The School of Kinesiology’s undergraduate programs are tied to our mission of advancing knowledge about physical activity and human movement. Students can choose a major or minor program that will allow them to study the science and management of physical activity and human movement within the contexts of exercise, health and lifestyle, and sport.
The University Honors Program (UHP) seeks to provide students with a rich environment in which to pursue an enhanced undergraduate experience.
Honors students who are admitted to the School of Kinesiology participate in directed research and thesis writing in the physical activities sciences, designed to provide the most significant and challenging experience faculty can offer to undergraduates. Learn more about being a School of Kinesiology Honors student.
The School, College, and University all offer financial aid opportunities for students. Use the following resources to see available funding opportunities:
The School of Kinesiology houses 13 labs and centers that specialize in a wide variety of research. Much of the research conducted in the School is interdisciplinary and involves collaborative partnerships with life science disciplines such as medicine, neuroscience, and epidemiology, and fosters links with business, education, and social sciences. Review the research page for more information.
In addition to faculty-run research labs and centers the School also has three teaching laboratories whose main purpose is to provide kinesiology graduate and undergraduate students the latest laboratory equipment and experiences.
Human Performance Teaching Laboratory (HPTL)
The HPTL provides kinesiology graduate and undergraduate students the latest laboratory equipment and experiences in biomechanics, and human and exercise physiology. In addition to the lab’s full complement of physiology and biomechanics laboratory teaching equipment the HPTL also has a small classroom for laboratory instruction.
Physical Activity and Sport Science (PASS)
The PASS lab is used for research that centers on the broad context of human physical activity, defined as physical movement that results in the body working harder than normal through increased energy expenditure beyond resting levels.
Movement Science Teaching Lab (MSTL)
The MSTL is a teaching laboratory space for kinesiology graduate and undergraduate students. It houses a force plate and several wearable movement sensors. It is used in conjunction with the HPTL to deliver courses in movement science, including aspects of biomechanics, engineering, neuroscience, and psychology.
Undergraduate students who are interested in participating in research projects should do so through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP). Housed in the Office of Undergraduate Research program, UROP facilitates undergraduate participation in faculty-mentored research projects. Funding opportunities exist and the programs are flexible, allowing research study in any academic area University-wide.
The College of Education and Human Development Diversity statement
We affirm the contributions of all people in our community. Diversity and equity are at the core of our mission in the College of Education and Human Development.
We explicitly reject bias, discrimination, and exclusion on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
We all are responsible for recognizing, confronting, and addressing bias and discrimination and diligently working for positive change in support of equity and diversity.
CEHD Graduate and Professional Education Diversity Statement May 2, 2017, approved by CEHD Directors of Graduate Studies
See more about the College’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The School of Kinesiology encourages students to consider a study abroad program during their undergraduate or graduate studies. Visit the Learning Abroad Center to review the learning abroad opportunities that are tailored to Sport Management BS students, and opportunities that are tailored to Kinesiology BS students.
Joining a student organization is a great way to get involved, meet new friends and contacts, and enhance your UMN experience. It can also give you a valuable advantage in your career, allowing you to make connections and gain work experience.