Kinesiology, a multi-disciplinary program, is the scientific study of human movement. More specifically, kinesiologists focus their study on the biophysical and psycho-social parameters which affect and effect movement in the realm of sport, work, play, dance, exercise and pathological movement. As such, this program is of interest to students from a variety of disciplines who may wish to utilize their undergraduate education to understand the parameters, from the cellular to the societal level, which influence human movement. For example, undergraduates with an interest in biology, physiology, engineering, physics, biochemistry, anatomy or systems design would concentrate their study in the area of Biomechanics or Physiology and Nutrition; while students with an interest in sociology, social psychology, or psychology would focus their graduate studies in the Neuroscience area. In addition, the program provides the opportunity for students trained in the physical sciences, engineering or the social sciences to interact in seminars and to solve kinesiological problems employing an interdisciplinary approach.
The major objectives of the graduate program are to prepare specialists qualified to: 1) advance knowledge in the field of human physical activity,and 2) bring a unique interdisciplinary expertise to the solution of problems.
A School of Anatomy housed within the Department provides the opportunity for graduate students to study structural-functional relationships in depth. This facility also enables students to gain valuable teaching experience by assisting in cadaver dissection during undergraduate laboratory sessions.
Full-time students enrolled in the Master's program normally take 2 years (6 terms) to complete the degree. Full-time students enrolled in the Doctoral program normally take 3-4 years (9-12 terms) to complete the degree.