KPE 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. 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 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. They also have the option of minoring in Innovation Engineering. This program allows students to create, communicate and realize/commercialize unique ideas in their field.

What can I do with a degree in KPE?

The kinesiology and physical education major offers students a diverse range of choices, including courses in laboratory science, business, 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, while others gain certification to teach and coach in K-12 schools.

Our undergraduate program

KPE majors enjoy a combination of classroom and hands-on learning through laboratories, internships or student-teaching experience. Within the degree program, students can choose between three concentrations: exercise science, outdoor leadership, or teaching and coaching. Students in exercise science can choose from several tracks, including laboratory science, which prepares students for graduate programs in allied health. The outdoor leadership concentration, which includes a minor in outdoor leadership requires students to earn no less than four national certifications, including Wilderness First Responder. Students in the teaching/coaching concentration can become certified to teach K-12 physical education and health.