About the Department

The University of Nebraska at Kearney’s Kinesiology and Sport Sciences Department offers some of the most popular, dynamic, and high-demand programs in the region. Here you will be prepared for a variety of fields in health and exercise, recreation and sport sciences – and the teaching of these disciplines and subjects. You’ll also have future opportunities in graduate programs in health and medical professions.

With a new Wellness Center, Physical Activity and Wellness Lab, Athletic Training and Education Lab, and a new partnership with University of Nebraska Medical Center in our Health Science Education Complex, you will study human movement from the physiological, mechanical and psychological aspects. You’ll learn and experience a holistic view of a healthy mind, body, and community. As a graduate, you’ll be prepared for careers in growing fields of sport management, athletic training, physical education and coaching, managing parks and recreation facilities, and health, wellness, strength and conditioning and will be prepared to continue your education in a professional career path such as physical therapy, chiropractic, or medicine.

Students looking for a career in sports medicine can pursue a number of academic pathways offered in partnership between the Kinesiology and Sport Sciences Department and the Health Sciences Department.

Students at UNK have opportunities for hands-on learning and experiences in athletic training, student-teaching, wellness and recreation. And here, our facilities offer places for students to stay active, with community trails for hiking and biking, kayaking, exercise and fitness, and a climbing wall in our Wellness Center.

Alex Alber
"This program is great because it is small enough that you get to know your professors and other people in your classes, and large enough you get a quality education from people who really know the industry. The professor’s and staff are always there to help you succeed if you are willing to reach out and put in the work.  If you tell them your dream is to work for the NFL, they will help you lay out the steps to get where you want to go and do their best to help you achieve your dreams."

Alex Alber

Sports Management and Business Administration

Beyond the Classroom

At the University of Nebraska at Kearney, you have opportunities to enhance your education by participating in clubs, organizations, and more. The Kinesiology and Sport Sciences Department helps make this process a little easier for you by providing multiple scholarships and internships. Make yourself valuable to future employers with on-site job experiences and developed skills. 

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Experiential Learning

  • Internships Students in the various majors complete internships to gain additional hands-on experiences, working with our athletic teams, with chiropractors, physical therapy clinics, sports medicine facilities, hospitals and in community outreach. Fully 100 percent of UNK students in Kinesiology and Sport Sciences programs do an internship or student-teaching.
  • HPE Club
  • Exercise Science Club
  • Athletic Training Club
  • Sports Management Club
  • Recreation Club
  • Barbell Club
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Scholarships

  • Delta Kappa Gamma Grants-in-aid As many as 30 scholarships are awarded each year to members pursuing advance degrees. Scholarships for those seeking other graduate studies are $6,000 and a doctorate is $10,000.
  • Louise and Mildred Adams Educational Scholarship This scholarship is for undergraduate full-time students that are pursuing a degree in education. The amount awarded varies.
  • Isabel M. Bennett Scholarship Awarded to a junior or senior female student pursuing a major in teacher education at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Selection will be based on academic achievement.
  • Clyde and Gertrude Cox Scholarship Two scholarship recipients are selected each year: one to a woman in or entering the early stages of graduate training (MS or PhD) and one to a woman in a more advanced stage of training. Scholarship recipients receive a certificate and $1,000.
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Facilities and Organizations

  • Physical Activity and Wellness Lab This lab helps Nebraskans of all ages reach their physical activity goals and improve their health. Faculty work on a coordinated initiative to provide public health resources and promote physical activity in Greater Nebraska and on research connecting physical activity to health, academic performance, obesity prevention, and psychological health.
  • Fieldhouse Teaching Lab Students studying PE teaching access our teaching lab in Cushing Fieldhouse to learn activities to teach PE and in community settings.
  • Cadaver Lab Anatomy is at the heart of kinesiology studies, and here you will learn anatomy in a laboratory setting using cadavers and other simulated learning methods.
  • Athletic Training Lab A newly renovated athletic training lab is a state of the art setup for practicing athletic training.