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Helping People Lead Healthy Lives

UNC has a national reputation for excellence in Sport and Exercise Science education, offering superior preparation for careers related to health, physical fitness, rehabilitation and K-12 physical education. With a broad foundation of knowledge, you'll be equipped to work with individuals across the health and age spectrum. UNC’s sport and exercise faculty possess an exceptionally wide range of clinical experience and expertise, enabling you to specialize in a niche that supports your academic and career goals. 

At UNC, you’ll attend small classes that ensure plenty of interaction and strong relationships with faculty. You’ll also gain hundreds of hours of practical, hands-on training, developing skills and experience that strengthen your resume for jobs and graduate school placements. We have a long tradition of alumni excellence and achievement. Become part of it, and get your career off to a healthy start.

Degree Options

B.S. in Sport and Exercise Science, Exercise Science Concentration

Choose this option if you’re interested in a career in medicine, physical or occupational therapy, athletic leadership and related fields. You’ll focus on the scientific study of human movement, with coursework in biomechanics, kinesiology, exercise physiology, human anatomy and chemistry. Electives enable you to gain specialized knowledge in subjects such as cardiac rehabilitation, exercise therapy for cancer patients and strength and conditioning.

Related Programs

 

Your Future in Sport and Exercise Science

UNC Sport and Exercise Science alumni have an outstanding record of success in the job market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects above-average job growth between now and 2024 for exercise science professionals in all career categories. You’ll find an appealing variety of opportunities to work with diverse populations in schools, health care facilities, corporate fitness centers, rehab clinics, recreation departments and many other employment settings.

Consider UNC’s B.S in Sport and Exercise Science if you want to:

  • Work as physical education teacher
  • Start a career in physical or occupational therapy, fitness training or a related field
  • Promote healthy lifestyles
  • Get a versatile degree that offers a wide range of career options

You’ll learn:

  • The science of movement, strength and physical conditioning
  • How to teach, communicate and motivate
  • Therapeutic applications for exercise
  • Anatomy and physiology

Sample courses:

  • Biomechanics
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Anatomical Kinesiology
  • Social Influences on Sport and Exercise Behavior
Justin Layden

Student Spotlight

Justin Layden
Sport and Exercise Science Major

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Beyond the Classroom

At UNC you’ll have the opportunity to gain experience at the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute, a pioneering leader in the application of exercise science to promote recovery in cancer patients. You’ll also have the chance to work with elite athletes in our NCAA Division I sports program. Additional internship opportunities are available in a wide range of professional workplaces, including fitness centers, schools, hospitals, clinics, medical offices, assisted living facilities and PT/OT firms. The Phys Ed concentration includes a one-semester student-teaching assignment. No matter which emphasis area you choose, you’ll get real-world experience in sports and exercise science.

Where can your degree take you?

  • K-12 physical education teacher
  • Physical or occupational therapist
  • Corporate fitness director
  • Cardiac or cancer rehabilitation specialist
  • Gerontological fitness trainer

Current Research in Physical Education

Found in Translation

Groundbreaking UNC research melds scientific lab work with real-world clinic to reveal benefits of exercise for cancer patients. 

Sitting in a small, instrument-packed lab in Ross Hall is a squat, benign-looking gray tank that contains liquid nitrogen. It also contains a spectrum of cancer cells from various lines. But this is one instance where cancer cells are helping make cancer patients’ lives better.

Read More

UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute Director Reid Hayward

UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute Director Reid Hayward, Ph.D.

Relationship Between Physical Activity and Learning Conference

With a growing body of literature that connects physical activity to learning outcomes, K-12 schools are incorporating more movement programs into their daily schedules. Nearby elementary schools Mead and Red Hawk have both introduced new programs designed to increase the physical activity of students throughout the day.

Read More

 Children on playground equipment

Found in Translation

Groundbreaking UNC research melds scientific lab work with real-world clinic to reveal benefits of exercise for cancer patients. 

Sitting in a small, instrument-packed lab in Ross Hall is a squat, benign-looking gray tank that contains liquid nitrogen. It also contains a spectrum of cancer cells from various lines. But this is one instance where cancer cells are helping make cancer patients’ lives better.

Read More

UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute Director Reid Hayward

UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute Director Reid Hayward, Ph.D.

Relationship Between Physical Activity and Learning Conference

With a growing body of literature that connects physical activity to learning outcomes, K-12 schools are incorporating more movement programs into their daily schedules. Nearby elementary schools Mead and Red Hawk have both introduced new programs designed to increase the physical activity of students throughout the day.

Read More

 Children on playground equipment

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