Human Kinetics Degree Options

Bachelor of Arts in Human Kinetics (Four Years)

The study of human movement from an arts (humanities/social sciences) perspective prepares students for a variety of options: employment/careers in health and fitness, sports-related media, or coaching; and further studies in education, sport sociology, sport history, sport philosophy or sport psychology. Students may choose a major in kinesiology, a major in pre-education, or an advanced major during their second year of study. Please note that enrollment is limited.  

High School Requirements:  

• Grade 12 English  
• One Grade 12 science course (e.g., Math, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics)  
  • Preferably Physics  
• Three other university preparatory courses  

Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics (Four Years)

The scientific study of human movement prepares students for a variety of options: employment/careers in the health and fitness sector; studies at the graduate level in biomechanics, motor control, or exercise physiology; and admission to programs such as education, physiotherapy, athletic/exercise therapy, or medicine. Students may choose a major in kinesiology and a minor in human nutrition or health sciences, a major in pre-education, or an advanced major during their second year of study. Please note that enrollment is limited.  

High School Requirements:  

• Grade 12 English  
• Two Grade 12 science courses (e.g., Math, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics)  
  • Preferably Physics  
• Two other university preparatory courses  

For more information about Admission Requirements see the St. Francis Xavier University Academic Calendar.  

Pre-med Stream (Health Science Minor)

Numerous Human Kinetics graduates have successfully gained acceptance into Medical School after completing our Major in Kinesiology with a Minor in Health Science Degree. This program was thoughtfully designed to prepare students for future degrees in fields such as Medicine, Dentistry, and Optometry. In addition to our core Human Kinetics courses such as Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics, students are exposed to challenging science offerings including Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Genetics, Physics, and Microbiology and social science courses like Psychology and Sociology.  

Two Degrees in Five Years (HKIN + Nutrition or Engineering)

After completing our innovative Major in Kinesiology with a Minor in Human Nutrition degree, students may return for a 5th year and earn a second full degree in Human Nutrition. This combination of expertise in nutrition and physical activity sets our students apart. Students may also choose the combination of an HKIN Degree with a Diploma in Engineering, which will give them enhanced opportunities in the fields of Sports Engineering and Biomedical Engineering.

5-Year Concurrent HKIN Degree with a Bachelor of Education

The HKIN Department in partnership with the Faculty of Education now offers a 5 five-year concurrent Bachelor of Arts (BA HKIN) or Bachelor of Science (BSc HKIN) with a BEd in secondary and elementary education. Upon completion of all requirements for both Degrees, students would receive a BSc or BA degree (in Human Kinetics) and a BEd degree in Elementary or Secondary Education.

Students apply to pursue this concurrent Degree in the spring of their first year and will be conditionally admitted to the program upon successful completion of Year 1. Students will take specific courses in Years 2 and 3 in Human Kinetics. There will be an information session outlining the details of this program each March.

Why Pursue These Concurrently?

The ability to complete these two degrees in five years is an attractive educational opportunity—and one that would be especially appealing to those who already know their career aspirations at high school graduation and/or identify this passion within the first year of Human Kinetics study.

There is also cost savings (tuition, rentals, etc). Current BEd students will also reach out and engage with students in this pathway through their PHE Canada Student Chapter.

Minor in Sport Management

A Minor in Sport Management  is an exciting option for students in either Business Administration or Human Kinetics (Arts). Launched in 2018 as a unique partnership between the BBA and HKIN programs, students in either program can complete 24 credits in foundational courses including sports ethics, sports marketing, sport history, and more. The field of sport management is broad, covering management in the context of professional, amateur, and intercollegiate sports as well as community recreation, and is experiencing rapid growth worldwide. This Minor prepares both BBA and HKIN students interested in pursuing an advanced degree in the field of sport management and for careers working with sports organizations (recreational and elite) and communities. Students earn the Minor concurrently with their chosen Major in either the Business Administration or Human Kinetics programs. The Minor begins with a first-year Introduction to Sport Management course and, progressing within a cohort, students who meet the eligibility requirements build upon this foundational material each year in courses that draw upon the concepts and skills brought to the Minor by both partnering programs. 

Watch this VIDEO for more information about a Minor in Sport Management.