What is Kinesiology? [top of page]

Kinesiology is the study of the art and science of human movement, considering knowledge, theory, and practice related to physical activity and sport. Human movement is examined from various perspectives, ranging from cell structure to the place of exercise, physical activity, and sport in society. The field of human movement has a lengthy history in higher education and continues to be a popular area of research. While currently used terms such as physical education, and human kinetics, among others have been employed over the past 100 years, Kinesiology is emerging as the general label of choice for academic units who focus on human movement in a sport and physical activity context.

What is Studied in Kinesiology? [top of page]

Kinesiology is concerned with the nature, causes, and consequences of physical activity and sport from various perspectives. Areas of teaching and research include: exercise for improvement of health and physical fitness, activities of daily living, work, sport, physical education, physical recreation, dance, and play. These activities are designed for specific groups such as: children and youth; older adults; persons with a disability; those experiencing injury or disease; and athletes.

Universities commonly focus on at least four areas of scholarship: Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences, and Education. Kinesiology applies knowledge, research methods, and principles from all of these areas to physical activity and sport. Therefore, Kinesiology is not confined to knowledge from any single discipline or set of them, but uses a cross-disciplinary approach as the basis of investigation. Kinesiology, attempts to address questions related to: sport sciences; motor behavior; physical fitness; exercise, sport, and health psychology; and sports medicine, including athletic therapy.

What Careers Are Possible in Kinesiology? [top of page]

There are increasingly many diverse employment opportunities for graduates of Kinesiology. Kinesiologists evaluate physical activity related problems and recommend solutions in health, sports, industry, business, education, rehabilitation and social settings. Our graduates are currently teaching, studying in graduate school, working in administrative roles in sport, employed in the fitness or health area, or are in private practice.

What is Kinesiology and Applied Health, at the University of Winnipeg? [top of page]

At the University of Winnipeg, the name Kinesiology and Applied Health recognizes the strong pragmatic and lifestyle application of many of our courses. Our majors develop an understanding of research and practice in physical activity, fitness, exercise, and sport. Our courses focus on the what, why, and how of human physical activity in three main areas of concentration, namely: Kinesiology, Coaching, and Teaching.

What Areas of Study are offered in Kinesiology and Applied Heath?[top of page]

As part of a Bachelor of Arts degree, students may major in Kinesiology, and/or Coaching. The Coaching major meets knowledge requirements of the National Coaching Certification Program. It is also possible to combine the initial Arts degree with a Bachelor of Education degree to prepare students to teach physical education at the early, middle, or senior years levels, as well as provide them with an understanding of coaching in the schools.

Students may choose to concentrate on areas related to: Health and Fitness, Motor Behavior, Sport Science, and Sport and Exercise Psychology. The Department of Kinesiology and Applied Health also has an Athletic Therapy curriculum, which is fully accredited by the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association.

An interdisciplinary approach of combining Kinesiology courses with those in another academic departments, such as Developmental Studies, and Psychology offers students flexibility in designing their own compilation of courses towards a specialized interest.

What Courses are offered in Kinesiology and Applied Heath? [top of page]

The Department of Kinesiology and Applied health offers over 50 courses to provide the student with a diversity and balance of offerings including: Anatomy, Exercise Physiology, Physical Growth and Motor Development, Biomechanics, Sport Injuries, Issues in Health, Sport Psychology, Program Planning in Sport, Principles of Coaching, and various activity courses.

What is Possible after Graduation? [top of page]

Graduates of the Department of Kinesiology and Applied Health may be employed in the school system, with amateur or professional sport teams, in private business, with health and fitness related institutions and agencies, and in public community sport, fitness, and physical recreation programs, or child care settings. Additionally, upon completion of their degree, students may pursue graduate studies in Kinesiology or Physical Education at other universities.