What can I do with a major in Kinesiology
The Department of Kinesiology offers courses in the theoretical perspectives of the study of human movement and the practical application of physical activity involvement. The Kinesiology programs provide students with the opportunity to study physical activity as a cultural form and human performance at all levels of involvement across the human lifespan. As part of these programs, courses are offered in wellness and physical activity, biomechanics, functional human anatomy, culture and physical activity, philosophy of physical activity, research methodologies of physical activity, and sport/exercise psychology.
Students completing the Bachelor of Arts program explore sport and physical activity involvement from a socio-cultural, wellness and participatory perspective, while students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science program study these concepts from a human performance perspective.
Students interested in Kinesiology can complete:
- Bachelor of Arts (Kinesiology)
- Bachelor of Arts and Science (Kinesiology)
- Bachelor of Science (Kinesiology)
- Bachelor of Arts (Kinesiology)/Bachelor of Education (BEd)
- Bachelor of Science (Kinesiology)/Bachelor of Education (BEd)
- Bachelor of Arts (Kinesiology)/Bachelor of Management (BMgt)
- Bachelor of Science (Kinesiology)/Bachelor of Management (BMgt)
The combined degrees leverage synergies with other Bachelor programs and open up additional career opportunities.
Skills
- Attention to Detail
- Communication
- Compare & Contrast Ideas & Information
- Conceptualize &Implement Projects
- Critical & Analytical Problem Solving
- Develop Research Designs & Model
- Knowledge of Health &Wellness Issues
- Laboratory Experience
- Leadership
- Listen Critically
- Make Projections
- Mediate/Negotiate Conflicts
- Meet Deadlines
- Organizational
- Persuade & Influence
- Present Ideas & Data Clearly
- Proficiency in Using Research Methods
- Programming & Systems Analysis
- Provide Relevant Perspectives
- Public Speaking
- Research
- Research & Information Management
- Summarize Research Findings
- Synthesize Complex Information
- Time Management
Work Environment
Graduates of the Kinesiology program find employment in a wide variety of organizations and industries, including employment as or with amateur and professional athletic teams, athletic equipment companies, biotechnology firms, consulting firms, fitness/wellness facilities, health authorities, sport and research labs, hospitals and care facilities, medical centres, governmental organizations, non-profit and non-governmental organizations, pharmaceutical companies, physiotherapy and occupational therapy clinics and utilities corporations. The Kinesiology program also provides an excellent foundation for further studies in medicine, chiropractic, physiotherapy, sports psychology, business management and education. Graduates may also choose to follow their passion for a particular sport, and work in a field directly related to it. In this case, search for the associations of the particular sport, and their job boards and links, for further career possibilities and career information.
Key Areas of Specialization:
- Sociocultural Studies
- Exercise Physiology
- Balance & Motor Control
- Emotion & Sports Performance
- Biomechanics
- Anatomy
- Sports Psychology
- Ergonomics
- Recreation & Leisure
Career Possibilities
These jobs are normally intended for new graduates and require 0 to 2 years of experience. It is important to note that many entry level positions require some related experience or demonstrated ability to perform job-related tasks. Even those positions that do not require experience will still prefer an experienced candidate if one is available.
- Climbing Wall Coordinator
- Customer Service Assistant (University Kinesiology Program)
- Customer Service Team Lead (Recreation & Athletics Program)
- Early Years Programmer
- Entry Level Healthcare Coordinator
- Exercise Specialist
- Fitness Attendant
- Fitness Centre Shift Leader
- Fitness Consultant
- Fitness Instructor –Youth Adapted
- Front Office Clerk (University Kinesiology Program)
- Group Fitness Instructor
- Ice & Facility Monitor
- Junior Tech Shop Technician
- Personal Care Aide
- Personal Trainer
- Personal Training Intern
- Pharmacy Assistant
- Physiotherapy Assistant
- Physiotherapy Receptionist (Sports Medicine)
- Physiotherapy Support Personnel
- Recreation Programmer
- Sports Instructor
- Wellness & Vitality Assistant
These jobs generally require extensive, relevant work experience and/or further education.
