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.
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.
Internships are crucial in helping students focus on career options, gain experience, establish professional contacts, and deciding whether a particular field is truly a good fit both professionally and personally. While completing an internship is not a requirement for our degree program, more than 75 percent of students participate in at least one internship.
Internships for Credit
Students majoring in Kinesiology may complete internships as elective credits. Internship courses and opportunities are available during Fall, Spring, Summer and Winter terms.
Internship Courses
- KNES 289: Adjustable credit (1-3 credits/ semester); Repeatable up to 6 credits
- KNES 389: Adjustable credit (1-3 credits/ semester); Repeatable up to 6 credits
- KNES 389K: 3 credits only
- KNES 498: 3 credits only / semester; Repeatable (content must differ)
For every credit hour, students need to complete 45 hours of time at their internship site:
1 credit = 45 hours
2 credits = 90 hours
3 credits = 135 hours
Registration Process
- Select an internship site and a supervisor. Search the internship database, or find an internship with an advisor's guidance, the listserv notices, or one you found on your own.
- Submit your application.
- Send the Site Supervisor the link to the Verification Form.
- Winter and Spring 2025 Supervisor Verification
- Note: You will be contacted via email once your application is approved. You should review the Internship Protocol guidelines, in addition to the internship course syllabus, included in the email.
- Meet with an advisor. If you have additional questions, visit TerpEngage to schedule an appointment with Dr. Brown or Dr. Klossner.
Note: You will receive an email when you have the permission to register for the internship course.
Deadline: Internships must be added by the end of schedule adjustment of each term.
Requirements & Policies
- GPA: 2.5 or higher. Students with GPA below 2.5 must receive permission prior registering for an internship course from an advisor.
- Students may only register for a total of 15 credits of internship courses during the major.
- KNES internship courses cannot be used to fulfill KNES Upper Level Option requirement.
- Students are encouraged to complete a variety of internships experiences. Each internship course must represent a unique experience. The same experience at the same site must not be repeated.
- Important: Kinesiology internships courses are offered to Kinesiology majors. Non-majors must have a faculty in the Kinesiology department as the internship sponsor.
- Once you have registered for your internship, please make sure to check Canvas/ELMS regularly and submit your daily hour log as well as additional forms as required.
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
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
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 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Course Credit
KNES386: Service Learning in Kinesiology
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
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.