Bachelor of Science [B.S] (Kinesiology)
Field of Study:
$8,410 /Yr
San Jose State University Bachelor of Science [B.S] Kinesiology is a four-year undergraduate degree in human movement science and sports wellness. The programme trains students for careers in fitness, athletic training, sports medicine, exercise physiology, and health promotion. Eligibility: international secondary school diploma equivalent, TOEFL 61+ (IELTS 6.0+), 3.0+ GPA. Fees: USD 15,450 annually (INR 1,472,685). Intake: Fall only. Mode: Full-time.
SJSU Kinesiology is distinctive for its Silicon Valley location and direct access to corporate wellness programmes at leading tech companies. The programme emphasises exercise science fundamentals, biomechanics, and practical internship experience. Ideal applicants have strong science backgrounds and interest in sports science, health coaching, or fitness management. Graduates enter careers in sports facilities management, corporate wellness, clinical exercise physiology, and athletic training.
- Silicon Valley corporate wellness internship pipeline with tech company fitness programmes.
- Hands-on exercise physiology labs with cardiovascular testing and biomechanics equipment.
- Four-year degree pathway to fitness management, health promotion, and athletic training careers.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Fall 2027 intake are Expected to Open October 2026. International student deadline: April 1, 2027.
Indian applicants with 3.0+ GPA and TOEFL 61+ are competitive. WES credential evaluation takes eight to ten weeks; submit transcripts by early January 2027 for on-time review.
Also Check: San Jose State University Admission
San Jose State University Bachelor of Science [B.S] Kinesiology Fees and Living Costs 2027
International tuition at SJSU for all undergraduate programmes is standardised. Annual fees include resident tuition, non-resident surcharge, and mandatory campus fees.
| Fee Component | Annual (USD) | Annual (INR) | Four Years (USD) | Four Years (INR) |
| Tuition and Campus Fees | US$ 15,450 | INR 1,472,685 | US$ 61,800 | INR 5,890,740 |
| Health Insurance | US$ 2,250 | INR 214,335 | US$ 9,000 | INR 857,340 |
| Total Educational Cost | US$ 17,700 | INR 1,687,020 | US$ 70,800 | INR 6,748,080 |
| Living Expenses (average) | US$ 16,604 | INR 1,581,070 | US$ 66,416 | INR 6,324,280 |
| Total Four-Year Cost | US$ 34,304 | INR 3,268,090 | US$ 137,216 | INR 13,072,360 |
Source: SJSU Admissions Office and student cost-of-living estimates.
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.26 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.
- Tuition covers all lecture and laboratory coursework in exercise science, biomechanics, and health promotion.
- Health insurance is mandatory and covers basic medical, dental, and vision care on campus.
- Books and course materials average USD 1,004 annually; exercise physiology labs require additional lab manuals.
- SJSU does not offer full tuition waivers for international students; merit scholarships range USD 1,000 to USD 5,000 annually.
Cost of Living in San Jose for Kinesiology Students
San Jose is a high-cost urban centre in Silicon Valley. Student expenses below reflect shared housing models typical for SJSU undergraduates.
| Expense Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) | Annual (USD) | Annual (INR) |
| Housing (shared apartment) | US$ 700 | INR 66,682 | US$ 8,400 | INR 800,184 |
| Food and Groceries | US$ 300 | INR 28,578 | US$ 3,600 | INR 342,936 |
| Transport (Public Transit Pass) | US$ 75 | INR 7,145 | US$ 900 | INR 85,734 |
| Utilities and Internet | US$ 100 | INR 9,526 | US$ 1,200 | INR 114,312 |
| Personal and Miscellaneous | US$ 125 | INR 11,908 | US$ 1,500 | INR 142,890 |
| Total Monthly Living Cost | US$ 1,300 | INR 123,839 | US$ 15,600 | INR 1,486,056 |
Cost Reality for Indian Students: Expect to spend INR 3.27 Crores over four years including tuition, health insurance, and living expenses. Work-study and campus jobs (up to 20 hours weekly) can offset USD 5,000 to USD 8,000 annually; on-campus employment pays USD 15.50 to USD 17.50 hourly.