- Activities Director
- Acupuncturist
- Anatomist
- Athletic Therapist
- Athletic Trainer
- Athletics Administrator
- Audiologist
- Biologist
- Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Specialist
- Chiropractor
- Coach
- Disability Manager
- Epidemiology (Public Health)
- Ergonomist
- Exercise Physiologist
- Exercise Therapist/ Specialist
- Firefighter
- Fitness Appraiser/Trainer
- Fitness Program Director
- Gerontological Specialist
- Health & Safety Coordinator
- Health & Wellness Promotion Coordinator
- Health Club Manager
- Health Policy Planner
- Holistic Health Practitioner
- Hospital Administrator
- Injury Prevention & Rehabilitation Technician
- Kinesiologist
- Massage Therapist
- Nutrition Specialist
- Occupational Health & Safety Advisor
- Occupational Therapist
- Orthopedic Assistant
- Osteopath
- Outdoor Adventure Educator/Activity Guide
- Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Physician
- Physiologist
- Physiotherapist
- Recreation Facilities Operator
- Recreation Fitness Planner/Coordinator
- Recreation Instructor/Director
- Recreation Therapist
- Recruiter/Scout
- Rehabilitation Claims Manager
- Research Lab Technician
- Research Scientist
- Return to Work Coordinator
- Sport Nutritionist
- Sports & Fitness Program Supervisor/Consultant
- Sports Administrator/ Manager
- Sports Agent
- Sports Analyst
- Sports Association Director
- Sports Equipment Designer
- Sports Historian
- Sports League Coordinator
- Sports Marketing Professional
- Sports Merchandise Designer
- Sports Psychologist
- Sportscaster
- Strength & Conditioning Specialist
- Teacher
- Technical Writer
- Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
- Vocational Consultants
- Wellness Program Planner
- Worksite Wellness Coordinator
On average, people change their careers three to five times in their lifetime. So, no matter what major you choose, you may still be interested in opportunities totally unrelated to your program of study. We encourage you to be open to all possibilities! Your undergraduate degree can be a springboard for other educational pursuits, and your transferable skills and experience can prepare you to work in a multitude of settings.
- Art Therapist
- Author (Fitness Oriented Books)
- Bioethics Consultant
- Biomedical Technologist
- Broadcaster
- Corrections Officer
- Counsellor (Addictions, Disability, & Public Health)
- Dentist
- Environmental Management Specialist
- Human Ecologist
- Human Resources Consultant
- Immigrations Services Agent
- Insurance Agent
- International Development Coordinator
- Journalist
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Lawyer
- Marketing Specialist (Fitness or Health Products)
- Medical Illustrator
- Midwife
- Naturopath
- Neuroscientist
- Nurse
- Patient Advocacy
- Public Policy & Service Administrator
- Resort/Spa Coordinator
- Salesperson
- Speech & Language Therapist
- Travel Guide
- Veterinarian
Useful Resources
- Alberta Kinesiology Association Home | AKA (albertakinesiology.ca)
- Canadian Council of University Physical Education and Kinesiology Administrators http://www.ccupeka.org/
- Sports Medicine Council of Alberta http://www.sportmedab.ca/
- Alberta Athletic Therapists Association http://www.aata.ca/
- Alberta Recreation Facility Personnel http://www.aarfp.com/
- Canadian Physiotherapy Association http://www.physiotherapy.ca/
- Canadian Kinesiology Alliance http://www.cka.ca/
- Association of Canadian Ergonomists http://www.ace-ergocanada.ca/
- Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology http://www.csep.ca/
- Physical and Health Education Canada https://phecanada.ca/
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety http://www.ccohs.ca/
- American College of Sports Medicine http://www.acsm.org/
- The Kinesiology Network http://www.kinesiology.net/
- International Association of Specialized Kinesiologists https://iask.org/
Add Value to Your Degree
The more you do to differentiate yourself, the more likely you are to succeed in building a fulfilling career path for yourself. It takes more than just attending classes to stand out amongst other students and new graduates. Become an explorer! Try new things, challenge yourself, build unique skills, and connect with diverse people.
