Sport & Exercise Science BS
- Major
- BS
- In-Person
- Greeley
- Exercise Science
- Human Performance
- Licensure: Physical Education (Grades K-12)
4 Years
Program Overview
Explore human movement and prepare for a career in health, fitness or physical education with UNC’s Sport and Exercise Science BS. This program combines exercise science, biomechanics, kinesiology, psychology and the social aspects of physical activity to give you a broad and flexible foundation.
You’ll learn in small classes from faculty who bring real-world experience from clinics, labs and sports programs. Many students gain hands-on experience through internships at UNC’s Cancer Rehabilitation Institute, local fitness centers, schools and hospitals, building skills that set them apart after graduation.
With three tracks to choose from, Human Performance concentration, Exercise Science concentration or Physical Education K-12 licensure, you can tailor your degree to fit your goals. No matter which path you choose, you’ll graduate ready to make a difference in schools, health care, fitness and rehabilitation.
All majors of UNC’s Sport & Exercise Science BS program complete a shared foundation in exercise science, biomechanics, kinesiology, psychology and the social aspects of physical activity. From there, you’ll choose one of three tracks: Exercise Science, Human Performance or Physical Education K–12 Licensure.
The Sport & Exercise Science BS at UNC requires 120 credits, including:
- Liberal Arts Curriculum (31 credits):
General education courses in writing, math, arts and humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. Many science courses also count toward the major. - Required Major Courses (credits vary by track):
All students complete coursework in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, psychology and exercise programming. Each track adds its own focus:- Exercise Science Concentration (85 credits):
Emphasizes the scientific study of exercise with courses in biology, chemistry, physics and advanced electives in nutrition, biomechanics and rehabilitation. Includes a required internship. - Human Performance Concentration (64 credits):
Focuses on human movement, fitness and rehabilitation with courses in anatomy, physiology, motor control and psychology. Includes a required internship. - Physical Education K–12 Licensure (90+ credits across major and teacher prep):
Combines exercise science coursework with teacher preparation and student teaching. Includes extensive field experiences in schools.
- Exercise Science Concentration (85 credits):
- University-Wide Credits (0-25 credits):
Additional courses to reach the 120-credit minimum. Students who apply recommended courses to both the liberal arts curriculum and major requirements may have extra electives.
Students work closely with an advisor each semester to plan coursework and stay on track for graduation. View full degree requirements in the academic catalog using the button below.
Degree Requirements – Exercise Science Concentration
This plan is a recommended schedule to complete this bachelor’s degree in 4 years. Courses are subject to availability. Students must consult with their major advisor to receive information on any additional graduation requirements and course sequence guidance.
Four-Year Plan – Exercise Science Concentration
The Sports Coaching Minor is for students interested in working athletes of all ages in competitive sport. The program focuses on gaining coaching knowledge, theory, practice, and application while through coursework and internship opportunities. Students in any major may pursue a minor in Sports Coaching, and in addition to students majoring in Kinesiology-related fields, the Sports Coaching minor is a great choice for Education Majors who have an interest in coaching while working as a teacher.
Note: Students majoring in Sport and Exercise Science may not minor in Kinesiology regardless of concentration pathway.
Concentrations & Licensures
Tailor your degree through one of three tracks. Choose the Exercise Science concentration to focus on the scientific study of exercise and prepare for health-related professional programs. Select the Human Performance concentration to build practical skills in movement, fitness and rehabilitation for careers in sports and exercise leadership. Or pursue the Physical Education K-12 licensure if you want to teach in schools.
Interested in a career in health, fitness or rehabilitation? The Exercise Science concentration provides academic and professional preparation in the scientific study of exercise. You’ll focus on the physiological, biomechanical, psychological and social aspects of physical activity. Graduates are prepared for professional programs in physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies and other health-related fields.
You’ll learn to:
- Understand the science of human movement and exercise
- Apply clinical and practical techniques in exercise science
- Analyze biomechanics, physiology, nutrition and exercise psychology
- Design and implement exercise programs for diverse populations
- Gain hands-on experience through internships in health, fitness or rehabilitation settings
Curious about fitness, sports performance or rehabilitation? The Human Performance concentration gives you a strong foundation in human movement, exercise programming, biomechanics, motor control and psychology. You’ll gain practical experience in fitness, conditioning, rehabilitation and performance management. Graduates are prepared to work in cardiac and gerontological rehabilitation, sports conditioning, ergonomics and other exercise-related fields.
You’ll learn to:
- Study the science of human movement and performance
- Design and evaluate exercise and fitness programs
- Apply principles of biomechanics, motor control and exercise psychology
- Work with athletes, older adults and clinical populations
- Gain hands-on experience through internships in fitness, rehabilitation or sports programs
Want to teach physical education in schools? The K-12 Licensure option combines sport and exercise science coursework with classroom experience in UNC partner schools. You’ll develop skills in teaching, program design, assessment and promoting lifelong physical activity.
You’ll learn to:
- Develop physically literate students in grades K-12
- Plan and deliver effective physical education lessons
- Assess and promote health-related fitness and motor skills
- Apply instructional strategies for diverse learners
- Gain classroom experience through student teaching
Why UNC for Sport and Exercise Science?
Hands-On Learning
Gain real-world experience from day one through internships, labs, research projects and work with elite athletes. Small classes mean close faculty support and hands-on training.
Nationally Recognized Excellence
UNC’s Sport and Exercise Science programs are recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association and for excellence in exercise science, human performance and physical education. Our students gain cutting-edge training in biomechanics, kinesiology and exercise psychology. Graduates are prepared for careers in health, fitness, rehabilitation and K-12 education.
Career Versatility
Launch a career that fits your passion. Graduates work in schools, fitness and rehab settings and are ready for roles in athletic training, exercise leadership, rehab or graduate study.
Professional Licensure
UNC’s professional licensure programs are designed to lead to Colorado licensure.
Each state sets their own requirements, so a UNC program might not lead to licensure in other states. Visit the UNC Professional Licensure page to learn more about which states UNC programs meet educational requirements for licensure. It’s important to understand requirements in the state where you plan to work. Visit the State Licensure Boards page to find each state’s licensing agency and contact information.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!
Kinesiology, Nutrition & Dietetics
Undergraduate and graduate programs in exercise science, physical education, athletic training, coaching, nutrition, dietetics and related disciplines.
- kind@unco.edu
- (970)351-2535
- Gunter 2590