Program Length
- 4 Years
Credential
- Bachelor Degree
Location Offered
- Nanaimo
For a career in the science of human movement
Are you interested in health and fitness and how the body works? In the VIU Kinesiology program you use state of the art equipment to explore the art and science of human movement. And you gain the skills to build a career in rehabilitation sciences making a big impact on people's health and well-being.
In this program you spend a lot of time being active with your peers, learning outside the classroom. You are part of a community built on the bond of sport and activity. And you study how physical activity and exercise help to improve physical and mental health and wellness.
Why study Kinesiology at VIU?
You study with highly funded and award-winning teachers and researchers. Our small class size means you learn directly from highly qualified academics. So you gain more in-depth knowledge and a stronger foundation for your career. VIU is one of the top kinesiology programs in BC if you want to get into a competitive graduate program like physical therapy and medicine. Our grads have high success rates with grad school applications.
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You get unique opportunities to be involved with community organizations through VIU. The Kinesiology program regularly gets job and volunteer opportunities from community partners.
As a Kinesiology student you might get a chance to work for organizations including Pacific Sport, The City of Nanaimo, Canucks Autism Network, Kw'umut Lelum, the Nanaimo Brain Injury Society and many more.
Hands-on learning
Internship
Take part in up to two 120-hour work integrated learning opportunities
Undergraduate research
Gain advanced research skills. Includes some funded opportunities.
Community-based learning
Take part in community projects and program delivery
What jobs can I get with a Bachelor of Kinesiology?
A degree in kinesiology prepares you for a career in education, rehabilitation sciences, coaching, sports management and more.
- athletic therapist
- athletic trainer - therapy
- certified athletic therapist (cat)
- Registered kinesiologist
- exercise physiologist
- exercise therapist
- fitness trainer
- movement analyst – medical
- physiotherapy assistant
- recreational therapist
- rehabilitation specialist
- teacher education
- therapeutic recreationist
Several of these careers require additional schooling. VIU's Kinesiology program provides you with a solid foundation for further education.
About the Bachelor of Kinesiology
In this program you explore the nature of human movement and learn essential skills to improve quality of life through activity and exercise.
You gain a broad foundation in many aspects of kinesiology. Your studies take place in many different learning environments including lectures, labs, activity classes and online learning. You also take part in applied research and scholarship.
You will explore the barriers that prevent people from being physically active. You learn to identify these barriers and develop and implement programs, or provide advice, on how to overcome them.
You study topics including:
- biomechanics
- anatomy
- physiology
- motor learning
- sport psychology
- social determinants of health
You also develop skills in interpersonal communication, teamwork and collaboration.
Graduate with many career options
With a Bachelor of Kinesiology, you can join several professional organizations that allow you to work in health and exercise fields.
The British Columbia Association of Kinesiologists (BCAK) allows you work as kinesiologists in your own practice, or as part of a health care team.
The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) has two professional designations: the Certified Personal Trainer (CSEP-CPT), and the Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CSEP-CEP). With the CSEP-CPT you can work as a personal trainer anywhere in Canada. With the CSEP-CEP) you can work with complex clinical populations in rehabilitation or health care settings.
Courses and Concentrations
| Years 1 and 2 | Credits |
|---|---|
| KIN 201* - (Human Anatomy) | 4 |
| KIN 202 - (Introduction to Motor Learning and Control) | 3 |
| KIN 203** - (Instructional Strategies for Sport and Physical Education) | 3 |
| KIN 220* - (Human Physiology) | 4 |
| KIN 232 - (Exercise Prescription) | 3 |
| KIN 253 - (Introduction to Nutrition) | 3 |
| KIN 262 - (Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology) | 3 |
| KIN 280 - (Physical Growth and Motor Development) | 3 |
| KIN 291 - (Introduction to Kinesiology) | 3 |
| Five two-credit Kinesiology Activity courses*** | 10 |
| Degree English Requirement | 6 |
| Elective credits**** | 15 |
| Total Credits | 60 |
* These courses fulfill the Lab/Science requirements for the Education program.
** KIN 203 must be taken in the first year of the program.
*** Kinesiology Activity courses are numbered in the 100 level. Two credits each from KIN 222, KIN 270 and KIN 285 may count as activity courses.
**** Elective credits can be from any level (100-400) and from any program area.
| Years 3 and 4 | Credits |
|---|---|
| KIN 391 - (Research Methods in Kinesiology) | 3 |
| KIN 491 - (Scholarship in Kinesiology) | 3 |
| Twenty-four upper-level KIN electives | 24 |
| Elective credits** | 18 |
| Upper-level elective credits*** | 12 |
| Total Credits | 60 |
**Elective credits can be from any level (100-400) and from any program area.
*** Upper-level elective credits are any courses numbered 300 or 400.
Admission Information
- General admission requirements apply.
- A minimum grade of "C+" in English 12, or equivalent.
- A minimum grade of "C+" in Anatomy and Physiology 12, or equivalent.
- Foundations of Mathematics 11 or Pre-calculus 11, or equivalent.
Notes on Admission
- Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
- The program has five reserve seats for Indigenous students. Indigenous students can apply for reserve seats by submitting the Access Initiative for Indigenous Students form.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for One Year* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $169.73 per credit) | 5,091.90 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.37 per month) | 162.96 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.49 per month) | 179.92 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $28.87 per month) | 230.96 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year | 1,500.00 |
| Total | 7,450.74 |
KIN 118, KIN 142, KIN 222, KIN 270, KIN 280, KIN 370, KIN 401, KIN 461, and KIN 491 have an additional lab fee.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for One Year* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $815.77 per credit) | 24,473.10 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.37 per month) | 162.96 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.49 per month) | 179.92 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $28.87 per month) | 230.96 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year | 1,500.00 |
| Total | 26,831.94 |
KIN 118, KIN 142, KIN 222, KIN 270, KIN 280, KIN 370, KIN 401, KIN 461, and KIN 491 have an additional lab fee.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
September 8, 2026- The Bachelor of Kinesiology program has one intake each Fall.
Application Fee:
$46.06
Accepting Late Applications:
No
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
Name: Alana Gaetz Phone: 250.740.6400 Email: alana.gaetz@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Louis Mattar Email: louis.mattar@viu.ca
Area Contact:
Name: Cherie Anderson Email: cherie.anderson@viu.ca
Co Chair Contact:
Name: Guy Le Masurier, KIN Advisor Phone: 250.740.6252 Email: guy.lemasurier@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
An official interim or final grade in Math 11, English 12, and Biology 12 is required by April 15, 2025 in order for an application to be considered.
Comments:
The early admission document deadline is January 17, 2025. Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
|
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International
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
$153.00
Accepting Late Applications:
No
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
Name: Alana Gaetz Email: Study@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Louis Mattar Email: Louis.Mattar@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
The Bachelor of Kiensiology program has one program start date each Fall.
Comments:
Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program the applications will be closed once the enrollment capacity is reached. For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to WorldVIU@viu.ca. |
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Beyond the Kinesiology degree
A bachelor of kinesiology prepares you post-degree education and training in many rehabilitation therapy professions like occupational therapy, physical therapy, chiropractic and medicine.
Visit the department site
For more information about the Kinesiology program, including faculty bios, visit the department site.