From advising to career services, resources are available to make the student experience as productive, supportive and enjoyable as possible. In addition to the items below, Kinesiology students should also explore all SPH student organizations and resources available to them.
BS, Kinesiology
The Kinesiology major provides a well-rounded, scholarly understanding of the body of knowledge that is centered on human movement and physical activity.
Physical Activity Program
The mission of the Physical Activity Program within the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Maryland, College Park is to inspire students to integrate physical activity into their lives.
Academic Minors
Learn more about the exciting academic minors offered by the Department of Kinesiology to UMD undergraduate students.
Meet our advisors, learn about our advising services, and other advising resources on campus.
Learn about eligibility requirements and apply for our departmental Honors program.
Connect with other Kinesiology students, participate in community service and social events, and discover what you can do with Kinesiology.
Earning Credit
To earn credit for a research experience, submit the application linked in the internship section below.
Finding a Research Position
Learn about research opportunities in the department, School of Public Health, and across campus.
Explore resources for finding internships and submit your application to earn internship credit.
Planning to become a physical therapist? Visit the SPH Dual Degree page to learn more about the guaranteed admission pathway with the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore.
The Department of Kinesiology has several service-learning opportunities available where students volunteer with a local community partner that promotes sports-based positive youth development. Please review the information below before applying to participate.
Opportunities
Girls on the Run (Fall only)
Inspires girls of all abilities to recognize their individual strengths, while building a sense of connection in a team setting. Volunteer coaches facilitate lessons that blend physical activity with life skill development and social-emotional learning to enable girls to adapt to whatever comes their way. Learn more about GOTR here.
- Location: off campus at nearby elementary schools. Students are responsible for providing their own transportation
- Time Commitment: one weekday (Monday - Thursday) from 2:30 - 4:30 PM.
KEEN (Fall and Spring)
Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN) seeks to empower youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities and impact volunteer coaches through participation in free, non-competitive, one-on-one programs of physical activity and fun, supporting the overall health and well-being of all participants. Learn more about KEEN here.
- Location: on campus in the School of Public Health
- Time Commitment: every Sunday from 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Course Credit
KNES386: Service Learning in Kinesiology (Fall only)
3 credits | Friday, 10:00 - 11:50 AM | KNES Upper Level Option
Students will develop leadership skills and work in a small team to explore how non-profit organizations and universities each approach community engagement through program planning, development/fundraising, marketing/communications, and participant recruitment. The volunteer experience supplements your in-class learning.
KNES389Y: Applications of community sports-based youth development (Spring only)
1 credit | Asynchronous | Elective
Volunteer with a local community partner that supports populations that are traditionally underserved or marginalized and integrate strategies into the sport context to promote positive social outcomes. Some asynchronous assignments/reflections supplement your volunteer experience.
Requirements
Students are required to complete a background check
Qualifications
No prior experience is needed, and coaches don't have to be athletic! If you have the skills listed below, you'd likely be a good fit for this role!
- Dependable
- Ability to work well with others
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to be personable and welcoming to all participants
- Demonstrate patience, understand and compassion
Application
In order to participate in these service-learning experiences and earn course credit, students must submit an application, available here.