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The Department of Kinesiology offers a direct-entry Honours B.Sc. (Kinesiology) degree through a program that is well-known for its quality and integrative approach to the study of kinesiology.

McMaster’s Honours Kinesiology program is committed to the discovery, communication and application of knowledge through the interdisciplinary study of human movement. We employ a cell-to-society approach to advance our understanding of the role of physical activity in promoting human health and well-being. We value creativity, innovation and excellence, and aspire to develop leaders who have a passion for lifelong learning and a commitment to their community.

Our limited enrolment program offers an exceptional learning environment encompassing classroom, laboratory and fieldwork placement experiences. Graduates are well prepared for a wide variety of opportunities, ranging from direct entry employment as kinesiologists to further training in graduate, medical, or professional schools.
Features that distinguish our program:
  • The Honours Bachelor of Science Kinesiology degree recognizes our strong, science-based curriculum
  • The quality of research being done by committed faculty members
  • Enrolment limit of 250 students allows for small lectures and even smaller labs
  • Flexibility of course selection for the completion of a minor in another area of interest
In third and fourth year, students will be able to choose from a list of over 30 Kinesiology courses! While some students tailor their course selection toward their intended career path, others choose courses from across many sub-disciplines.

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High 80s to low 90s

Anticipated Admission Average

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250

Target Enrolment

Co-op

The Science Career and Cooperative Education (SCCE) office has a variety of resources to help students research and explore co-operative, experiential education and career opportunities they can pursue during and following their degree. Our vision is to see every McMaster Science student reach their career potential and have a meaningful impact on the scientific community.

Cooperative Education is an integrated “hands-on” approach to higher education that enables highly motivated students to alternate academic terms with paid, relevant work experience. Current Faculty of Science Co-Op programs, all of which begin at Level III:

  • Actuarial and Financial Mathematics
  • Chemical Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Earth and Environmental Sciences
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Kinesiology (pending approval)
  • Life Sciences
  • Mathematics and Statistics (including sub-plans)
  • Medical and Biological Physics
  • Molecular Biology and Genetics
  • Physics
  • Sustainable Chemistry

Experiential Education (EE) provides opportunities for students to gain academically relevant experience in a community, research or professional setting. This combination of academic and real world learning helps students to further develop the necessary qualities and skills that will be transferrable to future career paths. EE courses could be either a Professional Placement in Kinesiology (KINESIOL 4EE3) or a Kinesiology Research Practicum (KINESIOL 3RP3).

Additional information regarding co-op and Experiential Education opportunities are available on the Science Career & Cooperative Education website.

Our undergraduate students are taught by outstanding faculty, have access to state-of-the-art teaching and research labs and benefit from our active hands-on approach to learning.
  • 5,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility
  • Labs equipped with data collection systems
  • Six custom-designed exercise physiology testing pods
  • Six custom biomechanics and motor control testing pods
  • Motion capture system with digital reconstruction of motion
  • Infrared detection vertical jump and ground reaction force assessment unit
  • Dedicated body composition analysis room
PACE: Physical Activity Centre of Excellence
The McMaster Physical Activity Centre of Excellence (PACE) is a state-of-the-art, exercise research and training centre affiliated with the University’s world-renowned Department of Kinesiology. Our scientists, students and staff are devoted to studying and improving health and well-being among older adults and people with chronic disease or disability. PACE activities focus on excellence and leadership in research, education, community engagement, and knowledge translation.
Explore some of these state-of-the-art labs and facilities here.

Your Classes

What you’ll take:

• Human Anatomy and Physiology I (KINESIOL 1AO3)

• Human Anatomy and Physiology II (KINESIOL 1AA3)

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Physical Activity (KINESIOL 1ED3)

• Human Nutrition and Health (KINESIOL 1FO3)

• Foundations in Kinesiology (KINESIOL 1KO3)

Electives: 15 units (five courses)”

Note: MATH 1A03 (Calculus for Science I) or MATH 1LS3 (Calculus for the Life Sciences I) must be completed by the end of Level II. 

In second year, the Kinesiology courses include: 

  • KINESIOL 2A03 – Biomechanics 
  • KINESIOL 2C03 – Neuromuscular Exercise Physiology 
  • KINESIOL 2CC3 – Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Exercise Physiology 
  • KINESIOL 2E03 – Musculoskeletal Anatomy 
  • KINESIOL 2F03 – Growth, Maturation and Physical Activity in Children and Youth 
  • KINESIOL 2G03 – Health Psychology 

In third and fourth year, students will be able to choose from a list of over 30 Kinesiology courses. While some students tailor their course selection toward their intended career path, others choose courses from across many sub-disciplines.

Students will also have the option of focusing in 5 areas of study:

    • Biomechanics
    • Exercise Rehabilitation
    • Exercise Psychology
    • Exercise Physiology
    • Motor Control & Learning
For a full list of courses that can be available in this program, please consult the academic calendar.

Admissions