The exercise and sport science department in UNC’s College of Arts & Sciences has recently received high marks for two graduate programs — its joint Ph.D. program in human movement science and its master’s program in sport administration.
The Ph.D. program in human movement science is an interdisciplinary collaboration between EXSS and the division of physical therapy in the department of allied health sciences in the UNC School of Medicine. New rankings by the National Academy of Kinesiology rank the human movement science program 2nd overall, a significant climb from when the program was last ranked 11th in 2015. (Rankings are done every five years).
Programs are evaluated based on faculty productivity and student success.
The human movement science program prepares scholars to be exceptional interdisciplinary teachers, educators and leaders with a focus on maintaining health, preventing disability and improving movement ability. Students study such areas as biomechanics, brain injury, exercise physiology, injury prevention, neuromuscular control and motor learning, and rehabilitation.
In other news, in the first year of participating in the 2020 SportBusiness Postgraduate Rankings survey, Carolina’s master’s program in sport administration was ranked 11th in the world and 8th in North America. The program was also 6th in “Graduate’s Choice,” based on the satisfaction of alumni.
The annual SportBusiness survey spotlights the world’s best postgraduate sports industry courses and programs.
UNC’s EXSS department scored particularly high in the categories of employment at six months (95%), quality of teaching (97.6%), alumni network (98.8%) and industry networking (97.6%).
The graduate program in sport administration integrates theory and practice to prepare students for leadership positions in intercollegiate athletics. The program began in the fall of 1982. UNC also offers a dual degree in law and sport administration.
“Our faculty, students and alumni are conducting game-changing research and work around the world. These recent top rankings are a testament to the hard work of our entire department, and I applaud the outstanding work being done in these programs,” said Darin Padua, Joseph Curtis Sloane Distinguished Professor and department chair. “We are thrilled to see these academic specializations being recognized among the top programs in their respective areas.”