How to apply

Step one: Satisfy admission requirements

Admissions requirements for Oregon State University

The university maintains minimum academic requirements for graduate admissions. 

Academic qualifications

Students applying to the kinesiology graduate program should have completed, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, exercise and sport science or closely related field with background coursework appropriate to the chosen area of concentration (i.e., biophysical or psychosocial). There are no program-wide pre-requisite courses given the breadth of expertise in kinesiology

Applicants from other fields of study will be considered, but may need to make up deficiencies in background coursework. 

Requirements for international admission

Please see details regarding international admission requirements at OSU Graduate Admissions for International Students. The kinesiology graduate program follows the standards outlined by the Graduate School.

The GRE is not required

We join many other programs at Oregon State and other peer institutions across the country who have eliminated this structural barrier to promote a more equitable, diverse and inclusive student body.

Step two: Contact potential faculty advisors

Admission to the kinesiology graduate program runs through individual faculty members who choose to accept interested students that match their area of research.

All potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact faculty members with whom they share research interests to inquire about their capacity for taking on new students prior to applying to the program.  

Interested students should discuss with their potential faculty advisor(s) whether their background knowledge meets the faculty member’s expectations for incoming graduate students in the desired PhD or MS degree program.

Step three: Submit your application

Applications must be submitted directly to the OSU Graduate School. 

All application materials should be received by December 15 for full consideration for the following fall term. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.

Materials required

• Official transcripts sent to OSU (applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree by the time of matriculation)
• Personal statement
• Resume or CV
• 3 letters of recommendation

Application deadlines

Applications are reviewed twice per application cycle.

See graduate program application deadlines for priority and final deadlines.

Graduate student funding

Graduate assistantships

Graduate assistantships are available in teaching and research to highly qualified candidates. Graduate assistantship annual support ranges from $9,595-$22,176 based on assignment (and also includes a waiver of graduate tuition).

All applicants who are admitted to the graduate program are considered for graduate assistantships in teaching and research. Teaching assistantships are awarded by the college, while research assistantships are determined by individual faculty members who have grant funding.

Applicants will receive a request from the OSU Graduate School to complete details regarding residency and at this time will also be asked to complete the PAC Teaching Preference Form (pdf) if they wish to be considered for teaching in the Physical Activity Course (PAC) Program.

Departmental and/or college fellowships

All kinesiology graduate program applicants are encouraged to apply for fellowships. For detailed descriptions of available fellowships, application deadlines etc., please visit the college’s Graduate Fellowships page.

Additional information

If you have additional questions about the program after speaking with an individual faculty member, we are happy to help.

Contact Kinesiology Graduate Program Director John Schuna, PhD.