KINESIOLOGY
Kinesiology in Canada.
lakeheadu.ca/ kinesiology
Pathway to wellness, sport and healthcare professions: kinesiologist, chiropractor, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, medicine and more.
Kinesiology in Canada.
lakeheadu.ca/ kinesiology
Pathway to wellness, sport and healthcare professions: kinesiologist, chiropractor, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, medicine and more.
The study of human movement and the factors that influence and support our body’s ability to move are examined within the field of Kinesiology.
As a Kinesiology student, you will examine a broad range of multidisciplinary fields of study, including physiology, anatomy, biomechanics, aging populations, psychology, psychomotor behaviour, socio-cultural influences, musculoskeletal injuries, ergonomics, adapted physical activity, lifestyle management, and nutrition. You will be challenged to examine health and physical activity across the human lifespan.
The “Practice of Kinesiology” is a vital part of the School of Kinesiology curriculum and involves a series of practical courses designed to develop knowledge and skills through hands-on experience. Graduates of the Kinesiology program are eligible to challenge the exam to become a regulated health professional.
Crafted specifically to help guide you with your academic & career goals.
“Months after graduating, I landed my dream job. I truly believe that if it wasn’t for Lakehead, and more importantly the Graduate Diploma program, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today. The professors were amazing, all down to earth and understanding. My classmates are lifelong friends, and the experience I had was one I will never forget.”
The School of Kinesiology offers several options to cater your education to your particular career aspirations. Consider the following degree opportunities:
This four-year multi-disciplinary program incorporates all aspects of Kinesiology, including courses in all aspects of human movement plus extensive work in all of our movement laboratories.
The addition of co-op adds four work terms to your degree that are designed to develop and practice career-related skills in a real-world setting.
If you are considering a career in teaching, adding our two-year Education program (either concurrently or consecutively) will prepare and certify you to step into a classroom as a teacher upon graduation.
The accelerated Kinesiology + Education program is completed in five years, and includes spring / summer term courses.
As you begin your Kinesiology degree, you will be introduced to concepts related to human movement. Students engage in lectures, seminars, group work, community placement and practical labs. Some courses you will be taking include Foundations in Kinesiology, Principles of Health, Physical Growth and Motor Development, and Movement Observation and Assessment.
Experiential learning is at the core of the Kinesiology program! Many courses contain mandatory lab work, beginning right in first year. You will practice movement observation assessments on various populations such as infants, adolescents, elderly people, and those with musculoskeletal injuries or impairments. In the Physiology Lab, you will learn how to deliver, assess, and participate in tests such as V02 max and Wingate. You will use equipment such as force-plates as well as utilizing our various gym spaces to conduct fitness and mobility testing.
You can choose to complete an optional Co-op Program. To do so, you will apply in either Year 2 or 3; though you should speak with your program advisor early in the process to set yourself up for success. You will gain 16 months of paid industry experience, before resuming your studies. Note that Co-op will add an additional year to your program.
Multiple small lab sections allow for considerable one-on-one time with professors and fellow students. We are one of the only Kinesiology programs in Canada with a formalized co-op program where you can complete a minimum of four 4-month paid work terms.
If you are interested in becoming a Registered Kinesiologist, our broad-based learning curriculum successfully prepares you to challenge the registration exam for the regulatory college license requirements to practice in Ontario.
Thinking of Medical School? Kinesiology graduates have great success.
Upper year required courses in Ergonomics, MSK Injuries, Skill Acquisition, Communication & Leadership, and Lifestyle Evaluation help you develop your clinical skills. Additional electives in Clinical Exercise Therapy, Career Exploration, and Cardiac Rehab Apprenticeship further prepare you with skills to head into the work force.
In year 3 you will be taking research methods and stats in preparation for your honours research project, a major component of your fourth year. Your (individual or group) preparation, execution, and analysis of a research problem will culminate in a public Poster Conference Presentation displaying your findings.
An outdoor hiking/camping experience is completed in fourth year. The course includes a four week preparation component, as well as a weekend hiking/camping experience in late September/early October.
• Kinesiologist
• Teacher
• Personal Trainer
• Sports Coach
• Nutritionist
• Rehabilitation Specialist
• Physiotherapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Chiropractor
• Doctor
• Athletic Trainer
• Clinic Manager
• Cardiac Rehabilitation
• E xercise Physiologist
• Strength & Conditioning
• Ergonomist
Athletic Therapy, Chiropractic, Dentistry, Medicine, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Prosthetics/Orthotics or Speech Language Pathology.
By using your degree as the first step, you could continue your education to pursue careers in:
Don’t let them be typical. Your university years will define the rest of your life.
The professors. I love going to lectures in-person because they’re just so personable. The small class sizes make you feel more like a person than just a number. I also think Lakehead is geared towards giving students opportunities to get jobs after university and really value experience and hands-on learning.
Victoria Dorion 2nd year student, Kinesiology (2023)If you are interested in teaching, you have two options - both lead to certification by the Ontario College of Teachers.
Earn two degrees at once. Study Education alongside your Kinesiology program. This would extend your education by another 2 years.
After graduating with your Kinesiology degree, reapply to complete the 2-year Consecutive Education program.
The School of Kinesiology offers an Accelerated HBK/BEd option. Students can complete the two degrees in five years instead of six. Students will take courses in Fall, Winter, and Spring terms. This option is available for both the P/J and I/S streams. You can find out more information in the ACADEMIC CALENDAR
Whether you choose to study concurrently or consecutively, you will need to choose a teaching division in which to specialize.
Preparing you for a career teaching students in Kindergarten to Grade 6. Study in Thunder Bay (Concurrent or Consecutive) or Orillia (Consecutive Only).
Preparing you for a career teaching students in Grades 7-12. This teaching division is only offered at the Thunder Bay Campus. For more information about Lakehead University’s Teacher Education Program, please visit: lakeheadu.ca/education