Program Highlights
Study health and exercise sciences to become a community leader in sport, recreation, fitness and wellness.
Tuition and Fees
2020-21: $4,730.30
- Fees listed are for first year (two semesters) for a typical, full-time student taking 5 courses per semester (2 lecture-based courses and 3 courses with lab components). Depending on the courses selected fees may vary.
- Fees include all mandatory fees: Activity fee, Health & Dental, Student Association fee, Education Technology fee, Development fee.
- All amounts are approximate and are subject to change.
- International students will pay International tuition fees
Program Details
Kinesiology is an academic discipline which involves the study of physical activity and its impact on health, society, and quality of life. It includes areas of study such as exercise science, athletic training, socio-cultural analyses of sports and society, sport and exercise psychology, fitness leadership, physical education-teacher education, and pre-professional training for physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine and other health related fields.
The Kinesiology Diploma program helps students build skills that they can apply to a variety of career options in fitness, recreation, sport, education and health. Course credits transfer towards Bachelor degree programs in British Columbia and elsewhere.
Students develop skills for general employability and academic success including information literacy, written and oral communication, numeracy and computer skills, critical and creative thinking, leadership and interpersonal skills, and professional skills.
Students may become eligible to apply for industry credentials during or after program completion. External agencies may require students to complete additional written examinations and/or practical competency evaluations and pay additional fees. The department website includes links to relevant agencies.
All students register for courses individually. The first semester includes five common courses. Students then follow the program outlined for one of the diploma options below:
- Kinesiology Diploma - Fitness Option
- Kinesiology Diploma - Health Science Option
- Kinesiology Diploma - Recreation Option
- Kinesiology Diploma - Education Option
- Kinesiology Diploma - General Studies Option
Students are responsible for confirming that all graduation requirements and residency requirements are met before graduation.
A Kinesiology Co-op option may be available between Year 1 and Year 2 (May - August) for eligible students. Please consult with an education advisor, cooperative education and/or the department chair to address any questions.
Transfer Options
Transfer credit is available for many post-secondary institutions in British Columbia and elsewhere. Most HKIN courses can be used as elective credit, or as the lower-level requirements leading to minor or major concentrations in a Bachelor's degree program. For more information, please consult specific graduation requirements at the receiving institution and www.bctransferguide.ca.
The Kinesiology Diploma - Health Science Option is designed as a pathway to a Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology, Human Kinetics or related field and subsequent application to a Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Sciences or other allied health profession. Select elective credits that will satisfy degree graduation and/or admission requirements.
The Kinesiology Diploma - Education Option is designed as a pathway to a Bachelor's Degree in a related field and subsequent application to a Bachelor's Degree in Education. Select elective credits that will satisfy some of the requirements for teacher preparation.
Kinesiology Pathway to the BBA. Students can combine their interest in health, sport, recreation and fitness with business studies to prepare to work for government, non- profit and for-profit enterprise. Become a local leader working to improve the health and sustainability of our Okanagan community.
Multiple career options are listed in high demand. Diploma graduates have become recreation coordinators and certified personal trainers. Approximately, 80 per cent of students continue their studies after graduation and have completed a bachelor’s degree with transfer credit, or go on to graduate studies. Degree graduates have become: school teachers, sport coaches, kinesiologists, athletic therapists, exercise therapists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
Specific forms are required of students looking to study Human Kinetics / Kinesiology to complete the admissions process:
Send completed forms to the Penticton Admissions office at pentictonadmissions@okanagan.bc.ca citing your student number (300#) in the subject line.
Admission Requirements
Regular Applicants: Regular applicants have graduated from a secondary school or equivalent, or are currently enrolled in Grade 12.
- B.C. secondary school graduation, or equivalent.
- English 12 with minimum 60% or alternatives.
- Chemistry 11 or an equivalent Advanced Level ABE Chemistry.
- One of Biology 11, Life Sciences 11, Biology 12, Anatomy and Physiology 12, BIOL 122 or BIOL 124 or equivalent Advanced or Provincial Level ABE courses are acceptable (Anatomy and Physiology 12, Biology 12 or BIOL 122 is strongly recommended).
Math requirement:
- A minimum of 50% in any of:
- Pre-calculus Grade 11
- Foundations of Mathematics Grade 11
- Principles of Mathematics 11
- Adult Basic Education MATH 011
- Adult Basic Education MATH 085 and MATH 080
- Adult Basic Education IALG 011
Mature Applicants: Applicants who do not have secondary school graduation may apply as a mature student provided that they are at least 19 years of age and have not attended secondary school on a full-time basis for a minimum period of one year. Mature applicants will be subject to the same course entrance requirements that apply to regular applicants. The above courses may be taken through Okanagan College's Adult Basic Education program, the Ministry of Education Correspondence Branch, or a secondary school studies program.
