Sport & Exercise Science PhD
- Doctoral
- PhD
- In-Person
- Greeley
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
- Sport Administration
- Physical Education and Physical Activity Leadership (PE PAL)
Fall
Advance the Science of Human Movement
Join a nationally recognized doctoral program that prepares you to lead research, shape policy, and educate the next generation of sport and exercise professionals.
At UNC, you’ll work closely with expert faculty in state-of-the-art labs to explore how people move, perform, and thrive through physical activity. Whether you’re driven to uncover new insights in human physiology, optimize performance, or influence how sport organizations and educators operate, this PhD gives you the foundation to make an impact.
Choose Your Concentration
Customize your doctoral experience with one of four specialized concentrations. Each combines advanced coursework, hands-on research, and faculty mentorship to match your academic interests and career goals.
Analyze human movement through cutting-edge technology and data modeling. Prepare for a research career focused on injury prevention, performance optimization, or rehabilitation science.
Investigate how exercise affects the body’s systems—cardiovascular, metabolic, and neural—and conduct research that advances health and human performance.
Lead efforts to improve physical education and activity programs in schools and communities. Focus on curriculum innovation, teacher preparation, and inclusive physical activity initiatives.
Explore the business, policy, and leadership sides of sport. This concentration prepares you for executive and academic careers shaping how organizations operate within the global sport industry.
Why Choose UNC
Funding Opportunities
Many students receive graduate assistantships with tuition support and teaching experience.
Hands-On Research
Access UNC’s advanced labs, including the Cancer Rehabilitation Institute and Human Performance Laboratories.
Strong Career Outcomes
Our graduates hold faculty, research, and leadership roles across universities, health organizations, and sport programs nationwide.
Career Paths
A PhD in Sport and Exercise Science prepares you for advanced careers such as:
- University Professor or Researcher
- Sport or Health Scientist
- Biomechanics or Performance Consultant
- Director of Physical Activity Programs
- Sport Organization or Education Leader
Biomechanics students analyze human movement using advanced motion-sensor technology.
Admission Requirements
Applicants typically hold a master’s degree in a related discipline. Admission decisions consider academic preparation, research interests, and faculty alignment.
Required materials may include:
- Statement of purpose and research goals
- GRE scores (if required by concentration)
- Letters of recommendation
- Writing sample or previous research work
Take the next step toward your research and teaching career in sport and exercise science.
The Graduate School is waiving application fees for all current UNC students and alumni! (The waiver applies only to the UNC Graduate School application.)
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