Exercise Science
The Exercise Science concentration within the Kinesiology and Physical Education major focuses on the science of human movement, preparing graduates for a variety of careers in settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers and sports medicine. This concentration also serves as the gateway to our nationally accredited master’s program in Athletic Training.
Program Highlights
About
Students in the Exercise Science concentration use state-of-the-art metabolic and bio-mechanical analysis systems to develop their understanding of human capacity for movement and work. They practice with the latest applications and modalities for injury evaluation and rehabilitation. In a number of applied settings, students work a wide variety of age groups and physical abilities gaining valuable hands-on experience.
Within this concentration, students can pursue three options for study:
Athletic Training: Athletic trainers are certified medical professionals who specialize in the prevention, examination, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of emergent, acute or chronic injuries and medical conditions. The Exercise Science concentration is the gateway to our Accelerated Master of Science in Athletic Training degree. This option allows students to earn their Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Physical Education (Exercise Science – Pre-Athletic Training) and a Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) in just five years. For the first three years, students complete undergraduate coursework toward the bachelor’s degree, transitioning to graduate coursework during the fourth and fifth years of the program. Our Athletic Training program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), and students who complete the MSAT program are eligible to sit for the Athletic Trainers Board of Certification exam.
Science Option: The laboratory science-based option prepares students for post-graduate programs in allied health. Graduates from this option go on to attend schools of medicine, physical therapy, chiropractic medicine, nurse practitioner, physician assistant or other medically-based programs of study. This concentration requires an additional 12-15 hours, beyond the major requirements, of laboratory sciences. Within the concentration area some lab science hours may be substituted with specific 300-500 level KPE courses upon permission.
Outdoor Leadership: This option prepares students for future careers in outdoor-based non-profits, businesses, and educational settings. Students in this program will take all of the core Outdoor Leadership courses, along with courses in exercise science, physical education, pedagogy, Maine studies, natural resources, and leadership studies. In addition, students in this concentration are required to pursue 12-15 credits of outdoor skills or field experience courses of their choice.
Core Courses
For the Athletic Training and Outdoor Leadership options, click the links above.
A typical program of study for an exercise science student choosing the Science Option would include the following courses:
Careers in Exercise Science
Upon graduation, many students become allied health professionals or fitness specialists. The Outdoor Leadership option prepares students for future careers in outdoor-based nonprofits, businesses and educational settings. Graduates who choose the Science Option are well-positioned to pursue advanced degrees in fields such as athletic training, physical therapy and chiropractic medicine.
To Apply
Applying for admission to the University of Maine is easy. Just go to go.umaine.edu/apply/