Sport and Exercise Science
Location: Gunter 2590
Telephone: 970.351.2535
Faculty: Robert J. Brustad, Ph.D.; Shannon M. Courtney, M.A.; Brian D. Dauenhauer, Ph.D.; Scott Douglas, Ph.D.; Abbie Ferris, Ph.D.; J. Reid Hayward, Ph.D.; Gary D. Heise, Ph.D.; David S. Hydock, Ph.D.; Jennifer M. Krause, Ph.D.; Jaimie McMullen, Ph.D.; Alan Morse, Ph.D.; Brett Nichols, Ph.D.; Brent Oja, Ph.D.; Andrew R. Smith, M.S.; Jeremy D. Smith, Ph.D.; Mark A. Smith, Ph.D.; Megan Babkes Stellino, Ed.D.; Laura Stewart, Ph.D.; Yoon Tae Sung, Ph.D.; James V. Turk, M.S., Sara Winges,Ph.D.
Emeritus Faculty: Mary A. Behling, Ph.D.; Robert Blasi, M.A.; Cynthia Carlisle, Ed.D.; Carolyn A. Cody, Ph.D.; Carolyn Ann Dennehy, Ph.D.; Margaret E. Everett, M.A.; Dianna P. Gray, Ph.D.; Jean A. Hedberg, M.A.; William C. Heiss, Jr., M.A.; Nancy Hinrichs, M.A.; Christy A. Howard, M.S.; Jani Malkiewicz, M.A.;Theresa M. Malumphy, Ph.D.; Harold L. McKain, Jr., Ph.D.; Melissa A. Parker, Ph.D.; D. Allen Phillips, Ed.D.; Tim B. Ramsey, M.A.; Linda A. Sharp, B.A., J.D.; Doris C. Steffy, M.A.; Jim Stiehl, Ph.D.; David K. Stotlar, Ed.D.; Nancy Van Anne, Ph.D.; Thurman Wright, D.P.E.
The School of Sport and Exercise Science has a long and distinguished history of preparing individuals to assume leadership roles in sport and physical activity settings, and subscribes to the philosophy that physical activity and sport contribute to the overall quality of life. To this end, the School offers a variety of majors that provide students with the necessary coursework and experience to serve as a foundation for careers in the professions of physical education, exercise science, sport psychology, and sport management. Specific graduate programs include:
Graduate programs:
- Sport Administration (M.S. also offered on-line)
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
- Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity
- M.A.T. in Physical Education Physical Activity Leadership (off-campus program only)
- M.A. in Sport Coaching (online program only)
Graduate programs in sport and exercise science provide an opportunity to go into greater depth in the study of human movement, pedagogy, and sport administration. Both theory and professional applications are emphasized. The doctoral program seeks to develop critical thinkers with the conceptual and
methodological tools for conducting meaningful research, and prepares individuals to teach courses at the college level and assume leadership positions in their respective disciplines.
Many research opportunities are available in the laboratories used by the School of Sport and Exercise Science. Facilities are available for the study and analysis of teaching physical education. The teaching research laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art physical activity monitoring technology and analytic software for student and faculty use. Biomechanics facilities include motion analysis capabilities, a force-measuring treadmill, and electromyography systems. Applied research in exercise physiology takes place in well-equipped laboratories for analysis of fitness components (cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, muscular fitness, flexibility/range of motion, and balance), and exercise physiology basic science research is done in laboratories equipped to examine physiological, biochemical, and molecular parameters. Research in social psychology of sport and physical activity is primarily conducted with individuals in natural or “field” settings. The Sport Marketing Research Institute conducts marketing and other industry research for Colorado and western region sport organizations. Affiliated with the School of Sport and Exercise Science is the University of Northern Colorado Cancer Rehabilitation Institute, one of the first programs of its kind in the United States.
Sport and Exercise Science M.S.
Applicants to the master’s programs and graduate licensure program must apply to the University of Northern Colorado Graduate School before the program area reviews the applicant’s request for admission. To apply, submit the online application via the link on the Graduate School website. Failure to submit all required materials will delay the evaluation and screening of your application.
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A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university
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Current Resume
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Written Statement of Career Goals applicable to the selected emphasis area
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$50 non-refundable application fee; International Students: $60 non-refundable application fee
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Two Letters of Recommendation
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One copy of official transcripts from all accredited colleges or universities attended since completing high school. UNC Alumni need not submit transcripts.
Exercise Physiology Emphasis
The Exercise Physiology Emphasis focuses on physiological systems’ responses to exercise. The program involves an in depth examination of both acute and chronic adaptations to exercise with special attention placed on the cardiovascular system, skeletal muscle, and metabolism. Students also receive considerable advanced laboratory experience in the classroom and involvement with faculty research. Students in the Master’s program choose between a Thesis Option or Non-Thesis Option.
For degree and program requirements, see:
Sport and Exercise Science M.S. — Exercise Physiology Emphasis
Social Psychology of Sport & Physical Activity Emphasis
The focus of this emphasis area is upon social psychological concepts as they relate to sport, exercise and physical activity behavior including motivation, self-perceptions, emotion, group processes and socialization. A lifespan developmental perspective is also taken to address these social psychological forms of influence in sport, exercise and physical activity contexts. Involvement in ongoing faculty research opportunities is encouraged. Research in social psychology of sport and physical activity is primarily conducted with individuals in natural or “field” settings. Students in this Master’s program choose between a Thesis Option or Non-Thesis Option.
