Best Kinesiology and Exercise Science colleges in North Carolina 2026

Exercise science specialists, also known as kinesiologists, are professionals that understand the science behind working out, lifting weights, and improving overall physical conditioning. Kinesiology graduates can seek roles working for sports teams like the North Carolina Tar Heels, or open a private gym and provide strength and conditioning classes. 

North Carolina residents interested in pursuing a degree in kinesiology have plenty of in-state options. Many schools even offer a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, though some students may choose to complete a similar degree before pursuing an internship, graduate degree, or career.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports over 6,000 kinesiology and exercise science roles in  North Carolina with an abundance of jobs located in the Charlotte and Greenville metro areas.

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Best Kinesiology and Exercise Science colleges in North Carolina for 2026

University of North Carolina at Greensboro offers 4 Kinesiology and Exercise Science degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2024, 181 Kinesiology and Exercise Science students graduated with students earning 136 Bachelor's degrees, 23 Doctoral degrees, and 22 Master's degrees.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers 2 Kinesiology and Exercise Science degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2024, 32 Kinesiology and Exercise Science students graduated with students earning 32 Master's degrees.

Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC

Wake Forest University offers 2 Kinesiology and Exercise Science degree programs. It's a medium sized, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2024, 107 Kinesiology and Exercise Science students graduated with students earning 101 Bachelor's degrees, and 6 Master's degrees.

University of North Carolina Wilmington offers 2 Kinesiology and Exercise Science degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2024, 173 Kinesiology and Exercise Science students graduated with students earning 173 Bachelor's degrees.

Elon University
Elon, NC

Elon University offers 1 Kinesiology and Exercise Science degree programs. It's a medium sized, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize suburb. In 2024, 51 Kinesiology and Exercise Science students graduated with students earning 51 Bachelor's degrees.

East Carolina University
Greenville, NC

East Carolina University offers 2 Kinesiology and Exercise Science degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2024, 31 Kinesiology and Exercise Science students graduated with students earning 31 Master's degrees.

Appalachian State University offers 1 Kinesiology and Exercise Science degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a faraway town. In 2024, 67 Kinesiology and Exercise Science students graduated with students earning 67 Bachelor's degrees.

Barton College
Wilson, NC

Barton College offers 2 Kinesiology and Exercise Science degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a outlying town. In 2024, 41 Kinesiology and Exercise Science students graduated with students earning 27 Bachelor's degrees, and 14 Master's degrees.

Catawba College
Salisbury, NC

Catawba College offers 1 Kinesiology and Exercise Science degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2024, 30 Kinesiology and Exercise Science students graduated with students earning 30 Bachelor's degrees.

Wingate University
Wingate, NC

Wingate University offers 1 Kinesiology and Exercise Science degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2024, 50 Kinesiology and Exercise Science students graduated with students earning 50 Bachelor's degrees.

Find local colleges with Kinesiology and Exercise Science majors in North Carolina

List of all Kinesiology and Exercise Science colleges in North Carolina

School Average Tuition Student Teacher Ratio Enrolled Students
University of North Carolina at Greensboro Logo University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro, NC
2/5
23 : 1 18,012
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Logo University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC
3/5
18 : 1 32,438
Wake Forest University Logo Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, NC
5/5
14 : 1 9,322
University of North Carolina Wilmington Logo University of North Carolina Wilmington Wilmington, NC
2/5
24 : 1 18,848
Elon University Logo Elon University Elon, NC
5/5
14 : 1 7,239