Admission Requirements

For International Students

Our unique college and community atmosphere make Cal Poly Humboldt one of the best campuses for international students on the west coast. The kinesiology faculty and staff are known for welcoming students to the department and larger campus community and creating a positive learning environment for every student. Everywhere, you will find people committed to student success. Support services include the International English Language Institute, the Center for International Programs, math and writing tutorial labs, the Advising Center, and the Career Center.

Our beautiful location also provides plenty of opportunities to engage in activities beyond the classroom, to join local clubs, and to make life-long friends. For more information on the area and Humboldt's International program please visit the International Center brochure. Cal Poly Humboldt is a recognized leader in sustainability and natural resource management. The Princeton Review named Cal Poly Humboldt a “Best of the West” and “Green” college.

There are two ways to meet the English proficiency requirement for graduate admission to Cal Poly Humboldt.

• A minimum TOEFL score of 550 (213 on the computer-based test; 80 on internet-based test) that was received within two years of applying to Humboldt. The score must be sent to us directly by the Educational Testing Service (ETS);

OR

• A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 that was received within two years of applying to Humboldt. The score must be sent to us directly by the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS).

International students are advised to review the following web page that describes the English language proficiency requirements:

http://www2.humboldt.edu/international/apply/graduate

Master of Science in Kinesiology Requirements

1. Grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 in the last 60 units of undergraduate work with a 3.0 GPA preferred).

2. Submission of the following on Cal State Apply:

            a. Three letters of recommendation

            b. Statement of Intent discussing the applicant's interest and goals as they relate to a graduate degree in Kinesiology.

Selection of Graduate Students

Applicants must possess preparation equivalent to the baccalaureate degree. Adequate academic preparation can best be demonstrated by a baccalaureate degree in the chosen option or in a closely related field. Applicants who lack adequate preparation may be required to make up academic deficiencies through additional course work. Such course work may not be used toward the graduate degree.

Once the application deadline closes, your file will be submitted to the faculty review committee. This process can take from 3-6 weeks, so please be patient.

Admissions for Students with Majors Other than Kinesiology

If a prospective graduate student has a baccalaureate degree in a field other than Kinesiology or Exercise Science, he/she may be required to complete foundational upper-division undergraduate coursework in kinesiology depending on their undergraduate course list and/or master’s degree objective. Students must consult with the Graduate Coordinator to determine which preparatory courses are needed. The courses, which vary depending on the student’s academic background and program goals, may be taken at Humboldt or another college/university. Students without a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology may need to complete 12-15 units of foundational coursework. This foundational coursework will consider established prerequisites for courses. 

All prospective M.S. students are required to contact the faculty member who they are interested in working with prior to applying. If you are unsure, visit the Staff & Faculty tap on the Kinesiology website to obtain more information about faculty research interests and contact the Graduate Coordinator. Only students who meet the minimum requirements and who have identified a faculty member willing to be their advisor or students that have consulted with the Graduate Coordinator will be considered for acceptance into the Master’s program. Students interested in the Comprehensive Exam option should consult the Graduate Coordinator before submitting their application. 

What is the 4 + 1 Program?

The 4+1 program allows students with the necessary academic skills and who demonstrate exceptional promise for advanced study, to complete the degree requirements for the Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree and progress seamlessly from the Bachelor’s degree phase into the Master’s degree phase. If students are admitted into this program they can take both graduate and undergraduate courses during both semesters of their senior year, getting a jump start into their graduate studies as long as any graduate course you take do not also count towards your undergraduate degree. This means you are a graduate student and would pay graduate tuition rates rather than undergraduate tuition rates your senior year.

What is the benefit of the 4 + 1 Program?

 The benefit of this program is to get an earlier start on your master’s degree, thus completing your bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in 5 years rather than 6 years (assuming adequate progress is made each year). If you choose to apply to the master’s program without being in the 4 + 1 Program, you can only take up to 6 units of graduate-level courses only during the last semester of your senior year and transfer them into the graduate program.

Admission to the 4 +1 Program

To be qualified to apply for the 4 + 1 program students must: 

· Complete at least 24 units of undergraduate course work in kinesiology, with a GPA of 3.25 or higher in kinesiology course work (including prerequisites)

· Completed ~96 units and no more than 108 units toward an undergraduate degree (Kinesiology + all other coursework) by the end of your Junior Year.

· Will you be able to complete all lower-division requirements (GE, Major, Institutions) for your undergraduate degree by the time you reach 120 total units.

· Submit three letters of recommendation (at least two from kinesiology faculty members)*

· Submit a statement of purpose and identification of a specialization area of interest. 

* If you are an Humboldt Kinesiology undergraduate, you may list kinesiology faculty as a reference without having that reference submit a letter of recommendation. All other Humboldt faculty and other references need to submit a letter of recommendation.

Admission will also be based on a match between student and faculty research interests and the willingness of a faculty member to supervise the student’s thesis or project research. For this reason, students should contact the faculty member who they are interested in working with prior to applying.

It is important to note that candidates for the Master’s of Kinesiology “4+1 Pathway” must also meet the other eligibility requirements of the Kinesiology Master’s program.

Process for Applying to the Master’s of Kinesiology 4+1 Pathway

To apply for admission to Master’s of Kinesiology “4+1 Pathway,” please visit Cal State Apply at http://www.calstate.edu/apply. For the 4+1 pathway, you must submit a completed PDF application to the Graduate Coordinator of the School of Applied Health. You may obtain an application by downloading a PDF file from the Cal State Apply website. Applications into the 4+1 pathway will only be considered for Fall admissions. Applications for the 4+1 pathway are accepted beginning October 1. The deadline for submitting the graduate application is February 2.