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Kinesiology

Kinesiology

“The cadaver lab for human anatomy, in first year, allowed me to build the base foundation of other courses to come. I still use my first-year notes and knowledge in my [postgraduate] studies..."

Learn about Kanika

Earn 2 Credentials
HONOURS BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN KINESIOLOGY
from the University of Guelph
+
DIPLOMA IN FITNESS & HEALTH PROMOTION
from Humber

What are the possibilities for me?

Options include...

  • Registered Kinesiologist*
  • Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist*
  • Clinical Exercise Physiologist*
  • Certified Personal Trainer*
  • Certified Pedorthist*
  • Occupational Health & Wellness Advisor
  • Rehabilitation Therapist
  • Researcher
  • Certified Athletic Therapist*

Graduate school and further education

  • Master of Science in Physical Therapy
  • Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
  • Bachelor of Education
  • Bachelor of Nursing
  • Master of Science
  • Master of Public Health
  • Master of Arts in Health Promotion
  • Master of Science in Genetic Counselling
  • Chiropractic College
  • Naturopathic College
  • School of Dentistry
  • Medical School

Note: Some careers and entry into further education may require additional study.
*Professional designations

If you don't see your career goal listed here - talk to us! There are many more options.

Kinesiology is a regulated health profession in Ontario.

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What will I learn?

At UofGH, theory partners with hands-on learning to give you the best education in kinesiology. Turn your passion for health and wellness into a career in kinesiology and influence the future of sport and healthcare.

Learn how the body works and how to make it work better. Learn about health issues, injuries and illness. Develop a strong scientific and theoretical background and apply this knowledge to healthy populations, elite athletes, individuals with chronic diseases and people with physical challenges. Confidently apply your knowledge in any environment, such as health promotion, fitness, rehabilitation, coaching and research.

More than half of your courses have a lab component. Every week you’ll have lectures and labs will extend your classroom content through applied techniques and hands-on lessons. There are less than 25 students per lab.

1st/2nd years: Learn the fundamentals of the human body, structure and function. Your anatomy class includes study in a human cadaver lab: a rare undergraduate experience.

3rd/4th years: Courses focus on performance and clinical applications of exercise and nutrition theory, and health and fitness assessment.

Current knowledge
Health sciences is a very research-intensive field. Practices and teaching are informed by research, and research is a big focus of this program. You learn what’s current and what you need to know to be successful in the workplace/graduate studies.

More hands-on classes
You will take at least four practicum courses, focusing on current industry trends to gain hands-on experience. Courses include Functional Ability Evaluation; Athletic Bandaging and Taping Techniques; Digitizing Health & Society; Leadership & Entrepreneurship; and Martial Arts for Group Fitness Training (see program overview below for a full list).

Anatomy lab
To learn anatomy, you will attend a human cadaver lab at the University of Guelph. This is a unique experience not commonly seen in undergraduate curricula. A UofGH bus takes students to and from class one day a week for your first fall and winter semesters.

Other labs
There are many labs in your future! Get ready to use equipment such as the Bod Pod (body fat analysis) and the 3D motion capture Qualisys system. Labs include:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry & Metabolism I & II
  • Fundamentals of Fitness Testing
  • Exercise Techniques and Prescription
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Fitness & Lifestyle Assessment
  • Advanced Fitness Assessment
  • Performance-Related Exercise
  • Exercise Prescription for Clinical Populations
  • Functional Anatomy

What courses can I take?

First-year courses

students with cell diagram
  • Biochemistry & Metabolism I
  • Cell Biology
  • Health Counselling & Behaviour Change
  • Human Anatomy I
  • Human Anatomy II
  • Human Physiology I
  • Introduction to Health & Wellness
  • Introductory Mathematics for Kinesiology
  • Practicum
 

87 / 241 hours of workplace experience

0 hrs Placement 1

Year 3: On-site and off-site placements. Once per week for 11 weeks.

+
0 hrs Placement 2

Year 4: Optional. Off-site placement. Once per week for 11 weeks.

You have the option to complete 87 or 241 placement hours. Placement is scheduled with your classes in a way that is manageable and doesn’t add time to your degree.

All students complete placement 1. On campus, you will work one-on-one with a client to help reach their fitness and health goals. Off campus, you will work with a business or organization offering applied experience.

In your last year, choose one of two options: (a) an off-campus placement and an independent research study or (b) a research thesis project in a lab setting.

Note: You will be required to complete a First Aid/CPR certificate and may be required to complete a VSS and documentation of immunization prior to placement.


Past placements include:

  • Athletic and varsity programs
  • Cardiac rehabilitation facilities
  • Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
  • Corporate wellness departments
  • Multidisciplinary clinics (e.g., UHN & CBI)
  • NeuroChangers Neurological Rehabilitation
  • Clinical hospital settings
  • SickKids Hospital
  • Various school boards
  • Wellspring (Cancer Support Network)
  • YMCA

#GHApproach

Profs in the industry

You are taught by professionals currently working in their field. They will tell you what they’re experiencing in clinics, schools, hospitals, etc. in real time.

Confidence

Because you translate classroom knowledge to hands-on activities, you’re confident of your abilities upon graduation.

Supported learning

  • Your classmates/cohort will move through the program together.
  • Your professors open doors to diverse professional networks. Their mentorship can guide you to new opportunities.
  • Your program team is eager to assist you. With everything in one building and a small student population, they’re a footstep or email away. Check out your team: Academic Advisor, Placement Coordinator, Career Coordinator, Librarian and Student Life Coordinator.

Safe spaces

Once you experience it, you’ll recognize it. UofGH creates a tremendous sense of safety through the support of Program Heads, professors and staff. Feel comfortable to share your voice and care for your mental health.

Learn outside of class

Societies

Societies are related to our seven academic programs and offer a realm of activities outside of class. They can help you develop leadership skills, gain professional experience and network. The Kinesiology Society is very active! Check out our Clubs and Societies page.

students playing capture the flag

Kin Games

Join in the annual Canada-wide Kinesiology conference  . A UofGH team participates to play sports, network and have fun. 

Kin Games 2023

Science Rendezvous

This free, interactive, annual event   takes place across Canada. Get involved in various Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) activities with children, youth and adults. Showcase your creative and innovative mind while encouraging the curiosity of others. Engage community members in partnership with University of Guelph-Humber faculty, community partners and peers across all programs, and enhance your resumé.

ECS card making

Extra! Extra!

UofGH offers more extracurriculars for students in all programs. Learn more on our Extra! Extra! page.

Travel and learn with Study Tours (10 days) and Study Elsewhere (one semester). Visit our Global Learning Opportunities page for details!

photo abroad from singapore by Dylan Cunanan
Jamie

“Biomechanics and stats were challenging courses, but professors made it easy to comprehend. Once you understand, it's a very proud moment. I'm thankful for that; I use my biomechanics and stats nearly every day in this [Toronto Blue Jays] role."

Learn about Jamie
 

After graduation (unique opportunities)

Heading to law school

Graduate ready for Canadian law school or take advantage of our partnerships in England. Earn a senior status law degree (LLB) with The City Law School, City, University of London   in just two years without an LSAT requirement, or a Master of Law (LLM) through distance learning with the University of London   in one year (full-time) or up to five years (part-time). Both with reduced tuition.

london bridge

A step ahead

After graduation, take advantage of our partnership for a Master of Science degree with the University of Guelph (in Guelph, Ontario) MSc in Management. Speak with your Academic Advisor for more information.