Human Physiology and Nutrition Programs

About the HPNU Department

The Department of Human Physiology and Nutrition offers a rigorous and science-based curriculum that prepares students for a wide range of careers in health and human performance. Our graduates go on to find employment in fields such as physiology, nutrition, exercise science, athletic training, physical therapy, strength and conditioning, and medicine or pursue further professional training in these areas.

Our programs focus on providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in today's competitive healthcare and human performance markets. Whether you're interested in becoming a health care provider, researcher, or educator, the Department of Human Physiology and Nutrition can help you achieve your goals.

Undergraduate
Graduate
HPNU Internship Opportunities

Undergraduate Physiology and Nutrition Programs

Exercise Science Degree Programs

Exercise Science, BS
The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science will blend education in basic and applied science for students seeking careers in sport science and medicine and highlights university relationships with local sports organizations and healthcare providers.

Exercise Science, BS - Athletic Training Prep Option
For those students seeking to become board-certified Athletic Trainers, this degree option provides an accelerated pathway to the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) through the concurrent BS/MS degree program.
Exercise Science, BS - Strength and Conditioning Option
The Strength and Conditioning option is intended for students who desire to become professional strength and conditioning coaches. The curriculum is structured to provide the content necessary to take the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam in the last semester of the program.

Human Physiology and Nutrition Degree Programs

Human Physiology and Nutrition, BS
The Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology and Nutrition curriculum is built upon a core set of required classes that map directly to the most common prerequisite classes necessary for the application to professional schools, such as medical and physician assistant programs, making it an attractive “pre-med” major.

Human Physiology and Nutrition, BS - Nutrition and Dietetics Option
The Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology and Nutrition curriculum can be tailored to meet the needs of students wishing to continue their studies at the graduate level to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN).
Human Physiology and Nutrition, BS - Biomedical Science Option
The Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology and Nutrition curriculum is built upon a core set of required classes that map directly to the most common prerequisite classes necessary for the application to professional schools, such as medical and physician assistant programs, making it an attractive “pre-med” major.

Graduate Physiology & Nutrition Programs

Applied Physiology Graduate Degree Programs

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
The DPT Hybrid program is a joint degree with the CU Anschutz Medical Campus. The program shares the same coursework and has the same graduation requirements as the Residential DPT Pathway on the Anschutz Medical Campus. Utilizing resources and talent from both campuses, we have combined our world-class physical therapy education with innovative teaching practices and practical experiences. The CU DPT Program is enrolling students now for it's inaugural hybrid cohort in the Summer of 2024.

Applied Physiology, MSc
The Master of Sciences Applied Physiology is a research-oriented post-baccalaureate degree program for those who intend to pursue further studies at the doctoral level, such as an MD, PhD, or DPT.

Applied Physiology Elite Sports Performance Option, MSc
The Applied Physiology Elite Sport Performance (MSc) track, or sub plan, is primarily designed for students who wish to work in the Sports Science environment, particularly with elite athletes.

Nutrition Graduate Degree Programs

Nutrition and Dietetics, MSc
The Master of Sciences in Nutrition and Dietetics is an integrated two-year graduate program designed to provide students with an applied learning experience in preparation for a career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

Explore HPNU 4990: Internships

HPNU Internship Opportunities
The Department of Human Physiology and Nutrition (HPNU) offers internship experiences as an upper division elective in both the undergraduate exercise science B.S., and the human physiology and nutrition B.S. majors. Areas offered to students include, but are not limited to: