Admissions
The first business day of October to March 31.
There are 68 students admitted into year 1 of the program each September.
Admission is determined based on a competitive ranking of GPAs from English 12 and Anatomy and Physiology 12.
The Bachelor of Kinesiology is a new program at VIU. Historic data on acceptance rates is not known at the moment, but the program is competitive.
Admission to the program depends on a combination of factors: how complete your application is, the date you completed the application and your grades in the prerequisite courses. If you qualify for admission, you may be contacted. Please remember to keep your contact information current on your student record (phone/e-mail/postal address).
Please check the Program and Course Calendar for more information.
You can apply according to the dates of application listed within the calendar. Your application will not be considered complete until you provide official interim or final grades for pre-requisite courses by the date specified in your letter from the Admissions office.
It is in your best interest to apply as soon as applications open. In some cases, your application date may be considered in the determination of the ranking of applicants.
Admission to the program is competitive and is partly based on a GPA (grade point average) calculation on the grades for the admission pre-requisite courses (Minimum "C+" in each English 12 and Anatomy and Physiology 12. Applicants must have one of Foundations of Math 11, Pre–Calculus 11, or equivalents. The grade of the math course is not included in the calculation of the admission GPA). If an applicant presents an eligible course at a higher level than the stated required course, there is a potential to have the grade used for the GPA calculation to be inflated. For example: Applicant has an A in English 12 from high school. The A will be used in the calculation of the admission average. If the student takes ENGL 115 and earns an A, the grade used for admission average would be the ENGL 115 A plus a half letter grade or an A+.
Applicant has a B in Anatomy and Physiology 12. The applicant earned a B+ in BIOL 156. The grade used for the admission average would be the B+ in BIOL 156 plus a half letter grade or an A-.
The Adult Basic Education (ABE) program at VIU can help you to meet (and exceed) program entrance requirements, or upgrade to meet course-specific requirements. To register for classes or connect with a student success advisor, please email ACP@viu.ca. For more information, check out the program page here.
Yes. If you are qualified to enter but did not get in, you may re-apply for the following year.
Generally yes you need to take the entire 4 year program. Based on previous experience, you may be able to either get advanced credit or be able to PLA (Prior Learning Assessment) some courses. For more information about this process, contact the VIU Advising Center and review the information on the VIU website about recognition of prior learning.
Yes, however access to the seats in KIN courses are reserved for students who have been admitted. Reserves are lifted prior to the start of the semester and any available seats will be given to students on the waitlist in the order that they have been added to the waitlist. You will need to make a second application to VIU, the Exploratory Studies (EXPO) or Bachelor of Arts category. You can then register to take the two required English courses, (ENGL 115 or 117 and one of ENGL 125/127/135), general electives (any university transferable course-see BC Transfer Guide and BIOL 156/157 or equivalent. Seats in Biol 156/157 at VIU may become vacant once the reserves for nursing students are removed at the beginning of the semester). Some of these courses are also available in an online format (e.g. through Thompson River University TRU-OL). Please see the Bachelor of Kinesiology Program Outline for full details.
Students interested in pursuing post-graduate degrees (such as occupational therapy, Physical therapy etc.) are also encouraged to take electives that will help satisfy the entrance requirements of those programs. Often a statistics course is needed, as are Physics, a social science (Psychology or Sociology) or even Indigenous studies. It is the responsibility of the applicant to determine the pre-requisites of post-degree programs and should note that they are updated often.
There are students entering the program who range in age from 18 to 45 years.
A limited number of early offers of acceptance will be sent out in late January. Early offers will be sent to anyone who meets the entrance requirements and has submitted a complete application package. All other applicants will be informed of admission decisions in late Spring (April/May). Some seats may be offered conditionally based on successful completion of your pre-requisites. You will receive a letter from Admissions/Registration letting you know the decision. If you have been accepted/conditionally accepted, you will be instructed to pay a tuition deposit (commitment fee) by a certain date to hold your seat.
No, the Bachelor of Arts is not a limited entry program, however the program is limited in the space available, so students are encouraged to discuss the BA Kinesiology Minor with a degree advisor.
The Bachelor of Arts is an open admission program. Apply to the general Bachelor of Arts program and meet with the Bachelor of Kinesiology degree advisor to discuss your educational goal. Students cannot receive a university degree with a single Minor. Students must enroll in a degree program (i.e., a Major) and can add Kinesiology as a Minor. Alternatively, a student can earn a Bachelor of Arts with a double Minor. You may receive coding for the minor and discuss accessing courses. There is no guarantee there will be seats available.
You apply to the Bachelor of Kinesiology program and during your first year discuss planning an exit credential of a Diploma in Physical Education with degree advisor.
Students who have completed courses at another institution can apply and have their transfer credit assessed. Once credit has been assigned to your online student record we recommend meeting with the degree advisor to lay out an educational plan to complete the degree.
Should I have a 'backup plan' for the possiblity that I do not get into the Bachelor of Kinesiology?
Admission to the BKIN is very competitive. It is recommended that applicants discuss their options with an Educational Advisor and likely make a second application to VIU's Exploratory Studies or Bachelor of Arts category. It is recommended you do not wait for the outcome of your BKIN application before applying to your backup program. While some programs may accept late applications after the BKIN admission offers are made, late applicants receive a late course registration date and may encounter larger waitlists for the courses that they want. Historically, Kinesiology courses have long waitlists for those who register late.
General Questions
Kinesiology is the study of the art and science of human movement. The art of human movement is explored through social and cultural issues related to sport, health and physical activity. Examples of courses that focus on the art of human movement include Global Sport (KIN 285), The Olympic Games Modern and Ancient (KIN 320), Social Perspectives of Sport In Film (KIN 325), Women In Physical Activity and Sport (KIN 380), and Health of the Human Spirit (KIN 451). The science of human movement is explored through the majority of courses in the Kinesiology program. Examples of courses that focus on the science of human movement include Human Anatomy (KIN 201), Human Physiology (KIN 220), Nutrition for Health and Sport (KIN 352), Biomechnics (KIN 400), and Injury Management in Physical Activity and Sport (KIN 401). It is also important to recognize that many courses focus on both the art and science of human movement. Most of our graduates go on to work in professions where they are working directly with people. Knowledge of the art of human movement is critical for connecting with people and supports the effective delivery of science in applied settings. In almost all courses there is an emphasis on how to work with people to become an effective professional. Some examples of courses that place a high value on both the art and science of human movement include our Activity Courses (100-level KIN courses), Active Health (KIN 230), Human Wellness (KIN 351), Active Health and Aging (KIN 365), Psycho-Social Aspects of Physical Activity (KIN 460), Applied Leadership in Physical Activity (KIN 461), Coaching Practicum in Sport (462), and Applied Field Placement Internships (KIN 473 and 474).
Kinesiology courses cover a variety of topics and areas of interest including: human anatomy, sport and exercise physiology, biomechanics, human growth and development, motor control and development, the psychology and sociology of physical activity, coaching and leadership theory and application, organization and administration of physical activity, examination of sport and physical activity in unique populations, fitness leadership and the promotion of health and wellness in communities, nutrition, and the analysis of a wide variety of sports and physical activities.
There are a number of opportunities to get out of the classroom and into some practical, applied settings. Whether it’s hands-on experiences in the lab, working in the community, participating in internships or researching topics of interest, there are a variety of practical and applied experiences embedded throughout the degree.
The Kinesiology program at VIU prides itself on its small class sizes that feature a variety of learning environments that emphasize experiential opportunities. Our unique learning environments allow faculty to build strong relationships with students and work with them as they pursue their academic goals.
The Kinesiology program at VIU provides some flexibility in its offerings. The program offers some online elective courses, intensive, condensed courses offered during summer-semester, a variety of outdoor courses that explore Vancouver Island, courses offered as a directed study and a vibrant Study Abroad program. Recognition of prior learning can also be assessed for potential course credit.
“Learn by Doing”, is a mantra of the Kinesiology program at VIU! Opportunities range from choosing your favorite sports or physical activities to do a deep analysis of their structure and pedagogy to participating in school and agency visits as part of your curriculum. There are also unique field trips and learning retreats where your leadership skills are directly applied. Coaching practicums, internships, outdoor adventure courses and study-abroad all provide opportunities to immerse yourself in the field. Learn more about opportunities in Kinesiology.
Certification opportunities exist within and outside the curriculum. For example, many of the activity and theory are linked to coaching certifications and personal training certifications, and our outdoor recreation courses have opportunities for specialized certification. Certifications allow students to develop an impressive Co-Curricular Record while studying in the Kinesiology program.
The Professors in the Kinesiology department are passionate about their areas of expertise and focused on student success. They are all involved in physical activity and sport in the community and are energized by the relationships they develop with students. While they all have different areas of expertise, they are all committed to excellence in teaching, learning and student success.
Students gain work-experience in a variety of environments and through a variety of courses. The Kinesiology program has numerous community partners and all faculty have relationships with relevant professionals in their local, national and international communities. VIU offers an institutional student work-opportunity program where some of our students work on campus offering support to other students as a peer-support learning facilitator or work within the Campus Recreation or Mariner Athletic programs. Off-campus opportunities also exist with Community agencies that are keen to support our students. Examples include PacificSport-Vancouver Island, School District #68, Vancouver Island Health Authority and many more.
Traditionally, students from the Kinesiology program have pursued careers in massage therapy, occupational and physical therapy, K-12 teaching, health research, public health, fitness and wellness management, Chiropractic and coaching. However, we have also had students pursue post-graduate degrees in business administration (MBA) with a focus on sport and athletics, Law, Medicine, nutrition, and integrative health (e.g., acupuncture, naturopathy). Kinesiology is an excellent stand-alone degree to get you working in an environment that you are passionate about, as well as a great degree to launch you into a post-degree program to pursue an exciting and rewarding profession.
Yes you can, but it generally requires that you apply to the BC Association of Kinesiologists (BCAK). The BCAK is a provincially registered not-for-profit organization, representing and advocating for Kinesiologists in BC. They provide insurance and continuing education for practicing Kinesiologists, and being a member of the BCAK is required to work with clients who are referred by WorkSafe BC or ICBC. As of January 2025, Applications to join the BCAK require completion of entrance requirements including specific courses and a competency exam after degree completion. All courses can be completed through VIU, but students need to plan carefully to ensure they can enroll in all courses. The requirements for BCAK include:
- Completion of a 4-year university degree including:
- A minimum of 30 (3-credit) courses in kinesiology, science, psychology and/or healthcare courses including the following 14 required subjects (VIU KIN courses are included. Starred courses (*) are required for the Bachelor of Kinesiology:
- Biomechanics of Human Movement and Tissues (KIN 400)
- Clinical Kinesiology Assessment (KIN 232* or KIN 492C)
- Clinical (Advanced) Exercise Prescription (KIN 492B)
- Human Systems Anatomy (Applied Human Anatomy) (KIN 201* or KIN 301)
- Human Exercise Physiology (KIN 302)
- Human Motor Control and Learning (Neuroscience) (KIN 202*)
- Human Systems Physiology (KIN 220*)
- Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice (KIN 391*)
- Human Growth and Development (KIN 280*)
- Human Nutrition and Metabolism (KIN 253* or KIN 352)
- Kinesiology Professional Practice & Jurisprudence (KIN 371)
- Prevention and Rehabilitation of Sports Injuries (KIN 401)
- Psychology and/or Sociology of Health & Human Movement (Behaviour Change/ Modification) (KIN 230 or one of KIN 262*, KIN 362 or KIN 460)
- Special Populations Health (KIN 351 or one of KIN 365, KIN 480)
- 16 additional courses from the following:
- KIN 103 and/or KIN 128 and/or KIN 138 = 1 Other course (i.e. 2 courses = 1)
- KIN 131 and KIN 132 (i.e. 2 courses = 1)
- KIN 203*, KIN 222, KIN 248, KIN 260, KIN 291*, KIN 373, KIN 380, KIN 451, KIN 461, KIN 473, KIN 474, KIN 490, KIN 491*, KIN 492A, PHIL 2311, PHIL 448, PSYC 205, PSYC 315, PSYC 326, PSYC 327,
- Foundational Science courses: BIOL 123, CHEM 140, PHYS 111, MATH 161, MATH 181, MATH 203
- 100 hours of work integrated learning
- KIN 473 or KIN 474 fulfill this requirement, but requires KIN 373 as a prerequisite
- Completion of the BCAK Entrance (Competency) Exam
- A variety of multiple choice and case study questions delivered in an online format
- A minimum grade of 60% is required
- A minimum of 30 (3-credit) courses in kinesiology, science, psychology and/or healthcare courses including the following 14 required subjects (VIU KIN courses are included. Starred courses (*) are required for the Bachelor of Kinesiology: