Kinesiology & Physical Education

Our Kinesiology and Physical Education major provides outstanding opportunities for professional development in an ideal location. The Appalachian Trail, idyllic lakes and rivers, the Atlantic Ocean, and mountain biking spots are all within an easy drive of campus, providing many venues to study and practice in the field. The curriculum provides a solid foundation in lifetime fitness and human movement, preparing graduates for rich and rewarding careers in a variety of fields, including K-12 education, allied health and outdoor recreation.

Program Overview

Students in our Kinesiology and Physical Education major can choose from four concentrations or specialized pathways: Exercise Science, Athletic Training, Outdoor Leadership, and Health and Physical Education. The Exercise Science program focuses on the science of human movement, preparing graduates for a variety of careers in settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers and sports medicine. Students are well-positioned for graduate study in physical therapy, occupational therapy and other allied health fields. This concentration is also the gateway to our accelerated Master of Science in Athletic Training program. The Outdoor Leadership concentration prepares students to become licensed Registered Maine Guides, providing opportunities to earn no less than four national certifications, including Wilderness First Responder and Swift Water Rescue. The Health and Physical Education concentration leads to K-12 teaching certification in Maine, and includes a strong focus on adapted instruction for students of all abilities, as well as utilizing the latest technologies to enhance student learning.

The College of Education and Human Development’s teacher preparation programs are nationally accredited by CAEP, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

No matter what track they choose, students in the Kinesiology and Physical Education major enjoy a combination of classroom and hands-on learning through laboratories, internships or student-teaching experience. Students work within the close-knit community of the College of Education and Human Development, yet take advantage of the vast resources available at Maine’s flagship research university. UMaine is the state’s largest research institution, and our students are able to work alongside faculty on groundbreaking studies. Our faculty are known for their expertise in fitness, adapted physical education, exercise physiology and comparative physiology, which informs their classroom teaching, allowing UMaine graduates to learn from respected and innovative thinkers in the field. Learn more about our concentrations:

Students in the College of Education and Human Development also have the option of studying in the Honors College, which offers intensive work in small classes, as well as the chance to pursue undergraduate research.

Student Learning Outcomes

Exercise Science

  • Gain the formal academic record and experiences necessary to pursue post-graduate studies in a chosen field in the allied health professions (i.e., medical doctor, osteopathic medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic medicine, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner)
  • Gain the academic background and experience required to sit for the National Strength Coaches Association certification exam
  • Athletic Training outcomes can be found on the Accelerated Master of Science in Athletic Training page

Outdoor Leadership

  • Gain dynamic and effective group leadership skills in the outdoor environment
  • Gain the knowledge and experience necessary to make informed and thoughtful risk management decisions for groups in an outdoor setting
  • Gain the competency to plan and facilitate safe and meaningful outdoor activities for diverse populations
  • Demonstrate strong technical skills in a variety of outdoor activities and environmental settings
  • Develop critical thinking regarding social justice, inclusion and ethics in regard to participation in outdoor activities

Health and Physical Education

  • Gain the academic background and experience required for K-12 teaching certification in physical education and health in Maine
  • Develop a clear understanding and ability to design and sequence appropriate learning experiences influencing the cognitive, pyschomotor and affective learning domains
  • Obtain a clear understanding of the techniques and strategies used to differentiate instruction to meet the unique individual needs of divers learners for the purpose of meaningful student inclusion

Alumni of our Kinesiology and Physical Education major go on to meaningful careers in allied health or fitness industries, as well as schools and other organizations serving K-12 students for graduates of the Health and Physical Education concentration. Students in the accelerated Master of Science in Athletic Training program are able to sit for the Board of Certification for Athletic Trainers exam. The Outdoor Leadership concentration prepares graduates to pass the rigorous Registered Maine Guide licensing process, and many students go on to work in the growing outdoor recreation and outdoor education industries in Maine and beyond. Students who pursue the Health and Physical Education concentration are automatically certified to teach health or physical education in Maine, and can apply for teaching credentials in other states.

For students wishing to continue on to graduate school, a degree in Kinesiology and Physical Education is excellent preparation for a variety of graduate programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical school. Health and Physical Education students might pursue further work in general education, or pursue specialties such as special education or educational leadership.

National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) statement

This program will prepare students to be eligible for licensure within the State of Maine. Visit the UMS State Authorization & Licensure page to learn more about the licensure requirements in other states and territories, in addition to the contact information needed to inquire further into the licensure requirements associated with this program.

If you are interested in exploring either Exercise Science or Outdoor Leadership while majoring in another subject, consider declaring a minor. Click the links below for more information.

For the latest information on undergraduate tuition and fees, please visit the University of Maine Bursar’s Office.

Visit go.umaine.edu to fill out the online application and check out information about academic and student life at UMaine.

College of Education and Human Development Advising Center logo.

Student Support

We provide our students with academic guidance and personal support from before they set foot on campus through graduation and beyond. Our professional advising team and student support staff build genuine relationships and provide timely information to help you navigate your program, college life, internships, work and whatever else is on your plate.

Advising Center

Our Commitments: Care. Quality. Career.

At the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development, our students, faculty, staff and alumni work to bring a vibrant tomorrow to the communities we serve and to the world. This work is rooted in the college’s commitments to care, quality and career readiness.

We are an inclusive community that thrives on curiosity, exploration, ingenuity and collaboration. Click below to learn more about our commitments, and apply to join our community of care today.

Our Commitments Apply Now