Additional Admission Requirements
- All applicants must submit an Okanagan College Human Kinetics Verification of Experience Form documenting a minimum of one season of competitive sport participation or 50 hours of participation in regular physical activity, within the last 5 years.
- All applicants must submit an Okanagan College Human Kinetics Medical Clearance Form, documenting medical clearance for participation in unrestricted physical activity or for participation in progressive physical activity with specific limitations or exclusions.
Applicants are advised that students in this program engage in vigorous physical activity as part of their laboratory practice and applied methods courses. Students will act both as physical activity leaders and participants. Students are expected to develop and maintain a good level of physical fitness throughout the program.
Students may be required to travel to off-campus fitness and recreation facilities in the local area, and will require appropriate transportation.
Students with credit for both BIOL 131 and BIOL 133 or equivalent can contact the program chair.
Several computer-based assignments are included throughout the program. It is recommended that students have basic computer skills before entering the program. Students who do not have personal computers will have access to computers in the college computer laboratories and the library.
Co-operative Education: To become eligible for the co-operative education work term, students must complete all of the first year courses for one of the fitness, health science, recreation or education options with an overall GPA of 70%. The co-op work experience is not available for students completing the general studies option.
Program Outline
Fitness Option
The program outlined is for students interested in completing a 2-year diploma to become a fitness program leader (e.g. certified personal trainer) to help develop and maintain the health of our community via participation in physical activity.
Year One - Fall Semester
HKIN 101 Health, Fitness and Lifestyle
HKIN 110 Human Anatomy I for Kinesiology
BIOL 190 Human Physiology I for Kinesiology
HKIN 150 Sport and Exercise Psychology
ENGL 100 University Writing
Year One - Winter Semester
HKIN 103 Exercise Prescription for Health
BIOL 191 Human Anatomy and Physiology II for Kinesiology
HKIN 230 Motor Learning and Control
HKIN 111 Health and Human Nutrition
3 credits of electives (BUAD, HKIN, Arts or Sciences)
Year Two - Fall Semester
HKIN 200 Exercise Physiology
HKIN 203 Science of Strength and Conditioning
HKIN 250 Introduction to Health Behaviour Change
HKIN 215 Professionalism in Fitness and Recreation
3 credits of electives (BUAD, HKIN, Arts or Sciences)
Year Two - Winter Semester
HKIN 121 Biomechanics
HKIN 261 Health, Policy and Canadian Society
HKIN 273 Fitness Testing and Exercise Prescription
HKIN 241 Introduction to Athletic Injuries
Recommended electives options:
HKIN 121 Biomechanics
HKIN 205 Community Program Planning
BUAD 123 Management Principles
BUAD 116 Marketing
BUAD 111 Financial Accounting I
Health Science Option
The program outlined can be used to transfer up to 60 credits towards a Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology, Human Kinetics or related field. This option is for students interested in becoming a health professional such as a kinesiologist, clinical exercise physiologist, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist.
Year One - Fall Semester
HKIN 101 Health, Fitness and Lifestyle
HKIN 110 Human Anatomy I for Kinesiology
BIOL 190 Human Physiology I for Kinesiology
HKIN 150 Sport and Exercise Psychology
ENGL 100 University Writing
Year One - Winter Semester
HKIN 103 Exercise Prescription for Health
BIOL 191 Human Anatomy and Physiology II for Kinesiology
HKIN 230 Motor Learning and Control
HKIN 111 Health and Human Nutrition
3 credits of electives (BUAD, HKIN, Arts or Sciences)
Year Two - Fall Semester
HKIN 200 Exercise Physiology
HKIN 203 Science of Strength and Conditioning
HKIN 206 Research Methods in Kinesiology
Year Two - Winter Semester
HKIN 284 Growth and Motor Development
HKIN 261 Health, Policy and Canadian Society
HKIN 273 Fitness Testing and Exercise Prescription
HKIN 121 Biomechanics
3 credits of electives (BUAD, HKIN, Arts or Sciences)
Recommended electives options:
HKIN 241 Introduction to Athletic Injuries
HKIN 205 Community Program Planning
STAT 121 Elementary Statistics
Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology or Indigenous Studies
Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics
Recreation Option
The program outlined is for students interested in completing a 2-year diploma to become a recreation program leader to help develop and maintain physical literacy and lifespan wellbeing for everyone in our community.
