Master of Arts in Kinesiology

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Since 1976, the Graduate Kinesiology program at Saint Mary’s College has prepared students to lead in the evolving fields of sports management, coaching, fitness, and wellness. Grounded in the College’s liberal arts tradition, the program features a personalized, seminar-style learning environment that cultivates critical thinking, professional growth, and lasting connections with faculty and peers. Students can tailor their education through two distinct tracks: Sport Management and Sport Coaching.

The Saint Mary’s Master of Arts in Kinesiology is a 30-unit in-person program that combines academic rigor with practical experience, preparing students to tackle real-world challenges in sports management, health, and performance. With flexible 16-month or two-year pathways, the program offers a strong foundation in areas like sport psychology, ethics, human performance, and leadership, guided by expert faculty and a customizable curriculum tailored to student goals.

The Graduate Kinesiology program offers multiple on-campus assistantship positions in sports administration and performance in our Division I Athletics program. Students also complete internships with top Bay Area sports organizations and develop a professional portfolio as capstone experiences, preparing them for career success. Graduates go on to thrive in a wide range of careers, including positions in athletic administration, coaching, strength and conditioning, physical education, and higher education.

Program Director

Derek Marks, Ph.D., dwm1@stmarys-ca.edu

Program Learning Outcomes

Identify and explain relevant theories, research, and practices in the disciplines of Sports Management and Sports Coaching
Critically evaluate the quality of research in the above-mentioned sub-disciplines.
Demonstrate the necessary library research skills and computer skills to compose a scholarly review on a chosen topic for each sub-discipline.
Recognize and implement effective leadership practices in their chosen profession.
Critically analyze various philosophical perspectives on moral/ethical issues.
Demonstrate mastery of the principles of risk management as it relates to sport activities in their chosen careers.
Identify and reflect upon specific values and beliefs that are important to personal success in their chosen career.
Demonstrate advanced written and verbal communication skills appropriate for professional practice in sports management and coaching.

Sports Management Track Requirements

Core Courses

Sports Management students complete all of the following courses focused on the core principles and foundational theories of the field.

Internship & Capstone

Electives

Sports Management students select four elective courses from the following list, allowing them to tailor their academic experience to align with their specific career goals. Students may also select up to 6 units from outside of the MA Kinesiology program to satisfy the elective requirement.

Sports Coaching Track Requirements

Core Courses

Sports Coaching students complete all of the following courses focused on the core principles and foundational theories of the field.

Internship & Capstone

Electives

Sports Coaching students select three elective courses from the following list, allowing them to tailor their academic experience to align with their specific career goals. Students may also select up to 6 units from outside of the MA Kinesiology program to satisfy the elective requirement.