For degree and program requirements, see:
Sport and Exercise Science M.S. — Social Psychology of Sport & Physical Activity Emphasis
Biomechanics Emphasis
Students in the Master’s program will study biomechanics research, laboratory techniques, and have options to study in affiliated areas. Involvement in ongoing laboratory research projects is expected. The Biomechanics Lab is a state-of-the-art research facility with a 10-camera motion analysis system, instrumented force measuring treadmill, 16 channel telemetered EMG system, metabolic cart, TekScan pressure measurement system, isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex) and computers with multiple software packages. Students in the Master’s program choose between a Thesis Option or Non-Thesis Option.
For degree and program requirements, see:
Sport and Exercise Science M.S. — Biomechanics Emphasis
Sport Administration Emphasis
The Master of Science in Sport and Exercise Science: Sport Administration Emphasis curriculum follows the guidelines set for the preparation of students in sport management by the North American Society for Sport Management. Students are prepared to assume positions in the management of sport in collegiate athletic programs and professional, Olympic and commercial sport business. The M.S. program requires a minimum of 30 hours. Students in this Master’s program choose between a Thesis Option or Non-Thesis Option.
For degree and program requirements, see:
Sport and Exercise Science M.S. — Sport Administration Emphasis
Sport Coaching M.A.
This online Sport Coaching Master of Arts (M.A.) degree is designed to enhance coaching knowledge and expertise, and to advance existing coaching practices through evaluation and application of current research. One of very few online graduate coaching degrees in the country, this innovative program combines academic knowledge with applied practice and the latest technology. The online sports coaching master’s degree starts each Fall term.
Comprehensive Examination
All students must pass the Comprehensive Examination with a score of 80% or higher.This examination consists of a non-sequestered written review and analysis paper of the national coaching standards (SHAPE America, 2019) and focuses on content addressed throughout the Sport Coaching curriculum.
For degree and program requirements, see:
Sport Coaching M.A.
Physical Education M.A.T.
The MAT in Physical Education and Physical Activity Leadership is designed for school professionals who wish to develop advanced skills and strategies in physical education and school-wide physical activity promotion. Students will be prepared to assume a leadership role in coordinating and championing comprehensive school physical activity programs.
Comprehensive Examination
All students must pass a non-sequestered written Comprehensive Examination with a score of 80% or higher. The examination consists of essential course content and a final report of results from a school-based physical activity initiative.
For degree and program requirements, see:
Physical Education M.A.T.
Sport and Exercise Science Post Baccalaureate Licensure Program
The Post Baccalaureate licensure program allows students with an undergraduate major in sport and exercise science or related areas to obtain teacher licensure.
Sport and Exercise Science Ph.D.
Admission Criteria:
Applicants must apply to the University of Northern Colorado Graduate School before the program area reviews the applicant’s request for admission. To apply, submit the online application via the link on the Graduate School website. Failure to submit all required materials will delay the evaluation and screening of your application.
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A Master's Degree from an accredited college or university
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Current Resume
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Written Statement of Career Goals applicable to the selected emphasis area
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$50 non-refundable application fee; International Students: $60 non-refundable application fee
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Official copies of GRE scores (less than 5 years old) for doctoral applicants
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One copy of official transcripts from all accredited colleges or universities attended since completing high school. UNC Alumni need not submit transcripts.
Biomechanics Emphasis
In addition to required coursework, doctoral students in the biomechanics emphasis assist with current research projects associated with their interests and specialized coursework which exposes them to research tools and procedures in the laboratory. Involvement in these lab research activities will help to stimulate the student’s development of research questions to pursue a dissertation. Experience in the classroom as a university-level instructor is also required of doctoral students given the teacher-scholar emphasis at UNC.
For degree and program requirements, see:
Sport and Exercise Science Ph.D. — Biomechanics Emphasis
Exercise Physiology Emphasis
Doctoral students in the exercise physiology emphasis will not only complete coursework in physiology, biochemistry, statistics and research design, but they will also gain valuable classroom teaching experience, and be intimately involved with the basic science and clinical research conducted by exercise physiology faculty.
For degree and program requirements, see:
Sport and Exercise Science Ph.D. — Exercise Physiology Emphasis
Social Psychology of Sport & Physical Activity Emphasis
Students in social psychology of sport and physical activity emphasis will complete coursework in the social and psychological disciplines as they relate to contemporary professional and amateur sport as well as on social and psychological aspects of child development in sports and physical activity. Students will also conduct research in the area of children’s physical activity behavior and social influences upon sport and exercise motivation.
For degree and program requirements, see:
Sport and Exercise Science Ph.D. — Social Psychology of Sport & Physical Activity Emphasis
Sport Administration Emphasis
The Doctor of Philosophy in Sport and Exercise Science: Sport Administration emphasis curriculum follows the guidelines set for the preparation of students in Sport Management by the North American Society for Sport Management. The program is designed primarily to prepare students for academic positions in higher education. Some students may choose to apply their doctoral coursework in careers in the management of sport in collegiate athletic programs, professional, Olympic, or commercial sport business.
For degree and program requirements, see:
Sport and Exercise Science Ph.D. — Sport Administration Emphasis
Physical Education and Physical Activity Leadership (PE PAL) Emphasis
Our Ph.D. in Sport and Exercise Science: Physical Education and Physical Activity Leadership is a research degree, designed for students who seek careers as college or university professors or related areas. In addition to building academic expertise in physical education and physical activity leadership, you will develop excellent teaching skills, drawing on UNC’s strength as an educator-training institution. Alumni of our doctoral program have a stellar record of faculty job placements. Students will be able to: Pursue an academic career as a faculty member; Produce applied, relevant, influential research; Belong to a global alumni network.
For degree and program requirements, see:
Sport and Exercise Science Ph.D. - Physical Education and Physical Activity Leadership (PE PAL) Emphasis