Year One - Fall Semester
HKIN 101 Health, Fitness and Lifestyle
HKIN 110 Human Anatomy I for Kinesiology
BIOL 190 Human Physiology I for Kinesiology
HKIN 150 Sport and Exercise Psychology
ENGL 100 University Writing
Year One - Winter Semester
HKIN 103 Exercise Prescription for Health
BIOL 191 Human Anatomy and Physiology II for Kinesiology
HKIN 230 Motor Learning and Control
HKIN 111 Health and Human Nutrition
HKIN 105 Physical Literacy for Life
Year Two - Fall Semester
HKIN 200 Exercise Physiology
HKIN 203 Science of Strength and Conditioning
HKIN 161 Physical Activity in Canadian Society
HKIN 215 Professionalism in Fitness and Recreation
3 credits of electives (BUAD, HKIN, Arts or Sciences)
Year Two - Winter Semester
HKIN 284 Growth and Motor Development
HKIN 261 Health, Policy and Canadian Society
HKIN 205 Community Program Planning
6 credits of electives (BUAD, HKIN, Arts or Sciences)
Recommended electives options:
HKIN 121 Biomechanics
BUAD 123 Management Principles
BUAD 116 Marketing
BUAD 111 Financial Accounting I
Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology or Indigenous Studies
Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics
Education Option
The program outlined can be used to transfer up to 60 credits towards a Bachelor's Degree in a related field. This option is for students interested in becoming an education professional such as a teacher.
Year One - Fall Semester
HKIN 101 Health, Fitness and Lifestyle
HKIN 110 Human Anatomy I for Kinesiology
BIOL 190 Human Physiology I for Kinesiology
HKIN 150 Sport and Exercise Psychology
ENGL 100 University Writing
Year One - Winter Semester
HKIN 103 Exercise Prescription for Health
BIOL 191 Human Anatomy and Physiology II for Kinesiology
HKIN 230 Motor Learning and Control
HKIN 111 Health and Human Nutrition
HKIN 105 Physical Literacy for Life
Year Two - Fall Semester
HKIN 200 Exercise Physiology
HKIN 203 Science of Strength and Conditioning
HKIN 161 Physical Activity in Canadian Society
HKIN 206 Research Methods in Kinesiology
3 credits of electives (BUAD, HKIN, Arts or Science)
Year Two - Winter Semester
HKIN 284 Growth and Motor Development
HKIN 261 Health, Policy and Canadian Society
HKIN 205 Community Program Planning
HKIN 121 Biomechanics
3 credits of electives (BUAD, HKIN, Arts or Science)
Recommended elective options for further studies in education such as: English Literature; Canadian Studies, Laboratory Science; Mathematics K-12 B.C. Teachable Subject Areas
Note 1: Only one of HKIN 203 Science of Strength and Conditioning or HKIN 121 Biomechanics is required for graduation. The other may be taken for elective credit.
General Note: All elective credit must be from BUAD, HKIN, Arts or Sciences.
General Studies Option
The program outlined provides maximum flexibility. Combine your studies in kinesiology with other courses in arts, science and business for added breadth.
Year One - Fall Semester
HKIN 101 Health, Fitness and Lifestyle
HKIN 110 Human Anatomy I for Kinesiology
BIOL 190 Human Physiology I for Kinesiology
HKIN 150 Sport and Exercise Psychology
ENGL 100 University Writing
Year One - Winter Semester
HKIN 103 Exercise Prescription for Health
BIOL 191 Human Anatomy and Physiology II for Kinesiology
HKIN 230 Motor Learning and Control
6 credits of electives (HKIN, BUAD, Arts or Sciences)
Year Two - Fall Semester
HKIN 200 Exercise Physiology
HKIN 203 Science of Strength and Conditioning
HKIN 161 Physical Activity in Canadian Society
6 credits of electives (HKIN, BUAD, Arts or Sciences)
Year Two - Winter Semester
HKIN 284 Growth and Motor Development
HKIN 261 Health, Policy and Canadian Society
HKIN 121 Biomechanics
6 credits of electives (HKIN, BUAD, Arts or Sciences)
Note 1: Only one of HKIN 203 Science of Strength and Conditioning or HKIN 121 Biomechanics is required for graduation. The other may be taken for elective credit.
Note 2: Only one of HKIN 101 Health, Fitness and Lifestyle or HKIN 261 Health, Policy and Canadian Society is required for graduation. The other may be taken for elective credit.
Recommended electives options:
*Human Kinetics
*Business
*Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology or Indigenous Studies
*Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Statistics
As a means of satisfying all the prescribed graduation requirements for a Human Kinetics Diploma, students may choose course selections in one of the 3 streams outlined below.
- The Health and Fitness Stream is designed for students who are interested in employment in the health and fitness industry. Students choosing this stream may become eligible to make application for industry credentials as a Personal Trainer with the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) and/or the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP).
- The Health and Physical Education Stream is designed for students who are interested in university transfer to complete a degree with an emphasis in health and physical education, and, for those who are considering a career in an instructional setting for sport and physical activity, such as a school teacher.