Use the ideas listed below to help you brainstorm experiences to add value to your degree. For more ideas on experiential opportunities at the University of Lethbridge, view the Student Experience Transcript.
Making connections with others is one of the best ways to learn about the world of work and gain access to career-building opportunities. Making meaningful connections with people is often called building a network. Building these connections can give you access to jobs before they are posted, or to jobs that are not publicly posted. Employers like to hire people they have already built relationships with, and are more likely to hire people who have been recommended by trusted colleagues and friends.
Start building your network by attending Career Fairs and other on-campus recruitment events found on the Career Services Events page within the Career Bridge portal. Get introduced to career professionals in a welcoming and approachable way through uLethbridge Connect at Ten Thousand Coffees. Consider joining a professional association to help you find opportunities to meet experienced professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.
d professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.
Co-operative Education allows you to earn income through real-world work experience that is related to your academic studies. Completing a co-op work term provides you with an opportunity to build your skills in a practical work setting, network with employers, and increase your marketability after graduation.
Co-operative education is available to undergraduate and graduate-level students within a variety of programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Dhillon School of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Health Sciences. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how co-op works here.
The Applied Studies program offers you the opportunity to earn academic credit for learning gained through employment or volunteer experiences. Placements provide skill development and experiential learning related to your studies by integrating principles learned in the classroom with practical situations encountered on the job.
Participating in clubs and running for student government are great ways to build employability skills, learn how to work with others, and demonstrate your leadership abilities.
The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union is committed to building a rewarding and enriching experience for undergraduate students. They have positions for Executive Council members and General Assembly members, as well as an extensive list of ratified clubs, offering opportunities to get involved in areas of interest and in leadership positions.
The Graduate Students’ Association’s mandate is to identify and advocate for graduate student needs. They have GSA Executive positions, GSA Council positions, and a mentorship program for incoming students.
The University of Lethbridge provides many different opportunities to gain research experience in addition to the required courses in your degree program.
An independent study is a chance for you to design your own research project for course credit under the supervision of a professor of your choice. Course work usually requires independent library research and/or field work and/or a major term paper. For more information, meet with an Academic Advisor and the Department or Faculty member under whom you wish to pursue an Independent Study.
You can also opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis Course. This will allow you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree and is a great springboard into graduate studies and professional programs. Fourth-year standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 is required to complete an Honours Thesis; it is also helpful to have previous research experience like Independent Studies. For more information, contact the Department or Faculty member under whom you with to pursue your Honours Thesis.
The Office of Research and Innovation Services has a wealth of information on additional research opportunities for students, including Student Funding, Student Research Positions, AGILITY, and events. The School of Graduate Studies has information on Research Opportunities/Graduate Student Positions and GA/Co-op/Internship Opportunities. If you are interested in building your research portfolio, do not miss out on these opportunities!
International experience builds valuable employability skills like adaptability, multi-cultural awareness, and the initiative to take on new challenges. Gain an international perspective by participating in Education Abroad opportunities like semester exchanges, study tours, field studies, work-study tours, internships, and more. Learn about international careers and resources through MyWorldAbroad (available within the Career Bridge portal).
Volunteerism is an excellent way to demonstrate your current skills, build new skills, and grow your network. If you are not sure where to get started, connect with UVolunteer, the University of Lethbridge’s partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge. If you already volunteer, UVolunteer can provide you with a framework to organize and document your volunteer work. If you are not sure how or where to get involved, UVolunteer can help you find volunteer opportunities that meet your needs and the needs of your community. Also consider volunteering with a local Board, Commission, or Committee.