MA Exercise and Sport Science at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Programme overview

The Department of Exercise and Sport Science's graduate program offers a master of arts degree in exercise and sport science. Applicants to the program can choose between three areas of specialization: exercise physiology, kinesiology, or sport administration. The minimum number of semester credit hours required by The Graduate School for the master of arts degree is 30. However, the minimum required by the sport administration track is 32. Required courses are determined by the faculty in each area of specialization.

Faculty: The Graduate School | Department: Exercise and Sport Science | Duration: The dual-degree program provides an opportunity for students who are interested in both law and sport administration to earn both degrees over four years of study. | Study mode: full-time | Location: Chapel Hill, NC, United States

Career pathways

The mission of the exercise physiology specialization is to prepare students to pursue research careers in exercise physiology related fields, biomedical industries, or careers in the fitness/wellness industry. Biomedical and wellness careers include those in sport settings, those in hospital fitness centers or clinics, academic or industry research assistants/coordinators, or those within the biotechnology industry.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Graduate School minimum (applies to all graduate programmes): a four-year bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) from an accredited institution completed before graduate study begins and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better; application via the Graduate School online application with transcripts, three recommendation letters, statement of purpose and CV, plus any programme-specific tests/materials; international applicants add a TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test score; admission decisions are made by each programme. Programme-specific: However, the majority of past entrants into the program have earned undergraduate degrees in exercise science, kinesiology, physical education, or sport administration/management. The department offers admission to the fall semester only. All applicants must have had a statistics class, or other coursework that includes appropriate content and topics in statistical analysis.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applicants apply for a start term; fall is the main start term. Very few programmes admit new students for spring or summer terms.

Graduate applications and payment must be received by the deadline of the academic programme applied to, which varies by programme; the application closes at 11:59pm Eastern Time on the deadline date. The Graduate School recommends complete applications by December 15, 2026 for full fellowship consideration. The GRE is not required for the Master of Applied Professional Studies.

Apply through the official page: https://gradschool.unc.edu/admissions/instructions/

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