Kinesiology team members working with a man in a rehabilitation facility
Table of Contents
Overview
Co-op & internships / Facilities
Classes
Admissions requirements

McMaster’s Honours Kinesiology program is committed to the discovery, communication and application of knowledge through the multi-disciplinary study of human movement, exercise and the relationships between physical activity and health. Our comprehensive curriculum engages students in experiential learning.
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.

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 220 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.

Co-op and internships are currently not offered for the Kinesiology program, however, there are a variety of experiential learning opportunities available.

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:

  • KINESIOL 1A03 – Human Anatomy and Physiology I 
  • KINESIOL 1AA3 – Human Anatomy and Physiology II 
  • KINESIOL 1E03 – Motor Control and Learning 
  • KINESIOL 1F03 – Human Nutrition and Health 
  • KINESIOL 1K03 – Foundations in Kinesiology 
  • 15 units of electives  

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