Kinesiology (BKin)

Kinesiology is the study of human movement, sport and physical activity. Study psychology, motor control, biomechanics, physiology and health in premier kinesiology and physical education facilities. Hands-on learning opportunities are integral to this program. Four optional concentrations are available.

Looking ahead to a career in education? Apply to the Kinesiology with Teaching Option program.

Apply Your Learning

Make the most out of your university career by taking advantage of all that Laurier has to offer you. Volunteer work, campus clubs, leadership programs, studying abroad, work experience – there are so many ways you can extend your classroom experience into the real world.

Here are just a few examples of the experiences you’ll have access to in the Kinesiology program:

  • Complete 96 hours of community-based leadership or volunteer work.
  • Join the Faculty of Science Residence Learning Community to enhance your academic and social success.
  • Participate in hands-on learning experiences such as physical activity programming, fitness testing or injury assessment.
  • Work with hyper-realistic synthetic cadavers (the first of their kind in Canada) during Kinesiology labs.

Check out the Kinesiology Experience Guide.

 

2022 graduates who secured employment or went on to postgraduate studies

 

Laurier ranks in the top 6 percent of universities worldwide*

 

students who gained hands-on learning experiences at Laurier in 2022

*Center for World University Rankings (CWUR)

Admissions

Format: full time      Duration: four years     Start: September (fall term)     OUAC code: UKP (Kinesiology); UKT (Kinesiology with Teaching Option)

Your Path to Medical School

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Get one step closer to your medical school dreams at Laurier!

Our pathway agreement with American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) means you’re automatically granted an admissions interview to the AUC School of Medicine if you meet all academic requirements. Upon graduation, you’ll have the opportunity to write exams to practice medicine in Canada, the UK or the United States.

Program Options and Courses

Concentrations

In your third and fourth year, you may choose to focus your studies in one of four concentration areas:

  • Athletic Performance and Injury Management
  • Movement, Health and Development
  • Physical Activity Education and Promotion
  • Sport Development and Management

Options and Minors

These are a few popular academic opportunities which allow you to dive deeper into your major area of study or broaden your knowledge:

  • Management Option
  • Leadership Option
  • Biology Minor
  • Psychology Minor
  • Teaching Option

Check out other options to enhance your degree.

Sample First-Year Courses

  • Biological Diversity and Evolution
  • Fundamental Movement Skills and Physical Literacy
  • Fundamentals of Motor Learning and Control
  • Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Psychology
  • Historical and Philosophical Foundations
  • Introduction to Psychology I
  • Introduction to Psychology II
  • Unifying Life Processes
  • 1.0 elective credits

Sample Electives

  • Balance, Posture and Gait
  • Neuromuscular Function in Exercise
  • Exercise Nutrition
  • Psychology of Injury Rehabilitation

Similar Programs

Teaching Option

Interested in a direct pathway to a Bachelor of Education?

Laurier’s undergraduate Teaching Option consists of 4.0 credits throughout your degree: five core half-credit courses offered through the Faculty of Education, plus three elective half-credit courses from an approved list. 

If you're admitted into and complete this Teaching Option pathway, you'll have earned a guaranteed spot in our Bachelor of Education (BEd) program, provided you meet all the admissions requirements, including:

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Co-op

Co-op is a way to integrate what you are learning in the classroom with practical experience in your field of study. Build your resume, earn money, develop your network, and graduate with work experience.

You can apply for admission to co-op in your first year and may be eligible for an admission interview early in your second year. As a student in this program, you will be eligible to complete paid work terms lasting 12 to 16 weeks.

Interested? Learn more about co-op.

Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

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"I love how close-knit this program is! I can walk through the concourse and see someone in Kinesiology and not be afraid to smile and wave at them or strike up a conversation. I was told that the Kinesiology program was like a big family and I can definitely confirm that!"

Taylor Laister, Kinesiology graduate

Your Career Awaits

Graduates of our program can be found working as occupational and physical therapists, teaching in schools throughout the province, practicing as physicians, chiropractors and registered kinesiologists, following careers in sports administration, in personal fitness training or as first responders, or building businesses for themselves.

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • activities/athletics director
  • biomechanical engineer
  • coach/assistant
  • exercise physiologist
  • fitness/athletic trainer
  • sports marketing
  • nutritionist/dietitian
  • firefighter, paramedic, police officer

Explore more careers.

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

"I got involved with Kin Kouncil, which is a student-run council for those that are in the Kinesiology program. Being apart of this allowed me to connect with the professors a little more and put on events for the Kin student body."

Timothy Lytle, Kinesiology graduate

Interested in More Info?

Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.