiology graduate salary data is limited, but related fields offer benchmarks.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, PayScale, and SFSU Career & Leadership Development Office

• Bay Area employers (hospitals, sports franchises, fitness chains, university athletic departments) typically pay 10-20% above national averages due to high cost of living.
• Master’s degree holders earn 8-15% more than bachelor’s degree holders in the same roles.
• Take-home pay varies by state taxes (California has a 9.3% state income tax on USD 50,000+ salaries) and individual deductions; use a tax calculator to estimate actual earnings.
• Many graduates pursue licensure (Athletic Training Board Certification, CEPA) which increases earning potential by 5-10% after 2-3 years of practice.

ROI reality: A Master’s in Kinesiology pays for itself in 3-4 years through salary premium over a bachelor’s degree. Combined with Bay Area demand and assistantship cost relief, the program offers solid post-study earning potential.

Read More: OPT and Post-Study Work Options for International Graduates

United States Visa for Master of Science Kinesiology Students

International students pursuing a Master’s at SFSU are sponsored on the F-1 student visa. This permit allows full-time study and up to 20 hours per week of on-campus work. Upon graduation, eligible graduates extend their stay via Optional Practical Training (OPT) to gain U.S. work experience.

F-1 Visa and Post-Study Work Permit

• F-1 visa permits up to 12 months of OPT (Optional Practical Training) after graduation in any STEM field, including Kinesiology and Exercise Science (STEM-designated under CIP code 26.0906).
• OPT work is available in any U.S. employer in a related field; salary is typically market-rate for the role, without visa sponsorship barriers for the initial 12-month period.
• H-1B visa sponsorship (temporary worker visa) is available after OPT; employers can apply during the annual H-1B lottery (cap-dependent). Candidates with a Master’s degree from a U.S. institution receive priority consideration.
• Spouse and dependent family members can accompany on an F-2 dependent visa and may be eligible for work authorization if specific conditions are met; consult an immigration attorney for details.

Visa reality: F-1 followed by OPT is the standard pathway for Indian graduates. Securing H-1B sponsorship afterward requires employer commitment, but SFSU alumni network and the Bay Area’s large tech and healthcare sectors improve your odds.

Also Check: Complete F-1 Visa Guide for Indian Students