Kinesiology and Physical Education (M.S., M.Ed.)

Degree overview
The graduate programs in kinesiology and physical education (M.S., M.Ed.) at the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development offer a general, science-based curriculum that provide the foundation for a career in exercise science or physical education. Students work closely with faculty specialists employing the latest technology to measure and analyze physical response, development and deviation to provide understanding and application of the theory and techniques of kinesiology, health and fitness. Classroom and laboratory experiences are designed to provide the student with an applied understanding of the scientific basis of exercise training in different populations. And as Maine’s only NCAA Division I school, UMaine offers a wealth of hands on and real world experiences right at students fingertips. Areas of specialization include physical education/teacher education, adapted physical education and exercise science.

Careers in kinesiology and physical education
Individuals with a master’s degree in kinesiology and physical education from the University of Maine have gone on to be athletic trainers at the high school, college and professional levels. In addition, our graduates are administrators, athletic directors and physical education teachers at the elementary and secondary school levels.

Program delivery
The University of Maine offers students considering a master’s degree in kinesiology and physical education:

M.S. (thesis), M.Ed. (non-thesis), exercise science concentration. Both the thesis and non-thesis options require a minimum of 30 credits. The non-thesis option also requires a three-credit graduate apprenticeship.

  • Core Requirements: Statistical Methods in Education, Introduction to Research, Current Studies in KPE, Assessment and Evaluation of Human Performance, Human Biomechanics, Advanced Exercise Physiology, Motor Performance and Learning
  • Six credit hours of targeted electives.

Tuition and fees
For current information about tuition and fees, please visit the Bursar’s office.

To apply
Please apply through the University of Maine Graduate School. Admission to the M.Ed. program requires scores from either the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Admission to the M.S. program requires GRE scores. For more information, please contact Program Coordinator Bob Lehnhard, robert.lehnhard@umit.maine.edu.

Kinesiology & Physical Education faculty

Robert Lehnhard, Program Director and Professor of Kinesiology and Physical Education
Christopher Nightingale, Associate Professor of Athletic Training and Physical Education


Professional Learning Outcomes and Curriculum Plan information