Information on Majors - Kinesiology and Physical Education
The Kinesiology and Physical Education major provides academic preparation and professional experiences for aspiring teachers, coaches, athletic trainers and exercise science specialists. These academic options serve as a springboard for a host of exciting and challenging careers.
The Teacher Certification/Coaching option emphasizes theory into practice. Lab and fieldwork are crucial components of the program. Working with faculty in small-group labs, students learn early on to teach and coach one another. Even before their internships, these teachers-in-training are active participants in area K-12 school physical education programs, including standards-based curriculum design and assessment. Intensive supervision, peer teaching, individual analysis and videotape feedback are hallmarks of the physical education teaching/coaching option.
University of Maine teacher preparation programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. After successfully completing graduation and state testing requirements, graduates are recommended for provisional teaching certification in the state of Maine. National accreditation generally enables reciprocal certification in other states.
The Exercise Science program provides students with a choice of four options. In the Science option, students concentrate on mastering the prerequisite course work needed to gain admission to post-graduate programs in allied health fields such as; physical therapy, chiropractic medicine, physician or physician’s assistant. The laboratory based science course work in this tract can be tailored to fit the specific admission requirements of future schools targeted by the student.
In the Administration option, students can achieve a minor in Business Management. Their course work includes economics, marketing, accounting and finance. With this knowledge background, they are better qualified to pursue management positions in the fields of fitness, athletics or allied health.
In the Outdoor Recreation option students earn four national certifications and can sit for the Maine Guide exam for recreation.
In the Innovation Engineering option students can create, communicate, and realize/commercialize unique ideas in the field of exercise science. The objective is to give students the tools and confidence needed to create their own opportunities and to lead within their careers.
Both the Science and Administration options have their common emphasis on the physiological, mechanical and development aspects of human health and physical performance. Shared course work includes; Motor Development, Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics. From this mutual course of understanding, students are then able to branch out and pursue their selected option. The strength and desirability of the Exercise Science program is its flexibility. A student’s program of study can be tailored to fit his or her individual academic and professional goals.
For additional information about these majors, please contact:
Associate Dean
College of Education & Human Development
144 Shibles Hall
Orono, ME 04469-5766
(207) 581-2485
