School of Kinesiology and Recreation

School Honors in Kinesiology and Recreation

Open Book

Majors in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation with superior academic records are invited to apply for admission to the School Honors Program. The program provides an opportunity for a scholastically gifted student to pursue personal interests through an independent honors project. Students successfully completing the Honors Program will receive the designation of Honors in Kinesiology and Recreation upon graduation. The student’s official academic transcript and diploma will be so noted.


Admission Requirements:
The following are minimum entry requirements for honors in Kinesiology and Recreation. Final admission is dependent on approval by the school honors coordinator, in consultation with program directors in the student’s declared major.

  • Be a declared Athletic Training, Physical Education Teacher Education, Exercise Science, or Recreation and Park Administration major with at least 30 and not more than 90 hours of course work completed, including at least 6 hours of KNR courses.
  • Have a minimum 3.30 overall GPA.
  • Submit an application form to the School of Kinesiology and Recreation Honors Coordinator.
  • Attend an admission interview with the school honors coordinator.

Honors Program Requirements:

  • Fulfill the general requirements for participation in the University Honors Program.
  • Successfully complete a minimum of 3 hours of School of Kinesiology and Recreation Honors courses.
  • Successfully complete KNR 295: Honors Seminar.
  • Initiate and complete a research project in KNR 299: Independent Honors Study (variable, 3-6 hours) under the direction of a faculty mentor in the student’s major/sequence.
  • Complete a presentation at the annual KNR honors symposium. This presentation will normally focus on the student’s independent honors study (see #4).
  • Maintain a minimum 3.30 overall GPA.

If interested in applying, please complete the application form, linked HERE, and email it by attachment to your KNR advisor (either Daphyne Walker at dlwalke@ilstu.edu, or Mary Leung at mwleung@ilstu.edu), who will check that you meet the above qualifications before forwarding your application to the school’s honors coordinator. If you have any questions about this process, please contact the school’s honors coordinator, Dr. Pete Smith at peter.smith@ilstu.edu or 309-438-3553.