BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN KINESIOLOGY
Love learning about the human body? Here's your chance to dive into the intricate details of how it works and moves.
What is Kinesiology?
Kinesiology is defined as “the science of human movement.” You'll come to deeply understand how and why the human body works and moves the way it does - along with how to recognize and treat it when something isn’t working properly. This is a science-based program where most of what you learn is applied directly to the human body.
After graduating, you'll be ready to apply to professional school (like physiotherapy, chiropractic, or medicine). Or choose from a wide variety of other careers, like athletic therapy, ergonomics, research, or kinesiology (which is its own regulated profession)!
Admission requirements
Required
Six Grade 12 U or M courses, including all required courses:
- One Grade 12 U English
- One Grade 12 U Advanced Functions or Calculus and Vectors
- Two of Grade 12 U Chemistry, Biology, or Physics
(At least 70% normally required in these required courses.)
Admission average
- Low 80s (regular)
- Mid-80s (co-op)
YOU'LL TAKE COURSES IN
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Biomechanics
- Nutrition
- Anatomy
- Psychology
Graduate with a Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Available with co-op and without
Can be a great program if you’re interested in professional school, like medicine or physiotherapy
73 questions with a Waterloo Kinesiology student
Meet Will (he/him), a Kinesiology student who has lots to share about his experience in the program so far.
What's special about our Kinesiology program?
WORLDS FIRST DEPARTMENT OF KINESIOLOGY
We've been leaders since day one and are dedicated to ensuring our program teaches you the most relevant, up-to-date knowledge. Plus, after 50+ years, we’ve had lots of time to develop a positive reputation for our grads in the workforce.
HANDS-ON LEARNING (INCLUDING AN ANATOMY LAB WITH REAL HUMAN CADAVERS IN YOUR FIRST YEAR!)
Seven of your required courses have an associated lab component. With electives, you can get up to 20 lab experiences over the course of your degree. In your labs, you'll practice what you're learning in class in real life. Plus, there are a variety of opportunities outside of class that you can get involved in (like working in post-stroke rehabilitation at our Centre for Community, Clinical and Applied Research Excellence - which is just a few minutes away from our Faculty of Health buildings).
GROUND-BREAKING RESEARCH
Your instructors are world-class researchers solving real-world challenges. They're answering important questions like: What happens to the spine during lifting and how can we prevent injury at work? Why do older adults fall more often and how can we help them keep active without falling? Can wearable biosensors help people with complex diseases? (Just to name a few!) You can get involved in this research by volunteering in research labs or taking courses to earn credit.
GAIN PRACTICAL SKILLS
You'll use a wide variety of equipment, some that's research grade. This means the equipment you use in class is similar to the equipment you'll be expected to use in clinical workplaces.
LOTS OF FLEXIBILITY IN YOUR UPPER YEARS
Take the courses that are most interesting to you and customize your degree. This is also a great way to fit in any necessary pre-requisites for graduate school (like physiotherapy or medicine).
LARGEST CO-OP PROGRAM IN NORTH AMERICA
If you choose the co-op program, you'll have access to more jobs, more employers, and more opportunities than any similar co-op programs in North America.
