Kinesiology

The undergraduate major in Kinesiology is a general pre-health professional curriculum that prepares students for health-related graduate programs (e.g., physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical school, etc.), exercise science graduate programs (e.g., exercise physiology, health promotion, biomechanics), as well as entry-level occupations within the health and wellness industry. Kinesiology majors choose to focus their course work within one of the following options: exercise science or health and fitness.

Graduates will receive a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and often pursue a health-related graduate degree and/or professional certifications in fitness and conditioning through professional organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Our graduates find careers in corporate and commercial wellness programs, exercise rehabilitation programs, sport and rehabilitative medicine equipment, coaching, research, and more.

Kinesiology Curriculum

KIN 498 Internship Information

Consent of instructor is required for this course. Please fill out this form to request registration in this course.

Contact: Cailyn Gillis (cailyn.gillis@montana.edu)

Hours are only counted during the semester; hours between semesters (hours during winter break) are not permitted.

1 credit = 45 internship hours / semester
2 credits = 90 internship hours / semester
3 credits = 135 internship hours/semester

Students are strongly encouraged to find their own locations/mentor prior to registering for the course, but this is not required and guidance is available if needed.You may obtain hours at more than one facility. Start looking at locations early!

Course Deliverables

KIN 498 is a traditionally graded course.

Complete student packet with mentor signatures
Complete weekly log sheets to keep track of hours, tasks, professional growth, knowledge growth, challenges, etc.
Midpoint Reflection (halfway through hours)
Final Reflection (upon completion of hours)
Resume Assignment
Mentor Evaluation (to be completed and submitted by your mentor at the end of the semester)

Medical professions (those interested in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, dentistry, athletic training, etc.) should apply to HMED 440 (not KIN 498) for internship placement! The HMED 440 course requires an application and you DO NOT set up your own sites. Please reach out to your advisor if you have questions about your area of interest.

Exercise Science Option

The Exercise Science option focuses on a cross-disciplinary understanding of human movement so students are prepared to pursue a graduate degree.

Health and Fitness Option

The Health and Fitness option prepares students to manage fitness and wellness programs without the need for a graduate degree.

Students studying Kinesiology may be interested in the Exercise Science Club, a group whose goal is help students explore health careers by bringing in industry experts, faculty, and graduate students to present their career journey. This club also hosts an annual Trick or Trot 5K race.