- The Kinesiology and Health Science Stream is designed for students who are interested in university transfer to complete a degree with an emphasis in kinesiology and health science, and, for those who are interested in a career as a kinesiologist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, physician or chiropractor.
Students interested in university transfer may also choose to design their own program of study and select courses to meet their own needs. All students will register for courses individually and should consider consulting with an educational advisor or program faculty if they have any questions. Students will find that not all receiving institutions require the recommended courses as outlined below. Students designing their own program of study are advised that not all Human Kinetics courses will be offered in all semesters.
Health and Fitness Stream
Year One - Fall
ENGL 100 University Writing
BIOL 131 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
HKIN 103 Exercise Prescription for Health
HKIN 161 Physical Activity in Canadian Society
3 credits of electives
Year One - Winter
BIOL 133 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
HKIN 230 Motor Learning and Control
HKIN 173 Biodynamics of Strength and Conditioning
HKIN 152 Personal Wellness and Community Health
3 credits of electives
Year Two - Fall
HKIN 231 Sport and Exercise Psychology
HKIN 275 Exercise Physiology
HKIN 273 Fitness Testing and Exercise Prescription
6 credits of electives
Year Two - Winter
HKIN 284 Growth and Motor Development
HKIN 241 Introduction to Athletic Injuries
HKIN 111 Health and Human Nutrition
6 credits of electives
Health and Physical Education Stream
Year One - Fall
ENGL 100 University Writing
BIOL 131 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
HKIN 103 Exercise Prescription for Health
HKIN 161 Physical Activity in Canadian Society
3 credits of electives
Year One - Winter
BIOL 133 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
HKIN 230 Motor Learning and Control
One of:
HKIN 121 Biomechanics
or:
HKIN 261 Health, Policy and Canadian Society
6 credits of electives
Year Two - Fall
HKIN 231 Sport and Exercise Psychology
HKIN 275 Exercise Physiology
9 credits of electives
Year Two - Winter
HKIN 284 Growth and Motor Development
One of:
HKIN 121 Biomechanics
or:
HKIN 261 Health, Policy and Canadian Society
9 credits of electives
Students must take at least six (6) credits of Human Kinetics applied methods courses from the following list:
HKIN 291 Applied Methods: Gymnastics and Dance
HKIN 295 Applied Methods: Basketball and Soccer
HKIN 292 Applied Methods: Triathlon
Note: Applied methods courses may be offered in alternating years. Please see Classfinder for details of this year's course offerings.
Kinesiology and Health Science Stream
Year One - Fall
ENGL 100 University Writing
BIOL 131 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
HKIN 103 Exercise Prescription for Health
HKIN 161 Physical Activity in Canadian Society
3 credits of electives
Year One - Winter
BIOL 133 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
HKIN 230 Motor Learning and Control
One of:
HKIN 121 Biomechanics
or:
HKIN 261 Health, Policy and Canadian Society
6 credits of electives
Year Two - Fall
HKIN 231 Sport and Exercise Psychology
HKIN 275 Exercise Physiology
9 credits of electives
Year Two - Winter
HKIN 284 Growth and Motor Development
One of:
HKIN 121 Biomechanics
or:
HKIN 261 Health, Policy and Canadian Society
9 credits of electives
Students must take at least twelve (12) credits of transferable courses in at least two (2) of the following four (4) areas: 100-level Biology (not 131 or 133) 100-level Chemistry, 100-level Physics, 100-level Mathematics or Statistics
Graduation requirements as of 2020:
Successful completion of the prescribed and elective courses as listed in the program outline. A minimum graduating grade average (GGA) of sixty percent (60%) for the courses taken at Okanagan College and used to satisfy the required 60 credits for the diploma.
Graduation requirements prior to 2020:
The Human Kinetics Diploma is granted upon completion of sixty (60) credits of prescribed study with a minimum grade average of 60 percent for all courses counting towards the diploma. The diploma course requirements are outlined below:
Three (3) 100-level English credits:
ENGL 100 University Writing
Twenty-four (24) Human Kinetics credits:
HKIN 103 Exercise Prescription for Health
HKIN 161 Physical Activity in Canadian Society
HKIN 230 Motor Learning and Control
HKIN 231 Sport and Exercise Psychology
HKIN 275 Exercise Physiology
HKIN 284 Growth and Motor Development
One of:
HKIN 173 Biodynamics of Strength and Conditioning
or:
HKIN 121 Biomechanics
One of:
HKIN 152 Personal Wellness and Community Health
or:
HKIN 261 Health, Policy and Canadian Society
Six (6) Biology credits:
BIOL 131 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
BIOL 133 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
Twenty-seven (27) credits of Human Kinetics, Business Administration, Arts or Science electives.
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