Kinesiology & Health Studies

The School of Kinesiology and Health Studies occupies a unique position as a leader in health enhancement, disease prevention, and human performance, and offers both Kinesiology and Health Studies degree programs at the undergraduate level, focusing on the science and social science aspects of human health. Kinesiology is a direct-entry science program, whereas students interested more in the social sciences of Health Studies will begin in the Arts program and declare their major at the end of their first year. Combining these into one School increases opportunities for breadth and collaboration, and fosters a strong sense of community for those interested in promoting physical, mental, and social health and well-being.

Kinesiology

Kinesiology is the science of the human body in motion. You will learn about the physiological, biomechanical, psychological, and sociological factors that influence human movement, health, exercise, and sport performance. From the structure of the cell to the structure of society, your studies in Kinesiology will expose you to the factors that influence health and wellness.

Top 3 Reasons to study Kinesiology:

1. Our direct-entry program is highly multidisciplinary, drawing from the social,
   behavioural, and physical sciences.
2. Our teaching lab offers state-of-the art equipment and small class sizes to
   advance students’ understanding of the exercise sciences.
3. We emphasize experiential learning and community involvement in our program, including an optional community-based practicum and health-related workplace and community-based service learning course in health programming and evaluation. 
   

“My experience in the Kinesiology program at the SKHS was incredible and I can’t speak highly enough about it. The multidisciplinary educational approach kept me keenly engaged in my learning and provided me with a thorough foundation for a number of post-grad options in a variety of fields.”
                                                                                                                             -Kristiann Man, BScH ‘17

Health Studies

Health Studies strives to understand the complex factors that influence physical, mental, and social health and overall well-being. Drawing largely from social science disciplines, our courses explore the social determinants of health, approaches to health promotion, health policy, health behaviour change, epidemiology, and program planning and evaluation.

Top 3 Reasons to study Health Studies:

1. Our program focuses on social science perspectives of health and wellness. We challenge students to think critically about the social, political, psychological, and cultural dimensions of health and well-being.
2. We provide tailored independent research opportunities, including a third-year
   placement in a research lab/program and an Honours thesis option.
3. We emphasize experiential learning and community involvement in our
   program, and offer a ‘mini-stream’ option in Movement and Health and a
   capstone course in Health Promotion Planning and Evaluation.

 “As a Health Studies student, I learned in a multidisciplinary and supportive academic environment. I greatly benefited from the program’s high-quality instructors and from the research opportunities available to enrich student development!”
                                                                                                                        -Rachel Hayton, BAH ‘17