The Master’s degree offers opportunities for advanced research under the supervision of a faculty member, in areas such as psychology, health and fitness, epidemiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, physiology, nutrition and immunology. Further information on faculty members’ specific research within these fields is located in the Faculty section of this site. Coursework provides a strong academic foundation for the Master’s student, but the emphasis of the thesis program is to conduct original research within one’s area of study. The background of the student, the research focus of the supervisor and choice of courses determines selection of the Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Arts (MA) degree.
It is a full-time program that runs for 16 consecutive months during which students must also author a fitness-based article for a peer-reviewed professional publication.
The Master of Fitness (MFSc) degree (non-thesis) involves coursework and an extensive practical experience to prepare students for a variety of professional careers including health promotion, sport and occupational fitness applications and exercise management for persons with chronic diseases or disabilities.
Completing the MFSc, satisfies the requirements to receive designations such as the Health and Fitness Federation of Canada - Certified Exercise Physiologist™ and enables students to apply for the Ontario College of Kinesiology registration.
Eligible candidates must have completed an undergraduate degree in physical activity/exercise science and have taken upper level university degree undergraduate courses in human whole body physical activity/exercise science applications. Only applicants who have a high GPA (A+, A, A-, and in exceptional circumstances B+, in which case, your covering letter must explain your circumstances) will be considered for acceptance. Please be advised that the applicant pool is very large and we can only accommodate a handful of new MFSc students each year.
Although other graduate faculty members supervise MFSc students, the primary supervisor and application contact for this program is Dr. Veronica Jamnik.
Offered through the School of Kinesiology and Health Science in the Faculty of Health, the Master of Athletic Therapy (MAT) is a full-time, six-term program designed to meet the evolving demands of the athletic therapy profession. Replacing the former undergraduate Athletic Therapy Certificate Program (ATCP), this graduate-level program reflects the growing standard for advanced education among Certified Athletic Therapists across North America. Through a blend of rigorous academic coursework and hands-on field and clinical experience, the MAT prepares graduates with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for success in this high-demand healthcare field, positioning them for meaningful and rewarding careers as athletic therapy professionals.
Principal Areas of Study
Professional Practice & Management
- Work with populations with different challenges and expectations
- Consider factors that affect health and impact assessment and care
- Address ethical situations in practice
- Follow Codes of Conduct and professional expectations
- Develop leadership attributes, including mentoring and professional development
- Support self and others, including growth and self-care concepts
- Engage in inter-professional education
Evidence-Informed Practice & Research
- Develop understanding of how clinical and scientific research is conducted
- Learn implementation of clinical research from idea to translation of results
- Understand qualitative and quantitative research methods
- Recognize differences in research across populations
- Develop research questions with clinicians and faculty
- Carry out research as appropriate
- Provide information to clinicians on applying research in practice
- Understand the influence of research during experiential education
- Contribute to the body of knowledge in Athletic Therapy
Field and Clinical Education
- Apply skills across many areas of practice
- Gain experience through enhanced experiential education opportunities
- Achieve competencies across all domains for certification
- Develop athletic therapy expertise
- Improve collaboration, communication, and health advocacy
- Gain opportunities for leadership and professional involvement
- Apply evidence-informed practice in clinical settings
Analysis & Physical Examination
- Focus on theory, practice, and application across the program
- Discuss, practice, and process core concepts with faculty
- Develop a foundation in neuromusculoskeletal practice
| Program Learning Outcomes | |
|---|---|
| 1. Apply disciplinary knowledge and critical thinking skills to the assessment, rehabilitation, and emergency care of clients to support clients' mobility, health, and well-being. 2. Disseminate clear, accurate, and precise health information in a respectful manner to diverse populations using appropriate communication strategies. 3. Promote healthy, active lifestyle behaviours through education and interventions that enhance wellness, prevent injury, and reduce health risks. 4. Advocate for meaningful change for clients and the profession through quality improvement, use of evidence, and reduction of barriers that impact outcomes. | 5. Cultivate a growth mindset through personal and professional development, including lifelong engagement in self-regulated learning, self-assessment, and reflection. 6. Critically appraise information relevant to the profession to support safe and ethical practice. 7. Act within scope of practice and personal limitations by adhering to the profession’s Code of Ethics, and professional rules and regulations. 8. Apply transferable skills to provide competent and culturally sensitive care in athletic therapy. 9. Maintain effective work-life balance through the practice of self-care. |
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is research intensive and offers opportunities for specialized research in areas such as psychology, health and fitness, epidemiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, physiology, nutrition and immunology. Further information on faculty members’ with supervision eligibility can be found on our Faculty page.
Learn More
The Graduate Program in Kinesiology and Health Science at York is an exciting environment to pursue innovative, socially engaging, career-ready education. Contact our Graduate Program Assistant to learn more.