Why Choose Kinesiology and Health Science at York U?

Apply your learning from day one through hands-on laboratories and unique movement-based integrated physical activity (IPAL) courses*.

• Choose from the most extensive course selection of any Canadian Kinesiology and Health Science program, with more than 100 elective course options.
• Learn from full-time faculty who are internationally recognized researchers, instructors, and clinical practitioners.
• Get involved in cutting edge research with your professors in one of the many research labs on campus including exercise physiology, the Muscle Health Research Lab, the Centre for Vision Research.
• Be part of a vibrant, diverse student community with access to dedicated mentorship, academic advising, and career services.

* Integrated Physical Activity for Life (IPAL) is a movement-based program comprised of courses that strive to develop all Kinesiology students into well rounded ambassadors of physical activity who possess the knowledge and ability to promote healthy behaviours for themselves, and those around them. The IPAL program promotes a lifespan holistic approach to health and physical activity participation. For more information about courses, visit the Kinesiology & Health Science website.

Degree Options

We offer honours Bachelor of Arts (BA) and honours Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree options, both of which share a common set of core requirements. However, the BSc requires additional courses in math, science, and computer science, while the BA provides greater flexibility with those credits.

Specialization areas:

• Fitness and Health
• Human Anatomy and Biomechanics
• Human Physiology and Metabolism
• Neuroscience and Motor Control
• Physical Activity and Injury Prevention
• Psychology of Physical Activity and Health
• Sociocultural and Policy Perspectives

Specialized Certificates

• Fitness Assessment and Exercise Counselling
• Athletic Therapy
• Aging

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Students can apply classroom learning through experiential education in diverse settings, including:

• Exploring biomechanics, anatomy, and movement sciences through hands-on learning in labs like the Fitness and Health Lab and Anatomy Lab. 
• Participating in IPAL courses integrating adaptive physical activity, leadership, and mental health. 
• Contributing to the community through service learning in courses like Adapted Physical Activity. 
• Applying knowledge through case studies and simulations. 
• Working with faculty on innovative research projects. 
• Broadening global perspective through international exchanges and study abroad programs. 

Careers Pathways

Kinesiology and Health Science students gain a solid foundation in biological, behavioural, and socio-cultural disciplines, preparing them for diverse careers or further studies. Graduates can become registered Kinesiologists, or pursue graduate or professional schools like medicine, physiotherapy, chiropractic, or enter the workforce. 

Graduates from our programs pursue careers in: 

• Health and wellness coaching 
• Physiotherapy and occupational therapy (with additional qualifications) 
• Research and academia 
• Fitness training and coaching 
• Healthcare policy and administration 
• Clinical careers in medicine (with additional qualifications) 

Pathway to Professional and Medical School

Planning to pursue professional studies such as physiotherapy, medicine, or dentistry?  Both the BA and the BSc in Kinesiology and Health Science can be used as preparation for professional school.  Some of the benefits include: 

• Focus on clinical health science topics with social science perspectives for a well-rounded experience 
• Core curriculum includes common prerequisites such as statistics, anatomy, physiology, and social science courses 
• Hands-on lab opportunities for real-world learning 
• Courses taught by internationally recognized researchers, instructors, and clinical practitioners providing opportunity for academic references 
• Diverse research opportunities to enhance and differentiate professional school applications