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:
“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:
“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
Specialization in Physical and Health Education
An intensive course of study in one discipline, with approximately two thirds of your courses within the discipline.
*please note that admission is closed for the BPHE program
Specialization in Kinesiology
An intensive course of study in one discipline, with approximately two thirds of your courses within the discipline.
Major in Health Studies
A major is an intensive course of study in one discipline, with approximately half of your courses within the discipline with room for an optional minor in any other Arts and Science discipline.
Medial in Health Studies
A dual course of study in Health Studies and any other Arts discipline.
Minor in Health Studies
A minor is a less intensive course of study in the discipline that must be combined with a major in another discipline.
Internship option available
For a full list of Degree Plans, see the Academic Calendar
Kinesiology and Health Studies - PhD
Kinesiology and Health Studies - MA
Kinesiology and Health Studies - MSc
Alumni Career Statistics (Kinesiology)
A graduate of either program should possess the qualities desired of all Queen's graduates - that is, the ability to exercise good judgment based on scientific, philosophical, esthetic and quantitative knowledge. More specifically, the graduate should grasp how health care policy and social and environmental factors influence the health of individuals and populations.
Here are a list of careers that both Kinesiology and Health Studies students can pursue after graduation.
These are a list of careers in this field that are unique to Kinesiology.
These are a list of careers in this field that are unique to Health Studies.
Taking time to explore career options, build experience and network can help you have a smooth transition to the world of work after graduation.Note that some of these careers may require further education.
A collaboration between Queen's Athletics and Recreation and the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies provides students in the Kinesiology or Physical Health Education programs a unique three-year, mini-stream of study that allows selected students the opportunity to explore the field of Athletic Therapy or the field of Strength and Conditioning.
There are several practicum opportunities with SKHS - have a look >
Students apply to Queen’s Science (QS) through the OUAC (Ontario Universities' Application Centre) website (ouac.on.ca). Secondary School prerequisites include English 4U, Biology 4U, Advanced Functions 4U plus two of Chemistry 4U, Physics 4U, or Calculus and Vectors 4U.
Kinesiology (BScH)
OUAC Code:
QK (Kingston Campus)
Visit queensu.ca/admission for additional information regarding requirements and admission to Queen's.
Students apply to Queen’s Arts (QA) through the OUAC (Ontario Universities' Application Centre) website (ouac.on.ca). Secondary School prerequisites include six 4U and 4M courses, including a minimum of three 4U courses, one of which must be ENG4U. Applicants outside of Ontario may have additional requirements.
Health Studies (BAH)
OUAC Code:
QA (Kingston Campus)
QB (Concurrent Education, Kingston Campus)
QIA (The Castle)
QIB (Concurrent Education, The Castle)
See Full Admission Requirements
After first year, in May, students will declare their area of study (major, minor, specialization, e.g.). The thresholds are competitive year to year and do change. The current 2017-18 thresholds for Health Studies are: AUTOMATIC ACCEPTANCE requires a cumulative GPA of 2.8 and a minimum grade of B+ in HLTH 101; for PENDING LIST you require a Cumulative GPA of 2.3 and a minimum grade of B- in HLTH 101.
The Certificate is designed to provide students with an interdisciplinary foundation in disability studies, physical activity, health and their intersection while fostering fundamental academic skills. These goals will be achieved through lecture and case-based coursework, technology-enhanced modules, and unique experiential learning opportunities offered in partnership with the Revved UP Exercise Program. The Revved UP Exercise Program is a community-based adapted exercise program for adults with a disability. In addition to gaining fundamental academic skills, students who participate in this Certificate will strengthen their leadership skills and experience a positive shift in their attitudes towards disability. They will become global citizens with the potential to bring social change for equitable and active communities.
Delivery Mode: On-campus
Number of Units: 15 units (5 courses)
Open to:
Students in Kinesiology, Health Studies and Physical Education should reach out to the Undergraduate Chair in SKHS to enrol in the certificate for 2018-19.
Students admitted to Kinesiology will have been placed in the Bachelor of Science (Honours) Program and the Kinesiology Specialization Plan.
Transfer from Kinesiology: Students in the Kinesiology Plan who wish to transfer from that Plan to a different Arts and Science Plan, including the Health Studies Plans, may do so through the Change of Plan process. It is prudent to seek academic advice from the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies before changing your Plan.
Transfer to Kinesiology: Students should note that transfer to the Kinesiology Specialization Plan is very competitive and there are a limited number of spaces available. To be considered for transfer, students must satisfy the high school admission requirements for the BSCH in Kinesiology. See Admission website. It is prudent to seek academic advice from the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies before making a request, especially if one is interested in transferring between any of Health Studies, Physical and Health Education, and Kinesiology.
ASC1 students (first year going into second) should request KINE using SOLUS.
Any ASC1 student interested in Kinesiology should still participate in the Plan Selection Process and choose an alternate Plan in early May in case they are not accepted into Kinesiology.
Second years and above should go through the Change of Plan process.
Transfer from Phys Ed: Students in the Bachelor of Physical and Health Education (Honours) Program who wish to transfer from the Physical and Health Education Specialization to a different Arts and Science Plan, including the Kinesiology Specialization or various Health Studies Plans, may do so through the Change of Plan process. It is prudent to seek academic advice from the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies before doing so.
The School is a multi-disciplinary environment providing excellence in research with an average of $22 million of active research annually. Working independently and collaboratively within the University and the community, the School's 17 researchers are recognized locally, nationally, and internationally.
Queen's ranks as one of Canada's leading research-intensive universities with approximately $150 million in sponsored research funding. The School of Kinesiology and Health Studies in currently engaged in approximately $20 million of active research projects in a variety of well-equipped laboratories.
With an average of 60 full-time graduate students, the School provides quality, focused education featuring:
All students receive their degree in Kinesiology and Health Studies. All master's programs are full-time, two-year, thesis-based programs. All doctoral programs are full-time, four-year, thesis-based programs. Areas of expertise include:
Wondering what the differences between Life Science, Health Studies and Health Science are? See a comparison of all three.
The Faculty of Arts and Science sits on the traditional lands of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples. Learn more
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