Kinesiology, Nutrition & Dietetics
Academic Department
Undergraduate and graduate programs in exercise science, physical education, athletic training, coaching, nutrition, dietetics and related disciplines.
Sport Coaching Kicks Off
Launching in summer 2026, UNC’s 15-credit graduate certificate in Sport Coaching (online) equips educator-coaches and youth sport leaders with cutting-edge principles in psychology, training, administration, and technology—all aligned with nationally accredited standards
Wellness & Performance Backed by Science
At UNC’s KiND community, students and faculty unite under one mission: to uncover how movement (kinesiology) and nutrition work together to power health and performance. Born from the recent merger of Sport & Exercise Science and Nutrition & Dietetics, this collaborative environment encourages creative, hands-on learning—using real-world tools like metabolic carts and body composition labs to explore how fuel and muscle interact.
Interdisciplinary Learning
Kinesiology Programs
Explore the science of human movement and physical activity, including the physiological, biomechanical, psychological, and sociological aspects of exercise and sports, or gain the knowledge and skills to teach Physical Education effectively from K–12.
Motion-sensor technology helps researchers study how the body moves.
Nutrition & Dietetics Programs
Study the physiological, biological and behavioral science of human nutrition. Prepare for a career in clinical or private practice, schools, public health or health management.
Beyond the Classroom
Gain hands-on academic and professional experience in one of KiND’s unique and world-renowned research institutes.
North of the Norm
Jourdan Delacruz, B.S. ’23
Distance Dietetic Program alumna and professional weightlifter Jourdan had a stellar performance at her second Olympic games in Paris.
Katie Wright, Senior
Katie, a 10-year U.S. Army vet and ROTC student, is studying how to help soldiers make informed decisions about how they fuel their bodies.
Ryland Townsend, PhD Student
Ryland led a research project to determine whether CBD-laced beverages affect physical or mental health in active, healthy adults.
Betsey Hubbard, PhD Student
Betsey’s research in adaptive sports and recreation focuses on expanding opportunities for anyone who wants to be an athlete – including those with “invisible” disabilities like hers.
Jenna Altomare, PhD Student
Jenna’s dissertation evaluates the effectiveness of adding diversity, equity and inclusion training to Kinesiology’s undergraduate curriculum.
Where Can a KiND Degree Take You?
The Kinesiology, Nutrition and Dietetics programs at UNC prepare students for careers that help people live healthier, more active lives. Whether you are interested in nutrition, health and wellness, physical activity, education or the sport industry, you can build skills and experience for a wide range of career paths.
Dietetics and Nutrition
A Dietetics degree provides a strong foundation in science, hands-on learning and faculty mentorship as you take the first steps toward becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). UNC’s Dietetic BS is accredited as a Didactic Program in Dietetics by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
Potential career areas include:
- Clinical nutrition and health care
- Public health
- Nutrition research
- School nutrition
- Food and nutrition management
- Culinary and food industries
- Public policy and government
- Social services
- Corporate wellness
Students interested in becoming an RDN will need to complete additional requirements after the undergraduate program, including supervised practice, a graduate degree and the national registration exam.
Nutrition
A Nutrition degree can prepare you to help individuals and communities make informed choices about food, health and wellness.
Career opportunities include:
- Public health
- Nutrition research
- School districts
- Food and nutrition management
- Culinary industries
- Public policy and government
- Social services
- Health care
- Corporate wellness
Nutrition graduates may also pursue additional education for careers in health care, including medicine, nursing, pharmacy or physician assistant studies.
Sport Administration
Sport Administration prepares students for careers across the collegiate, professional and Olympic sport industries. Students build a strong foundation in business through a required Business Administration minor and learn how business principles apply to the sport industry.
Common career paths include:
- Event coordinator or tournament director
- Sports marketing or promotions
- Ticket or sponsorship sales
- Facilities or stadium operations
- Athletic department coordination
- Compliance
- Equipment management
- Public relations and media relations
- Youth, recreation or campus recreation programs
Physical Education and Physical Activity Leadership
The Physical Activity Leadership program prepares students for leadership roles that promote and sustain physical activity opportunities for youth in school-connected and community settings.
Career areas may include:
- Youth physical activity programs
- Community recreation
- Wellness and physical activity programming
- School-connected community programs
- Youth sports
- Recreation leadership
Students interested in becoming a licensed K-12 physical education teacher can pursue the licensure pathway, which provides the coursework and experience needed to apply for Colorado licensure.
Kinesiology
Kinesiology prepares students for careers focused on movement, exercise, health and performance.
Career areas include:
- Cardiac rehabilitation
- Cancer rehabilitation
- Fitness and wellness
- Exercise program management
- Strength and conditioning
- Biomechanics
- Sport and exercise leadership
The Exercise Science concentration can also prepare students for graduate and professional programs in areas such as:
- Physical therapy
- Athletic training
- Occupational therapy
- Medicine
- Physician assistant studies
- Other health-related fields
Bears Go Big
Pro Football Hall of Fame
“It’s important for students to understand the value of the education they’re getting at UNC… So many great people have come from UNC and it’s just a neat, neat thing to have through that. UNC has great tradition, great history, to be just a part of that is an awesome thing.”
Steve Antonopulos, B.A. ’72, M.A. ’73
Recently retired after 45 years as athletic trainer with the Denver Broncos
Program Spotlight
Evolving to Meet Market Demand
UNC’s Athletic Training program has been revered for decades, and while the program itself has changed, its reputation hasn’t faltered. The field of athletic training has advanced in recent years, and so has UNC’s program.
Research Spotlight
Stewart’s Research Debunks Myths Surrounding CBD
In her most recent study, Dr. Laura Stewart examined the potential effect of CBD on healthy people.