Sport and Exercise Science MS
- Master's
- MS
- In-Person
- Online
- Greeley
- Online
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
- Sport Administration (online only)
Fall, Spring and Summer
Program Overview
Whether you dream of advancing athletic performance, improving health through exercise, exploring the science of human movement, or leading sports organizations, UNC’s Sport and Exercise Science master’s program gives you the knowledge and hands-on experience to make it happen.
Turn Your Passion for Movement Into a Career That Moves People Forward
Our program offers three specialized concentrations that let you focus on what matters most to you. Study how the body responds to exercise. Learn what drives athletic success. Understand the mechanics behind every movement. Or master the business side of sports. No matter which path you choose, you’ll work with experienced faculty, use advanced equipment and graduate ready to make a real impact in the field.
Discover how the human body adapts and responds to physical activity. This concentration dives deep into how exercise affects the heart, muscles and metabolism. You’ll learn in the classroom and get hands-on experience in the lab while working alongside faculty on research projects.
What you’ll study:
- How the cardiovascular system responds to exercise
- Muscle structure and function during physical activity
- Energy systems and metabolism
- Laboratory techniques used in exercise research
- Cancer rehabilitation and exercise oncology
Career paths:
- Clinical exercise physiologist
- Research scientist
- Cardiac rehabilitation specialist
- Strength and conditioning coach
- Health and wellness coordinator
Flexible options: Choose between a thesis or non-thesis track to match your career goals.
Understand the science behind human movement. This concentration uses physics, engineering and biology to study how the body moves. You’ll analyze walking patterns, athletic performance and injury prevention while working in our state-of-the-art biomechanics lab.
What you’ll study:
- Movement analysis and gait patterns
- Injury prevention and recovery
- Prosthetics and assistive devices
- Neuromuscular control
- Research methods in biomechanics
Career paths:
- Biomechanics researcher
- Sports performance analyst
- Rehabilitation specialist
- Product development engineer
- University instructor or professor
Research opportunities: Work on cutting-edge projects studying everything from athletic performance to prosthetic limb function.
Learn to lead and manage sports organizations. This concentration prepares you to handle the business side of sports, from college athletics to professional teams and commercial sport ventures. The entire program is offered online, giving you the flexibility to balance work, life and education.
What you’ll study:
- Sport organization management
- Marketing and promotion strategies
- Financial management for sports
- Legal issues in sport
- Facility and event management
- Fundraising and development
Career paths:
- Athletic director
- Sports marketing manager
- Facility manager
- Professional sports administrator
- College athletics administrator
- Sports event coordinator
Practical experience: Complete a six-credit internship to gain real-world experience in the field.
Flexible format: 100% online delivery lets you learn from anywhere while working full time.
The Graduate School is waiving application fees for all current UNC students and alumni! (The waiver applies only to the UNC Graduate School application.)
What you need:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Two letters of recommendation
- Written statement describing your background and career goals
- Current resume or CV
- Official transcripts
No GRE required for any concentration.
Complete the online application.
Start Dates
Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics:
- Fall semester: Priority deadline Feb. 1
- Spring semester: Priority deadline Aug. 31
Sport Administration (Online):
- Multiple start dates throughout the year
- Rolling admissions with flexible enrollment
Program Highlights
Advanced Facilities
Use professional-grade equipment in our biomechanics lab and exercise physiology facilities. Train with the same tools used by researchers and clinicians.
Research Opportunities
Get involved in faculty research projects. Contribute to studies that advance the field while building your resume and skills.
Career Support
Gain practical experience through internships, assistantships and hands-on projects. Build connections that last beyond graduation.
What Makes UNC Different
UNC’s Sport and Exercise Science program combines rigorous academics with practical experience. You’ll work in labs equipped with advanced technology. Collaborate with faculty on research that gets published. Complete internships that open doors to your career. And join a community of students and alumni who share your passion for sports and exercise science.
Biomechanics students analyze human movement using advanced motion-sensor technology.
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