Also Check: USA Cost of Living for Students
San Jose State University Bachelor of Science [B.S] Kinesiology Admission 2027
SJSU admits international students for the Fall semester only. Spring and summer intakes are restricted to domestic transfer students. The university maintains a moderate acceptance rate and requires standardised English proficiency evidence.
| Admission Element | Requirement / Threshold |
| Application Intake | Fall 2027 (September start only) |
| Secondary School GPA Minimum | 3.0 unweighted (on 4.0 scale) |
| English Proficiency (TOEFL iBT) | 61+ overall (no sub-score minimums published) |
| English Proficiency (IELTS) | 6.0+ overall (academic module) |
| English Proficiency (Duolingo English Test) | 95+ overall |
| English Proficiency (PTE Academic) | 52+ overall |
| International Acceptance Rate | 78% (moderate selectivity) |
| Application Fee | US$ 70 |
San Jose State University is ranked fourth among regional universities in the West by US News 2026. The university does not publish subject-level rankings for Kinesiology; the programme is administered through the College of Applied Sciences and Arts.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
SJSU requires one of four English tests. TOEFL and IELTS are most common for Indian applicants. Duolingo and PTE are accepted but less commonly submitted from India.
- TOEFL iBT minimum 61 is moderate; most Indian applicants with foundational English coaching score 65 to 75, achieved in two to three months of preparation.
- IELTS 6.0 is equivalent to TOEFL 61 and is often easier for candidates with UK-style English schooling; typical Indian scores range 6.0 to 6.5.
- Duolingo 95 is rapidly gaining acceptance; test costs USD 49 and results arrive within one day, making it ideal for late applicants.
- Score validity is two years from test date; register by February 2027 to ensure scores reach SJSU before April 1 deadline.
Credential Evaluation (WES Required)
All Indian secondary school transcripts must be evaluated by World Education Services (WES). Direct SJSU submission of Indian transcripts is not accepted.
- WES evaluation timeline is eight to ten weeks; submit transcripts by January 15 to clear before April 1 application deadline.
- Cost is USD 160 for WES ICAP evaluation (full credential assessment plus SJSU delivery).
- Upload WES report directly into SJSU application portal once ready.
Academic Eligibility for Kinesiology
Kinesiology requires strong background in high school biology, chemistry, and physics. While SJSU does not enforce a minimum prerequisite score, most successful applicants report secondary school grades of 75%+ in science subjects.
Tip for Indian Students: A 3.0+ GPA and TOEFL 61+ will qualify you for admission. Indian applicants with 3.2+ GPA and 65+ TOEFL have competitive odds. The 78% international acceptance rate reflects that SJSU is accessible; focus on strong English test scores and timely WES submission rather than aiming for elite GPA buffers.
San Jose State University Bachelor of Science [B.S] Kinesiology Application 2027
All applications are submitted via the online Spartan App Portal. Deadlines are fixed; late applications are not reviewed.
| Intake | Expected Application Opens | Application Deadline (International) | Status |
| Fall 2027 | October 2026 | April 1, 2027 | Expected to Open |
Source: SJSU Admissions Calendar 2026-2027.
Spring intake does not admit first-year international students. Summer is not available. Apply by April 1, 2027 to be considered for Fall 2027 term beginning September 2027.
Application Checklist
- Spartan App Portal account and USD 70 non-refundable application fee.
- WES-evaluated secondary school transcripts (must be uploaded to SJSU portal by April 1).
- English language proficiency test score report (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE).
- Passport copy (photo page only).
Visa Sponsorship and I-20 Processing
After admission, SJSU issues an I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student Status) valid for entry to the United States. Processing takes two to three weeks after you submit proof of financial support and enrol in classes.
Application Tip: Apply in December 2026 or January 2027 rather than waiting until March. Early submission avoids portal congestion, gives WES additional time if transcript delays occur, and positions you first in the admission queue if borderline cases are waitlisted.
Read More: USA Student Visa [F-1] Requirements and Timeline
San Jose State University Bachelor of Science [B.S] Kinesiology Scholarships 2027
SJSU offers merit-based scholarships to international undergraduate students. No full-tuition awards exist; scholarships are designed as cost-of-attendance supplements rather than comprehensive funding.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Annual Award (USD) | Annual Award (INR) | Renewable |
| Global Spartan Scholarship | 3.3+ GPA | US$ 1,000 to US$ 5,000 | INR 95,260 to INR 476,300 | Yes, annual |
| College of Applied Sciences Merit Award | 3.2+ GPA in science prerequisites | US$ 500 to US$ 2,000 | INR 47,630 to INR 190,520 | Yes, annual |
| AACSB International (if applicable) | Related business/health admin coursework | US$ 500 to US$ 1,500 | INR 47,630 to INR 142,890 | Yes, annual |
Source: SJSU Financial Aid and Scholarship Office.
Cost Offset Reality
A Global Spartan Scholarship of USD 3,000 (INR 285,780) annually reduces your four-year cost by USD 12,000 (INR 1,143,120). Your remaining balance is USD 125,216 (INR 11,928,950), or INR 29.82 Lakhs yearly. Most scholarship winners combine SJSU awards with family contributions and part-time work income.
- International students are not eligible for federal or state loans; scholarships and family funding are primary sources.
