Kinesiology (BSc)
How does the body move and how can movement prevent injury, manage disease, and improve lives? Study the science of human movement, then focus it: fitness and lifestyle, ergonomics, coaching science, or a path you design.
Why choose this program?
Kinesiology is an interdisciplinary health science, the study of human movement and its effect on health, performance, and function. In our program, you'll learn it from professors known for their research, in classes that span the lab, the field, and the community.
Kinesiologists help prevent and manage injury, disability and chronic disease, and improve performance and well-being across the lifespan. We’ll give you the full breadth of the field—anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, motor control and psychology—and then let you make it yours.
In your upper years, you can apply to one of three professional streams that are fitness and lifestyle, ergonomics or coaching science or build a more general degree around your own goals.
You’ll learn alongside students from other health professions, finish with a practicum in a real workplace, and can add a research year through our honours option.
Careers
Kinesiology opens doors across sectors like health care, sport and recreation, workplace health and safety, rehabilitation and research. Because the program is flexible and interprofessional, you’ll be prepared for the team-based approach most workplaces now use.
Your final-year practicum gives you professional experience, and professional contacts, before you graduate. Some paths, such as athletic therapy or clinical exercise physiology, involve certifications or further study after your degree; your academic advisor can help you plan those requirements early.
Many students choose to continue their studies by pursuing a Master of Science (MSc) in Kinesiology right here at Dalhousie. Your degree in kinesiology also gives you a rich base for further professional studies in fields such as medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic, law, and more.
What you will learn
Over four years, you'll build a broad background in various subdisciplines of kinesiology, including anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, movement control, and psychology. You'll also be exposed to the foundational sciences such as biology, psychology, mathematics, and physics.
In the upper years of the program, with many elective options, you can tailor your course selection to meet your individual goals. You'll also benefit from the experiential and interprofessional learning included throughout the degree.
If you're interested in in-depth study, applying for an honours degree is a great opportunity to work closely with a faculty supervisor to conduct a full year research project in your final year.
Sample courses
- Human Growth and Development
- Human Anatomy
- Physical Activity and Health
- Psychology and Physical Activity
- Philosophy and Ethics for Kinesiologists
- Physiology of Exercise
- Kinesiological Anatomy
- Introductory Biomechanics
- Motor Control and Learning
- Introduction to Indigenous Health
- Sociocultural Issues in Physical Activity
- Principles of Measurement and Evaluation
- Care and Prevention of Injuries
- Exercise Testing and Prescription for Healthy Populations
- Physical Activity for Persons with Disabilities
- Cognitive Ergonomics
- Exercise Testing and Prescription for Clinical Populations
- Mind/Body Connections and Well-being
- Practicum in Kinesiology
A practicum, plus research
In your final year, a practicum places you in a professional setting: a clinic, fitness facility, workplace health program, or sport organization, under the supervision of a qualified mentor. The minimum is 25 hours, and many students choose to stay longer because of what they gain there.
You’ll also build research skills throughout the degree, with the chance to complete an independent research project, and take part in interprofessional learning with students from across the Faculty of Health.
Customize your degree
In your upper years, apply to one of three professional streams: fitness and lifestyle, ergonomics, or coaching science, or follow a more general path with electives chosen around your interests, from injury prevention to physical activity and disability. If research draws you, apply for the honours option and spend your final year on a thesis project with a Kinesiology professor.
You’ll graduate fluent in the science of movement and experienced in applying it, with a practicum behind you and a foundation that holds up wherever bodies, health, and performance meet.
Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).
Admission to many Dalhousie programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Program-specific admission requirements
Minimum overall average of 75%
English (min. 70%)
Math (min. 70%)
Three other academic subjects
It is highly recommended that applicants also have one or more of Biology, Chemistry, or Physics as preparation for the program.
Need Pre-Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, or another admission requirement? Our online, self-paced UPrep courses can help you earn the prerequisite you need, upgrade your marks, and build confidence before starting your degree at Dal. Explore UPrep courses.
