Kinesiology major
- Generalist program
- Exercise Science specialization
- Health and Wellness specialization
- Rehabilitation specialization
The Kinesiology major provides a focused set of options directed toward understanding human movement and the role and application of exercise for rehabilitation and health improvement. Kinesiology students learn to prescribe individualized exercise programs to improve or maintain the health, functional capacity and global well-being of a range of clinical populations. The physiological response to exercise is compromised by various disease processes and/or their associated medications and therefore, an exercise prescription must account for this to ensure the efficacy of the program, as well as the safety of the individual. In fourth year, elective opportunities exist whereby students can pursue either a Kinesiology or Athletic Therapy internship to increase their experience in the field. Kinesiology internships in the past have included placements in fitness facilities, schools, cardiac rehabilitation programs, programs for children with special needs, physiotherapy and chiropractic clinics. The Athletic Therapy internship involves placement as a student therapist with a varsity athletic team and students become certified as Advanced Medical First Responders.
Kinesiology graduates will be prepared to assume positions in kinesiology both in the health care system and in private practice. Graduates of the Kinesiology major will have covered the core competencies required by the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario but those interested in pursuing professional registration will generally require additional practical experience before writing the registration exams. Students will also be eligible to apply for admission to several professional postgraduate programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and chiropractic, as well as academic postgraduate programs. Those interested in medicine are advised to check the requirements of individual medical schools to ensure that they have taken any required courses that are not part of the Kinesiology program map.
In order to be eligible to participate in required laboratory courses in the Kinesiology major, students must meet specific requirements for safe practice in the lab setting. Students will be required to show proof of current basic first aid and CPR certification prior to the beginning of each academic year, starting in second year. Certification presented must be valid for at least the full length of the academic year.
Health and Wellness specialization
The Health and Wellness specialization is intended for students wishing to pursue postgraduate study in community health, as well as those interested in a career in health policy or promotion with a special interest in exercise for health. This option will also prepare students interested in programs such as occupational and physical therapy, and chiropractic.
Although reasonable efforts will be made to adhere to the following program map, course requirements and term offerings may change. For the most up-to-date list of course offerings, please visit the faculty website at healthsciences.uoit.ca.
Admission requirements
Admission is competitive. The specific average or standing required for admission varies from year to year. Students are selected by taking into consideration a wide range of criteria including school marks, distribution of subjects taken, and performance in subjects relevant to the academic program. Possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications.
Current Ontario secondary school students must complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six 4U or 4M credits including English (ENG4U) with a minimum grade of 60 per cent, Biology (SBI4U), and one of Advanced Functions (MHF4U) or Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U) or Mathematics of Data Management (MDM4U). It is recommended for students applying to the Human Health Science specialization or the Kinesiology major: Exercise Science option, that Chemistry (SCH4U) is also taken. All other applicants should refer to admissions for the requirements for their specific category of admission.
Program details and degree requirements
To be eligible for a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) degree, students must successfully complete 120 credit hours. Degree and program requirements are subject to change without notice. The following program maps are only a guide and are to be used in combination with proper advising. Students wishing to make changes to their program of study should consult their academic advisor.