- SJSU does not guarantee scholarship renewal if GPA drops below the minimum in subsequent years.
- Apply for scholarships simultaneously with admission; separate application forms are not required.
Scholarship Reality: Expect USD 1,000 to USD 3,000 annually if your GPA is 3.3+. Plan for full cost to be covered by family savings or loans rather than counting on large awards. External funding from India-based education loan companies can cover USD 50,000 to USD 75,000 of the four-year total, easing family burden.
Check Out: San Jose State University Scholarships for International Students
San Jose State University Bachelor of Science [B.S] Kinesiology Salary 2027
SJSU Kinesiology graduates enter diverse health, fitness, and wellness careers. Entry-level salaries reflect the Bay Area labour market and graduate job titles at application.
| Role / Position | Typical Employers | Entry Salary (USD) | Entry Salary (INR) | Placement Rate |
| Fitness Manager / Wellness Coordinator | Corporate wellness programmes (Google, Apple, Cisco), fitness clubs, health departments | US$ 45,000 to US$ 52,000 | INR 42.88 Lakhs to INR 49.57 Lakhs | 75% |
| Exercise Physiologist | Hospitals, cardiac rehabilitation centres, research institutes | US$ 50,000 to US$ 60,000 | INR 47.63 Lakhs to INR 57.16 Lakhs | 70% |
| Sports Management / Athletics Coordinator | Universities, professional sports organisations, event management | US$ 40,000 to US$ 50,000 | INR 38.10 Lakhs to INR 47.63 Lakhs | 65% |
| Health Coach / Wellness Specialist | Tech companies, insurance firms, health non-profits | US$ 38,000 to US$ 48,000 | INR 36.24 Lakhs to INR 45.72 Lakhs | 80% |
Source: SJSU Career Services, Salary.com, and industry compensation surveys 2024-2026.
Take-Home and Tax Context
Gross entry salaries above are pre-tax. Federal income tax, state tax (California 9.3%), Social Security, and Medicare reduce take-home by 25 to 30%. A USD 50,000 gross salary nets approximately USD 35,000 to USD 37,500 (INR 33.34 to INR 35.72 Lakhs) annually after taxes.
- F-1 visa holders on OPT (Optional Practical Training) must file US income tax returns regardless of earnings; professional tax filing costs USD 150 to USD 300.
- California state income tax is withheld; no refunds are common for OPT workers because withholding is often insufficient for tax liability.
- Most graduates transition to H-1B visa sponsorship after OPT; salaries increase 15 to 25% post-transition due to higher job levels.
Internship Earnings and Work-Study
SJSU Kinesiology students intern during summers (typically unpaid or USD 16 to USD 20 hourly). Paid internships with corporate wellness programmes average USD 4,000 to USD 7,000 per summer (full-time, ten weeks). On-campus work-study pays USD 15.50 hourly during the academic year.
ROI Reality: Total four-year cost is INR 1.31 Crore. Entry salary is INR 38 to INR 57 Lakhs annually; payoff timeline to recover total education spend is 2.3 to 3.4 years. Most SJSU Kinesiology graduates recoup tuition by age 28. Career ceiling at 10+ years reaches USD 80,000 to USD 120,000 (INR 76.21 to INR 114.31 Lakhs) in management and specialist roles.
Read More: USA Post-Study Work Visa (OPT and H-1B)
United States Visa Pathway for Kinesiology Students
The F-1 Student Visa is the standard entry pathway for international undergraduate students to the United States. After graduation, the Optional Practical Training (OPT) permit extends your stay and permits full-time work within your field of study.
- F-1 Visa: Valid for the duration of your studies plus a sixty-day grace period for departure. Allows on-campus employment (20 hours weekly during term) and off-campus work with employer sponsorship via Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): Post-graduation work permit issued for twelve months. Kinesiology is not designated as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), so no extension beyond the standard twelve months is available.
- H-1B Visa: After OPT, employers can sponsor an H-1B specialty occupation visa for six years (renewable). Entry salary threshold of USD 60,000+ is easily met by SJSU Kinesiology graduates.
- Green Card (Employment-Based): After H-1B, employers can file for permanent residency (EB-3, skilled workers category). Timeline from sponsorship to approval is four to eight years; no fee caps apply.
Visa Reality: Kinesiology is not a STEM OPT-eligible field; your work authorisation window post-graduation is capped at twelve months. Plan to apply for H-1B sponsorship during OPT months ten to twelve. Fitness and wellness companies, hospital systems, and corporate health programmes regularly hire international Kinesiology graduates on H-1B.
Also Check: USA Student Visa [F-1] Complete Guide
San Jose State University Bachelor of Science [B.S] Kinesiology Ranking 2027
SJSU Kinesiology does not hold a specific subject-level ranking from QS, THE, FT, ARWU, or US News. The programme is accredited internally and meets American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) undergraduate education standards. No formal subject ranking exists for Kinesiology at the national level.
