Last updated on 2025-11-18
Program overview
Earn money and work experience while earning your Kinesiology degree from Waterloo, where you'll learn to prevent and treat movement-related illness and injury. Kinesiology at Waterloo was the first of its kind in the world, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of human movement through a blend of biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, social sciences, nutrition, and neuroscience. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, making it an excellent choice for those looking to pursue a rewarding career in health care.
Program structure
The Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology program at Waterloo is designed to be completed in four years for full-time students. Students have the option to choose a co-op program, which extends the duration to five years and integrates valuable work experience into their education. Key features of the program structure include:
- Hands-on lab experiences, including over 20 immersive labs in various areas such as sport injury management and exercise physiology.
- Co-op opportunities that provide 20 months of paid work experience, enhancing employability upon graduation.
- Customization options, allowing students to focus on specific areas within Kinesiology, such as Ergonomics, Human Nutrition, and Rehabilitation Sciences.
- Integration of courses from both the Faculty of Health and the Faculty of Science to build a strong foundation in the sciences.
Students can also choose electives from a wide range of subjects to explore their interests or pursue a minor. The program is structured to ensure that students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for their future careers.
Featured Experiences
The Kinesiology program at Waterloo offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance learning and professional development:
- Co-op Program: Students can participate in a leading co-op program, gaining relevant paid work experience while studying.
- Hands-on Lab Experiences: Students engage in over 20 lab experiences, including studying human cadavers in the first year, which provides practical skills in understanding human anatomy.
- Research Opportunities: Students can get involved in research projects, working alongside professors and gaining valuable insights into the field.
- Field Experience: Opportunities to work with athletes and in clinical settings, applying classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios.
- Joint Partner Programs: Collaborations with various health organizations and institutions to provide students with diverse learning experiences.
These experiences not only enrich the educational journey but also prepare students for successful careers in health and wellness.
Career Options
Graduates of the Kinesiology program at Waterloo have a wide range of career options available to them in Canada. Some common career paths include:
- Orthopaedic Surgeon – Specializes in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal issues, often working in hospitals or clinics.
- Physiotherapist – Helps patients recover from injuries and improve their physical function through tailored rehabilitation programs.
- Ergonomist – Works to improve workplace safety and efficiency by designing ergonomic solutions to reduce injury risk.
- Occupational Therapist – Assists individuals in overcoming physical and mental challenges to perform daily activities and improve their quality of life.
- Chiropractor – Focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine.
Other potential career options include roles as a Clinical Research Assistant, Pedorthic Technician, and Respiratory Therapist. Graduates are well-prepared to enter various health-related fields, often pursuing further education in professional programs such as medicine, physiotherapy, or chiropractic studies.
DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.
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