Opportunities for Students

Woman in VR headset in front of screen that shows muscle groups on human back

Students work with virtual reality technology for understanding muscular and skeletal function.

Undergraduate Research

The Department of Kinesiology provides undergraduate research opportunities for students from a wide range of majors including Kinesiology, Biology, Pre-Medicine, and Nutritional Sciences.

Our Department also provides two Schreyer Honors College advisers to support students in the Honor Study program in Kinesiology and Athletic Training.

As a student, you will contribute to our research mission while gaining firsthand experience in conducting groundbreaking research, working with participants, collecting data, conducting data analyses, publishing papers, and presenting your findings at academic conferences. In keeping with our innovative and interdisciplinary mission, the research possibilities here are extensive and diverse.

Student researcher checks vitals of a volunteer on an exercise bike

Getting started in undergraduate research in HHD

Student research is not like taking a class: there is not a single repository where you sign up. Typically, students find or create their own opportunities. Much like in conducting research, staying passionate and being persistent are critical.

Learn more about undergraduate research in the College of Health and Human Development.

If you still have questions, speak with your academic adviser.

Undergraduate research steered alum into new career path

As an undergrad, Emily Dzieniszewski (Kines, '21) conducted research on factors that prevent women from biking to campus as much as men. She said the experience promoted growth and learning in ways she couldn’t have imagined.

Learn about Emily's experience

Graduate Studies

The Kinesiology Graduate Program at Penn State has been ranked as one of the top three programs in the nation by the National Academy of Kinesiology for the last 15 years. Graduates of our program go on to careers in academia, industry, and other health and science-related professions.

Areas of Study

Students in Penn State’s Kinesiology program have a truly unique opportunity to work with world-renowned researchers and faculty members in an active research environment. Explore each area of study below to discover topics that interest you and identify which researchers work in each field.