Kinesiology

The Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at the University of Maryland, College Park, is an engaging and comprehensive program designed to prepare students for careers in health, fitness, sports, and rehabilitation fields. This program provides a strong foundation in human movement, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, motor control, and exercise science, equipping graduates with the knowledge necessary to understand the complexities of human performance and health. Students will explore the biological, psychological, and social aspects that influence physical activity, learning how to promote healthy lifestyles and improve physical function across diverse populations.

The curriculum combines rigorous coursework with practical experiences, including laboratory work, research opportunities, and internships that connect students with local health and sports organizations. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills, which are essential for career advancement in fields such as physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy, fitness instruction, and sports management. The program also encourages an interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to collaborate across departments like Psychology, Biology, and Public Health.

Faculty members are dedicated researchers and practitioners committed to student success, offering mentorship and guidance throughout the program. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities, clubs, and community outreach related to kinesiology and health sciences. Upon graduation, students will be well-prepared for graduate studies or certification programs, and many will be equipped to contribute to the promotion of physical activity and health enhancement in various professional settings. The program emphasizes a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring all students are supported in achieving their academic and career goals. With state-of-the-art facilities and access to cutting-edge research, the Kinesiology program at Maryland provides a dynamic environment for aspiring health professionals to grow and succeed.

The doctoral program in Kinesiology requires a minimum of 60 credits beyond the master's degree, including 12 credits of KNES 899: Doctoral Dissertation Research.

Required coursework (48 credits) includes:

• KNES 600: Kinesiology in Public Health (3 credits)
• KNES 601: Epidemiology of Physical Activity (3 credits)
• Professional Ethics course (1 credit)
• Research Skills and Methods Courses
• Research Issues Courses

The doctoral program is designed to prepare outstanding scholars in a research domain in Kinesiology. To complete the program, a student must provide substantial evidence of his or her ability to frame and complete original research.

A Ph.D. student's program is tailored to meet his or her academic goals, but all students will produce and follow a research plan and complete a minimum of 90 credit hours relevant to Kinesiology (including dissertation) beyond the bachelor's degree. The program of study includes research experiences, as well as courses in the cognate area, other supportive courses outside of the department that broaden or deepen one's knowledge, and courses in research and analytic processes. Students also are expected to engage in the culture of Kinesiology through active participation in seminars and other departmental activities and to develop teaching expertise in the subdiscipline. All Ph.D. students are expected to complete a dissertation, which is the culminating research experience and contributes to knowledge in kinesiology.

Requirements

Students may qualify for admission with a 3.0 GPA for M.A. or 3.5 GPA for Ph.D. programs, strong GREs, and a focused letter detailing academic and research goals as well as previous research experiences. In addition, each applicant should submit a minimum of three strong recommendations from people knowledgeable about the applicant's prior academic achievements and research potential. Appropriate background course work closely aligned with the intended research specialization is expected. Graduate faculty sponsorship is also necessary for admission; each faculty member has only a limited number of openings and only the most highly qualified applicants are selected. Faculty review of applications does not occur until all required parts of the application are received. This review is done in early January; therefore applicants are encouraged to have all their application materials submitted by January 1 for best consideration for admission and financial support. For all of our degrees, we require the GRE general test, three letters of recommendation (research/academic), and a statement of goals that includes research experiences and interests. 

Scholarships

Teaching and research graduate assistantships are offered each academic year. At the present time, over two-thirds of the graduate students are financially supported. Teaching assistants work as discussion leaders and laboratory assistants as well as instructors in physical activity classes. Many research assistants are supported by grants. The department is active in seeking University fellowships for its outstanding applicants. Currently the department provides partial financial support for all graduate students who are selected to present their research at scholarly meetings.

The University of Maryland, College Park offers a comprehensive program in Kinesiology through the College of Education. This program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of human movement, physical activity, and the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence physical health and performance. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including biomechanics, motor control and learning, exercise physiology, physical activity and public health, and sports management.

Students in the Kinesiology program have opportunities to engage in hands-on learning through laboratory work, internships, and research projects. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing graduates for diverse careers in health, sports, fitness, research, education, and rehabilitation. The degree prepares students for professional certifications such as personal trainer, strength and conditioning specialist, and occupational therapist, among others.

Academic advisors work closely with students to develop personalized academic plans that align with their career interests and goals. The program also offers undergraduate research opportunities, allowing students to collaborate with faculty members on cutting-edge research projects related to human movement and health sciences.

Upon completion of the program, students are equipped with a solid foundation to pursue graduate studies in related fields, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, sports management, and public health. The University of Maryland also provides students access to state-of-the-art facilities and labs, fostering an environment conducive to innovative research and professional development. The campus is located in proximity to major sports and health organizations, providing additional opportunities for internships and networking in the sports and health industries.

Overall, the Kinesiology program at the University of Maryland, College Park aims to develop well-rounded professionals capable of making meaningful contributions to improving human health and physical performance through research, practice, and policy.