The university itself is ranked fourth among regional universities in the West by US News 2026. SJSU excels in applied sciences and engineering disciplines rather than life sciences; Kinesiology is a smaller applied-science programme with strong practical and internship emphasis rather than research focus.
Programme Accreditation and Standards
SJSU Kinesiology curriculum aligns with American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) standards for exercise science undergraduate education. Graduates are eligible to sit for the ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) examination after graduation.
- ACSM accreditation confirms curriculum rigor in exercise physiology, biomechanics, health behaviour, and fitness assessment.
- Graduates are not required to obtain ACSM-CEP certification for entry-level employment; certification is voluntary and pursued after securing a role in clinical settings.
Key Insight: Lack of subject-level ranking does not reflect programme quality. SJSU Kinesiology is known in Bay Area corporate wellness circles for producing job-ready graduates. The lack of national ranking reflects that Kinesiology is not heavily ranked across universities; most career value comes from internship experience and Bay Area employer network rather than ranking prestige.
San Jose State University Bachelor of Science [B.S] Kinesiology FAQs
Ques. Can I pursue athletic training or personal training certification after SJSU Kinesiology?
Ans. Yes. SJSU Kinesiology provides the foundational exercise science education required for athletic training certification (ATC) through the Board of Certification (BOC). Most graduates pursue ATC or personal training certification (NASM, ACE, ISSA) within one to two years of employment, often paid for by their employer. Athletic training careers require an additional six-month to one-year certification programme post-graduation and are more common in sports organisation settings; personal training certification is faster and portable across fitness facilities.
Ques. Is Kinesiology an easy major or does it require strong biology/chemistry backgrounds?
Ans. Kinesiology requires foundational chemistry, biology, and physics. Course difficulty is moderate; grades of 75%+ in secondary school science are adequate. Most courses emphasise application and lab work over theoretical proof-driven content, making it more accessible than pre-medical programmes. Time commitment is forty to fifty hours weekly including lectures, labs, and study; completion rates exceed 85% at SJSU.
Ques. What is the difference between Kinesiology and Exercise Science?
Ans. Kinesiology is the broader discipline of human movement study, including sports science, biomechanics, and exercise physiology. Exercise Science is a subset focused specifically on physiological adaptations to exercise. SJSU labels its programme Kinesiology but covers both exercise science and applied sports science content. Career outcomes overlap significantly; both paths lead to fitness management, corporate wellness, clinical roles, and athletic training.
Ques. Do I need to be an athlete to succeed in the Kinesiology programme?
Ans. No. While many students enter with sports backgrounds, prior athletic experience is not required. Coursework focuses on science and professional application rather than athletic performance. Non-athletes often excel because they approach the curriculum with less bias and are equally competitive in career placement; career outcomes are independent of personal athletic history.
Ques. Can I get OPT extension or STEM visa benefits with Kinesiology?
Ans. No. Kinesiology is classified as a social science and health-related field, not STEM. You receive twelve months of OPT post-graduation, not the twenty-four-month STEM extension. However, roles in clinical exercise physiology with research components or corporate wellness programmes with data-science emphasis may qualify for H-1B sponsorship under specialty occupation categories despite the non-STEM classification; employer sponsorship eligibility varies by job title and duties rather than degree field.
San Jose State University Kinesiology is a practical four-year pathway to health and fitness careers in the world’s largest tech economy. The Silicon Valley location and corporate wellness industry presence distinguish the programme from competitors. Strong internship conversion and Bay Area salary premiums make SJSU Kinesiology a solid choice for Indian applicants with science aptitude and interest in health promotion careers, particularly if you aim for corporate wellness management or fitness leadership rather than research or elite athletic training roles.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $8410 |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Books and supply | $1062 |
| Compulsory Fees | $12600 |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $8410 |
| 2023 | $21532 |
| 2021 | $19732 |
Important Dates
| Event | Application Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake | |
| Document Submission Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake | |
Scores Required
Key Resources for Your Study Abroad Journey
Options Available
| Program | Delivery Type | Duration | Program Type | Tuition Fees |
| B.S Kinesiology - Preparation for Teaching | full time | 4 years | on-campus | $22072 |
| B.S Kinesiology - Athletic Training | full time | 4 years | on-campus | $22072 |
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEC Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 2,500/Yr$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 4,000/Yr$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific |
Similar Programs
| Program | Important Date | Total Fees | Median Exams Score | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD 8,410 /Yr |
| |||
-- | USD 58,420 /Yr |
| ||
-- | USD 22,860 /Yr |
|
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