University of Northern Colorado

What you'll study

This master’s programme combines coursework, applied experience and optional research to deepen your understanding of movement science, motor learning, coaching and curriculum design. You can expect a mix of core modules and electives, offered through lectures, lab work and field placements.

• Core topics: exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control and learning, sport psychology, assessment and measurement in kinesiology.
• Physical education pedagogy: curriculum development, instructional strategies for K–12 physical education, inclusive practices and classroom management applied to movement settings.
• Applied and clinical practice: practicum placements in schools, community programmes or performance environments; supervised coaching or fitness assessment experience.
• Research and evaluation: research methods, statistics for human movement science, programme evaluation and options for a thesis or capstone project depending on your chosen pathway.
• Electives and specialisms: strength and conditioning, adapted physical activity, youth sport development, long-term athlete development models, and sport administration or leadership courses.

Students typically choose between a research-oriented route with a thesis and a practitioner route with a capstone or additional applied credits. Laboratory facilities, motion analysis and opportunities for community-based placements support hands-on skill development.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor’s degree. Candidates with undergraduate study in kinesiology, physical education, sport science, exercise science or a closely related field are best prepared, although graduates from other disciplines with relevant experience may be considered.

• Academic transcript demonstrating satisfactory undergraduate performance.
• Statement of purpose outlining academic/professional goals and reasons for pursuing the programme.
• Letters of recommendation, typically from academic or professional referees who can speak to your potential for graduate study.
• Resumé/CV detailing relevant work, coaching, teaching or research experience.
• Some applicants may be asked to provide evidence of prerequisite knowledge (for example anatomy, physiology or statistics) or to complete bridge coursework if their background differs from kinesiology.
• International applicants will need to meet English language proficiency requirements.

Standardised test requirements (such as the GRE) may be optional or considered on a case-by-case basis; check with the department for current admissions policies and possible interview requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with the skills to work across education, sport performance, health promotion and clinical settings. Typical career paths include:

• Secondary school physical education teacher or curriculum coordinator (for those seeking licensure pathways where applicable).
• Strength and conditioning coach, sport performance specialist or youth development coach.
• Exercise physiologist, wellness programme coordinator or community health and fitness manager.
• Athletic administration, programme development or leadership roles in sport and recreation organisations.
• Research assistant roles, continuing to doctoral study, or roles in applied research and evaluation in sport science, health or education.

Practical placements, networking with local school districts and sport organisations, and faculty-supported research help graduates transition into these roles.

Why study at University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado has a long-standing reputation in teacher education and applied health professions, offering an environment where kinesiology and physical education intersect with strong practitioner training. The department combines classroom instruction with laboratory and field-based experiences, giving students access to movement labs, testing equipment and supervised practicum opportunities.

Studying in Colorado provides ready access to varied outdoor environments for applied sport and exercise work, and the university maintains partnerships with local schools, athletic programmes and community health providers to support placements and employment pathways. Small cohort sizes enable personalised mentorship from faculty who are active in research and community-engaged practice, and the programme’s flexible routes accommodate both practitioners and aspiring researchers.