Undergraduate Programs in Kinesiology

Kinesiology offers a comprehensive program of study in the science of human movement and is designed for students who want to prepare for professions involving physical activity and for graduate study in related areas.

Discover Kinesiology Video: The study of Exercise, Physical Activity, and Movement

There are four areas of study or options offered at University Park within the Kinesiology major:

Athletic Training Option
Fitness Studies Option
Movement Science Option
Physical and Health Education Teacher Education (PHETE)
Exercise Science Option
(offered only at Penn State Berks)

All options require a culminating practicum or research experience which is an essential, integral aspect of the KINES major.

Note: Department faculty recently refined and upgraded the undergraduate curriculum in order to strengthen the knowledge foundation and practical experiences of students. Students enrolled in the major prior to summer 2006 have the option to participate in their current kinesiology curriculum or they may choose the new curriculum (in consultation with their academic adviser). Students enrolling in the major in summer 2006 or later must participate in the new curriculum. Please refer to the links below to review the pre-2006 curriculum and the curriculum effective summer 2006.

Areas of Study

Athletic Training Option

Fitness Studies Option

New Curriculum (effective summer 2006)

Movement Science Option

Teacher Preparation Option (TCERT) / Physical and Health Education Teacher Education Option (PHETE)

Pre-Summer 2006 Curriculum (TCERT)
New Curriculum (effective summer 2006) (PHETE)

Exercise Science Option

Exercise Science Option (Penn State Berks only)

Kinesiology Minor

Minor Information

Advising Information

Advising Center General Information
Advising 'Drop-In' Hours
Change of Major and Entrance to Major Form
Faculty Mentor Program
Peer Mentor Program
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Information for Commonwealth Campus Students
Undergraduate Degree Programs Bulletin "Blue Book"
- List of Kinesiology Courses
- Kinesiology Curriculum

Recommended Academic Plans

Semester-by-semester academic plans recommend in table form the courses students might schedule each semester as they pursue a particular degree. These tables serve several University purposes and assist multiple constituencies: students, advisers, departments, deans, registrars, admissions officers, and family members. The plans:

Identify normal academic progress, course offerings, and recommended course sequencing;
Assist students and advisers in planning academic schedules, registrars and departments in planning course offerings, and registrars and deans in determining when students should change campus;
Help students to anticipate the academic workload and courses needed to earn a degree, and to schedule appropriate prerequisites;

Serve as tools to help advisers learn the curriculum.

Semester scheduling recommendations for all baccalaureate majors can also be found in the University Bulletin.

Links to the Kinesiology Options Recommended Academic Plans:

Penn State University

The College of Health and Human Development