Department of Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Dietetics

Athletic Training M.S.

Applicants to the AT 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. Applicants will be required to submit:

Admission requirements over and above admission to UNC Graduate School are required. Additional AT program admission requirements include:

• Evidence of experience in athletic training (at least 50 observation hours under a certified athletic trainer in an athletic training setting).
• Proof of Emergency Cardiac Care certification that is consistent with a level accepted by the Board of Certification, Inc.
• Submission of multiple documents including, but not limited to a resume, writing samples, and personal statements.
• Prerequisite courses completed, at the post-secondary level, with a grade of C or better, or in progress at the time of application to the program:
  • General Biology course with lab
  • General Chemistry course with lab
  • General Physics course with lab
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology I with lab
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology II with lab
  • Principles of Psychology
  • Principles of Nutrition
  • Biomechanics
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Introductory Statistics
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• An interview (to be scheduled after the application review

Upon admission offer, students will be required to complete a physical exam by a physician of their choice; show proof of immunization for hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, and diphtheria; and attest that they meet the technical standards established by the program and by the University's Disability Resource Center.

For degree and program requirements, see:

Athletic Training M.S.

Dietetics M.S.

The Master of Science in Dietetics is a two-year, online program. The curriculum of 35 credits supports the development of skills related to being a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Through their coursework, students will develop critical thinking and leadership skills that will support their future work and development as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. This program assumes an undergraduate background in Nutrition and Dietetics and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist status.

Areas emphasized include: nutrient metabolism, nutrition assessment, nutrition counseling methods, nutrition communication, public health nutrition and research methods. Career opportunities include registered dietitian nutritionist positions in hospitals, clinics, public health departments, government agencies, research settings, industry and schools.

The Master of Science in Dietetics requires a capstone course which provides students the opportunity to complete an in-depth study of an area of evidence-based research/practice, write a comprehensive paper and present the project results. The required comprehensive examination for the Master of Science in Dietetics will be satisfied by successful completion of the capstone project. 

Admission Requirements:

1. Commission on Dietetic Registration, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist active card
2. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
3. Personal statement (discuss experiences that have helped prepare for career, short-term and long-term goals, strengths and weaknesses, experience in online education and potential as a graduate student)
4. Letters of recommendations from three individuals familiar with applicant's academic/employment performance

For degree and program requirements, see:

Dietetics M.S.

Dietetics M.S. with Dietetic Internship

The Master of Science in Dietetics with Dietetic Internship is a three-year, online program and is designed to prepare students for successful completion of the Registered Dietitian Examination as well as entry-level practice. This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The curriculum of 55 credits supports the development of skills related to being a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and provides hands-on learning opportunities in supervised practice settings. Through their coursework, students will develop critical thinking and leadership skills that will support their future work and development as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. This program assumes an undergraduate background in Nutrition and Dietetics and completion of the Didactic Courses in Dietetics.

Areas emphasized include: nutrient metabolism, nutrition assessment, nutrition counseling methods, nutrition communication, public health nutrition and research methods. Career opportunities include registered dietitian nutritionist positions in hospitals, clinics, public health departments, government agencies, research settings industry and schools.

The Master of Science in Dietetics with Dietetic Internship requires a capstone course which provides students the opportunity to complete and in-depth study of an area of evidence-based research/practice, write a comprehensive paper and present the project results. The required comprehensive examination for the Master of Science in Dietetics with Dietetic Internship will be satisfied by successful completion of the capstone project. 

Admission Requirements:

1. Completed application to the Dietetic Internship Centralized Application Services (DICAS) and D & D Digital
2. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
3. > 3.0 GPA & C or better in all Didactic Dietetics Courses
4. Graduate Record Examination scores
5. Personal statement (discuss why want to become a registered dietitian nutritionist, discuss experiences that have helped prepare for career, short-term and long-term goals, strengths and weaknesses, experience in online education and potential as a graduate student)
6. Letters of recommendations from three individuals familiar with the applicant's academic/employment performance
7. Admission to the Graduate School does not guarantee admission to the Dietetics graduate program

For degree and program requirements, see:

Dietetics M.S. with Dietetic Internship

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.

• A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university
• Current Resume
• Written Statement of Career Goals applicable to the selected concentration area
• $50 non-refundable application fee; International Students: $60 non-refundable application fee
• Completed Online Application
• Two Letters of Recommendation 
• One copy of official transcripts from all accredited colleges or universities attended since completing high school. UNC Alumni need not submit transcripts.

Biomechanics Concentration

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 Concentration

Exercise Physiology Concentration

The Exercise Physiology Concentration 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 Concentration

Social Psychology of Sport & Physical Activity Concentration

The focus of this concentration 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 Concentration

Sport Administration Concentration

The Master of Science in Sport and Exercise Science: Sport Administration Concentration 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 Concentration

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 and Physical Activity Leadership 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.

See "Physical Education (Grades K-12), Post Baccalaureate Licensure" in the Undergraduate Catalog.

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.

• A Master's Degree from an accredited college or university
• Current Resume
• Written Statement of Career Goals applicable to the selected concentration area
• $50 non-refundable application fee; International Students: $60 non-refundable application fee
• Official copies of GRE scores (less than 5 years old) for doctoral applicants
• Completed Online Application
• Three Letters of Recommendation
• One copy of official transcripts from all accredited colleges or universities attended since completing high school. UNC Alumni need not submit transcripts.

Biomechanics Concentration

In addition to required coursework, doctoral students in the biomechanics concentration 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 Concentration

Exercise Physiology Concentration

Doctoral students in the exercise physiology concentration 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 Concentration

Social Psychology of Sport & Physical Activity Concentration

Students in social psychology of sport and physical activity concentration 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 Concentration

Sport Administration Concentration

The Doctor of Philosophy in Sport and Exercise Science: Sport Administration concentration 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 Concentration

Physical Education and Physical Activity Leadership (PE PAL) Concentration

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) Concentration