Graduate Catalog 2022-2023

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