A photo of athletic training students in a gym

Kinesiology and Physical Education

College of Education and Human Development

Kinesiology and Physical Education majors have outstanding opportunities for professional development in an ideal location. The Appalachian Trail, lakes, hiking trails and the Atlantic Ocean are all within an easy drive of campus, providing many venues to study and practice in the field.

  • Personalized learning environment with hands-on experience early in the program
  • The opportunity to work with Division I athletes
  • Nationally renowned faculty researchers
  • Diverse internship and professional opportunities

KPE majors enjoy a combination of classroom and hands-on learning through laboratories, internships or student-teaching experience.

Students in exercise science choose from several options: laboratory science, undergraduate preparation for graduate study in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Chiropractic, Ophthalmology or Medical School; and outdoor recreation, which includes a minor in outdoor education and requires students to earn no fewer than four national certifications, including Wilderness First Responder. Students in the teaching/coaching certification program can become certified to teach K-12 physical education and health.

KPE majors have outstanding opportunities for professional development in the ideal location. The Appalachian Trail, lakes, hiking trails and the Atlantic Ocean are all within an easy drive of campus, providing many venues to study and practice in the field.

UMaine’s KPE faculty are known for their expertise in fitness, obesity and athletic performance. KPE majors have the opportunity to work within the College of Education and Human Development’s close community, yet take advantage of the vast resources available at Maine’s largest and most comprehensive university. 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.

science, outdoor recreation and education. This prepares them for equally diverse options after graduation. Some graduates go on to medical school or pursue graduate study in other health-related disciplines. Others find careers in allied health or the private health and fitness industry.

Some of our graduates choose to work in outdoor recreation, and the major prepares them to sit for the rigorous Maine Guide certification. Other graduates elect to gain certification to teach and coach in K-12 schools.

Diane LeGrande

College of Education and Human Development


Lengyel Hall, Room 103
207.581.2466 | legrande@maine.edu

Kinesiology and Physical Education

College of Education and Human Development


Shibles Hall
207.581.2441 | advisingcenter@maine.edu