Program Overview
Kinesiology Degree
The Kinesiology program at the University of Waterloo is a comprehensive undergraduate degree that focuses on the science of human movement. As the first of its kind in the world, this program offers students a unique opportunity to explore the human body and its functions through a combination of theoretical and practical learning experiences.
Program Overview
The Kinesiology program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of human movement and its applications in various fields, including health care, sports, and rehabilitation. The program combines coursework in biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, social sciences, nutrition, and neuroscience to give students a comprehensive understanding of human movement.
Coursework
The program includes a range of courses that provide students with a solid foundation in the sciences, as well as hands-on experience in labs and research settings. Some of the courses included in the program are:
- KIN 104/KIN 104L – Fundamentals of Kinesiology/Laboratory
- HEALTH 107 – Sociology of Activity, Health, and Well-being
- BIOL 130 – Introductory Cell Biology
- CHEM 120 – General Chemistry 1
- MATH 124 – Calculus and Vector Algebra for Kinesiology
- KIN 100/KIN 100L – Regional Human Anatomy/Laboratory
- KIN 146 – Introduction to Human Nutrition
- BIOL 273 – Principles of Human Physiology 1
- PHYS 111 – Physics 1
- PSYCH 101 – Introductory Psychology
Upper-Year Courses
In the upper years of the program, students can choose from a range of courses that focus on specific areas of interest, such as:
- KIN 221 – Advanced Biomechanics of Human Movement
- KIN 255 – Fundamentals of Neuroscience
- KIN 342 – Nutrition and Aging
Customizing Your Degree
Students in the Kinesiology program have the option to add an area of focus within Kinesiology, such as:
- Ergonomics and Injury Prevention
- Human Nutrition
- Medical Physiology
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Sciences
Students can also include one of the minors available to all Waterloo students, such as Psychology, Human Resources Management, French, or Management Studies.
Co-op Program
The Kinesiology program is available as a co-op program, which provides students with the opportunity to gain paid work experience in their field of study. The co-op program is designed to give students a competitive edge in the job market and to provide them with valuable work experience that can be applied to their future careers.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for the Kinesiology program, students must meet the following admission requirements:
- Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses, including:
- Any 4U English (minimum final grade of 70%)
- Advanced Functions or Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70%)
- Any two of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (minimum final grade of 70%)
- Admission averages:
- Regular: low 80s
- Co-op: mid-80s
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Kinesiology program can pursue a range of career opportunities, including:
- Physiotherapy
- Chiropractic
- Ergonomics
- Health and safety
- Exercise management
- Nutrition
- Occupational therapy
- Pedorthic technician
- Respiratory therapist
- Chiropractor
Further Education
Many graduates of the Kinesiology program go on to pursue further education in fields such as medicine, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic, biomechanics, anatomy, and neuroscience.
Common Questions
- What’s the difference between Kinesiology and similar programs at other universities?
- Does this program meet the prerequisites for medical school and the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)?
- How does Kinesiology compare to Health Sciences programs?
- If I do the Human Nutrition minor, can I become a dietitian?
- Do I need to be physically active to be in this program?
- What is the difference between life sciences and kinesiology?
- How long does it take to complete this program?
- Is this program available online?