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Do Something That Moves You

UNLV Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences—advancing health and performance through education, research, and practical application in human movement and nutrition.

Study Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences at UNLV

Kinesiology and nutrition sciences studies human movement and how nutrition plays a role in human performance. Our department combines hands-on labs, research, and real-world experiences to equip students with a strong foundation in human movement, physiology, and human nutrition.

UNLV’s strong connections with local healthcare providers, community centers, and research labs will help you gain relevant experience and networking contacts, therefore making you competitive for internships, graduate programs, or professional certification. Our students gain practical skills, professional mentorship, and connections that prepare them for careers in healthcare, fitness, or advanced study, all within a vibrant, community-focused learning environment.

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Kinesiology

Kinesiology degree programs center on understanding human movement and performance to promote optimal function, health, fitness, and well-being. Students explore core scientific areas, including anatomical kinesiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor behavior, and the psychology of exercise and sport. Graduate programs further deepen this knowledge by emphasizing the theoretical foundations of movement-based sciences.

Programs
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Nutrition Sciences

Nutrition Sciences degree programs examine food, nutrients, and their influence on health and disease prevention. Students study core scientific areas—such as human physiology, nutritional biochemistry, energy metabolism, and nutritional assessment—along with community and clinical nutrition coursework. Graduate programs offer advanced training in evidence-based nutrition, research methods, and applied practice.

Programs
A trainer uses a handheld therapy device on an athlete’s thigh.

Athletic Training

The CAATE-accredited Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program is a fast-paced, two-year program that blends high-impact coursework with immersive clinical experience. Students gain expertise in all key domains of athletic training—risk reduction, clinical diagnosis, emergency care, therapeutic intervention, and healthcare administration. Graduates are BOC-exam ready and equipped to deliver evidence-based, team-centered care in a wide range of professional settings.

Programs
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Interdisciplinary Programs

UNLV’s interdisciplinary doctoral programs in Health Sciences and Neuroscience offer collaborative, cross-disciplinary training. The Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences prepares students to address multifaceted healthcare challenges through team-based research, while the Ph.D. in Neuroscience provides comprehensive education from molecular to clinical neuroscience with faculty mentorship across departments.

Programs
“UNLV’s kinesiology programs provided me with the skills I depend on daily in my industry position. My advisor and professors pushed me to think critically, learn quickly, and find ways to utilize my skills to answer thoughtful scientific questions. I regularly felt both challenged and supported, allowing me to be competitive in the current job market.”
Elias Malek, B.S. Kinesiology, Class of 2019; M.S. Kinesiology, Class of 2022; Ph.D. Integrated Health Sciences, Class of 2025
Portrait of Elias Malek
Three bowls of strawberries, oats, and blueberries

The UNLV Nutrition Center – Providing Evidence-Based Nutrition Education to the Community

The UNLV Nutrition Center offers evidence‑based nutrition education and research opportunities to students, faculty, and the greater Las Vegas community. The Nutrition Center offers classes and workshops on managing chronic illness, debunking nutrition myths, enhancing performance, and eating well on a budget.

The UNLV SPEED Lab - Providing Cutting-Edge, Mobile Sports Science Testing and Education to the Community

The UNLV SPEED Lab is a mobile, state-of-the-art sports science unit that brings performance testing and real‑time data collection (like metabolic measurements and motion capture) directly to the community — all while giving students hands-on training and engaging local schools and sports organizations.

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Highlights from the Department

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