Kinesiology and Physical Education

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Students in the Kinesiology and Physical Education programs pursue Teacher Certification, Health/Fitness or Athletic Training. All lead to a thorough understanding and appreciation of human movement, development, and to a variety of careers. KPE graduates become teachers, coaches, YMCA directors, fitness specialists, athletic trainers, and wellness program directors, to name a few.

Students in these career tracks use exercise equipment, computer technology to measure and analyze human movement and capacity, athletic training modalities and rehabilitation equipment. They work with people of all ages and abilities, testing, evaluating, and planning adaptive programs to enable each individual to achieve peak performance. Extensive professional experiences are included in both program options. This degree program is approved by the Maine Department of Education and accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

Teacher Certification
Teacher Certification emphasizes putting theory into practice. Even before they begin student teaching, students are active participants in K-12 physical education programs. In learning effective strategies, students teach individual and small group lessons, videotape their sessions, and receive individual analysis and feedback from faculty and peers.

Health/Fitness
The exercise science-based Health/Fitness option focuses on the physiology, precision and adaptability of human health, wellness, and movement, and the application of this knowledge to help others improve their overall well being and reach their highest possible level of achievement. The required 300-hour internship provides relevant experience, introduces students to valuable contacts and often serves as a springboard to an exciting first job in the public or private sector.

Athletic Training
Athletic Training is designed to provide a thorough understanding of anatomy, physiology, health and other academic subjects necessary for effective prevention, recognition, evaluation and management of injuries and illnesses. Students work directly with UMaine and community Certified Athletic Trainers over four years, completing 800 hours of supervised, hands-on experiences. Upon successful completion of requirements, students are eligible to apply for the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification examination. Athletic Training is also a gateway to other allied careers and to graduate study. The Athletic Training Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

Information regarding admissions guidelines for the athletic training program is available on the web at www.umaine.edu/edhd/academic/ugrad/at.htm . This site will explain competitive admissions, transfer student policy, and technical standards.

Suggested curriculum for the B.S. in Kinesiology and Physical Education - Teacher Certification

During their second year of study students are admitted to candidacy in the Teacher Preparation Program by successfully submitting a portfolio which includes documentation of one school experience, an essay addressing a topic in education, verification of technology competence, and a transcript, which indicates a 2.5 grade, point average and completion of the PRAXIS I examination. NOTE: As a State of Maine approved program, we will adhere to state certification requirements and adapt our program to meet changing state regulations. For example, students are now required to pass PRAXIS II prior to student teaching.