MA in Kinesiology, Financial Aid & Scholarships

Each year the Graduate Kinesiology program offers different opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience. To learn more about these positions, please click the links below.

Graduate Student Coordinator Fellowships:

The students hired for these positions will be eligible to receive an academic scholarship (up to $2,500), in addition to being paid hourly.

Athletic Compliance

Supervisor: Irene Chavez, Associate Athletic Director for Compliance

Athletic Events and Facilities - Hiring for Spring 2025 (See Job Description)

Supervisor: Ed Arnold, Associate Athletics Director for Events and Facilities

Athletic Strength and Conditioning - Hiring for Spring 2025 (See Job Description)

Supervisor: Cody Butcher, Assistant Athletic Director of Sports Performance

Athletic Communications - Hiring for Spring 2025 (See Job Description)

Supervisor: Ryan Barnett, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications

Athletic Development

Supervisor: Staci Byrne, Associate Athletics Director for Development

Athletic Internal Business Operations

Supervisor: Zack Wohlford, Director of Business Operations

For consideration for the open Coordinator positions, please complete your SMC MA in Kinesiology application and email your cover letter to Collin Skeen at cas38@stmarys-ca.edu. 

Graduate Student Teaching Opportunities

Students enrolled in the Graduate Kinesiology Program are eligible to apply to teach one of the Undergraduate Physical Education courses. Courses in the past have included Weight Training, Body Conditioning, Tennis, Golf, and Archery. 

Graduate Kinesiology Leadership Scholarship

The Graduate Kinesiology Leadership Scholarship is given to incoming students who have demonstrated academic excellence and engagement throughout their undergraduate and/or professional career.

To be considered for the Graduate Kinesiology Leadership Scholarship, please submit an additional essay of up to 1,000 words. In this essay, please explain how you would demonstrate leadership during your time in SMC's MA in Kinesiology program and afterwards in your professional career. Please consider the Lasallian principles (social justice, respect for all persons, and an inclusive community) upon which Saint Mary's is founded.

This application essay may be uploaded in the "Additional Requirements" section of your SMC application or emailed directly to cas38@stmarys-ca.edu.

Director's Engagement Scholarship

The Graduate Kinesiology Director's Engagement Scholarship will be awarded to students who are engaged in the Graduate Kinesiology Program outside the classroom and actively build community among our students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Students awarded this scholarship will also exemplify academic excellence and contribute to the process of shared inquiry in the classroom.  

Applicants should submit a 2-page statement that addresses the following: 1. The qualifications listed above, and 2. A proposal to foster community among Graduate Kinesiology current and future students, alumni, faculty, and staff.  

Recipients of this award commit to implementing their proposal for building community during the term in which they receive the scholarship.

Dr. Craig Johnson Scholarship (Coming Soon)

Dr. Craig Johnson was the embodiment of a Lasallian educator at Saint Mary’s College for over four decades. He served as the Director of the Graduate Kinesiology Program for sixteen years and was integral in fostering its growth during and beyond his time in that role. Dr. Johnson is an inspirational and enthusiastic teacher who was always a strong advocate for students, athletics, the college, and community.

His commitment and dedication to education has been passed on to MA Kinesiology students for over 40 years, and can be seen in their careers as they have epitomized the authentic, kind, and gracious person that Dr. Johnson is, as they lead their respective teams, departments and organizations. He lives the Lasallian principle of honoring and respecting humanity irrespective of social status, race, gender and class privilege.

Dr. Johnson retired in 2022 and this scholarship was created in honor and recognition of his legacy.

Private Scholarships

Students may also apply for private scholarships through websites such as Fastweb.

Graduate and Professional Student Development Funds

Some funding is also available for independent research and professional development in the form of grants through the Graduate & Professional Student Research and Development Fund.