Kinesiology and Physical Education
ufv.ca/kpe

Bachelor of Kinesiology degree

The Bachelor of Kinesiology degree provides both breadth and depth of knowledge in understanding the field of kinesiology, and prepares students to pursue a variety of career options. In particular, the Exercise Science option prepares students for registration as a kinesiologist, graduate school, and/or professional school (such as physiotherapy, medicine or chiropractics). The Pedagogy option prepares students for careers as a coach, personal trainer, or entrance into a teachers certification program.

Entrance requirements

Option 1: Direct entry from high school

The first year of the Bachelor of Kinesiology degree program has a limited number of seats, and accepts students through a competitive entry process. Applicants must have completed the following requirements:
• B.C. Secondary School graduation or equivalent
• English 12 with a B or better
• Principles of Math 11 with a C or better
• Two of: Biology, Chemistry, or Physics 12 with a C+ or better
• Physical Education 11 and/or 12 with a B or better; or, alternatively, participation in a varsity sport at senior secondary level, or on a B.C. Summer or Winter Games team, or on a provincial or national team

Note: Students should be aware that they will be required to meet the prerequisites for a first year English or Communications course. These prerequisites are listed under the course description in the calendar. Students who do not have the required courses or grades should plan to write the Composition Placement test prior to registration.

Option 2: Second-year entry from university

In order to be admitted to the second year of the Bachelor of Kinesiology degree program, applicants must have completed the following requirements:
• KPE 170 (or equivalent) with a C+ or better
• KPE 161 and 163 with an average grade of C+ or better
• Three credits of a university-level English or Communications course
• An additional 16 university-level credits (either KPE or non-KPE)
• An overall GPA of 2.65 or better on all required courses

Note: Students must meet the prerequisites for a first year English or Communications course.

Students who do not meet these requirements might consider the Kinesiology Studies program path.

When to apply

Application dates for specific intake applications:

How to apply

1. Submit the application fee along with your UFV application for admission form to the Admissions and Records (A&R) office. You can apply online or download an application form at ufv.ca/ar/admissions/apply. Application forms are also available from any A&R or Student Services office.

Additional documents required for a complete application:
• For second year university entrance, an official transcript (or interim transcript) from every post-secondary institution attended showing grade/course achievements as per entrance requirements. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to UFV from the originating institution; see the Transfer Credit section for details.
• For direct entry from high school, an official high school transcript if you have graduated. For students currently in Grade 12, interim grades are required by March 30, with final grades due August 3. Direct entry students need to submit a 500-1000 word essay at time of application.

2. Upon admission to the program you will be provided with a registration information package. A deposit is required when you register (see the Fees and Other Costs section). This money will be applied toward your tuition fees. Final payment of all course fees is due at the end of the second week of classes.

Basis for admission decision

Direct entry from high school

Acceptance into the Kinesiology and Physical Education program will be determined through a competitive process that evaluates the following:

a. High school GPA on the required courses for application

b. A 500-1000 word essay that addresses the following:
• Why are you interested in a career in Kinesiology or Physical Education?
• What have you done to prepare for university?
• Why are you uniquely suited to our program?

c. a mandatory interview normally scheduled in March or April.

Second-year entry from university

Acceptance into the Kinesiology and Physical Education program will be determined through a competitive process that evaluates the following:

a. GPA on the required courses for application

b. Overall GPA

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section.

Location

All courses in the degree program are available on the Abbotsford campus. Selected first- and second-year courses may be available on the Mission campus.

Program regulations

Transfer of credit

Total transfer and prior learning credit into the Bachelor of Kinesiology degree must not exceed 90 credits.

Program continuance

A student must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.0 for continuance in the program. In addition, a minimum CGPA of 2.0 must be maintained in the upper-level courses when considered separately.

Academic warning (probation)

A student who has a CGPA of less than 2.0 will be placed on Academic Warning for the following semester. Students who do not achieve a semester GPA of 2.0 in this subsequent semester will be required to withdraw from the program. Even if the student achieves a semester GPA of 2.0 or greater in the subsequent semester, they will continue on academic warning until their CGPA is 2.0 or greater.

Course repetition

Students may not register for a course more than twice. A maximum of five course repetitions are permitted. Where a course has been repeated, only the higher grade is counted in the GPA calculation.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Students may receive credit for learning from previous studies or learning-through-experience. Credit for courses in the program can be obtained through:
• articulated course transfer credit
• challenge exams, or
• portfolio assessment.

Contact the department for more information regarding Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition.

Course withdrawal deadlines

Course withdrawal deadlines follow UFV's Course Withdrawal policy (81).

Prerequisites

A prerequisite is a requirement which must be met before a student enters a course or program. A P grade does not, unless otherwise stated, meet a prerequisite requirement. Students who do not have the stated prerequisite may not register in a course having these requirements without the permission of the instructor.

Graduation

Please refer to graduation requirements.

Program requirements

The Bachelor of Kinesiology degree requires the completion of at least 120 credits applicable to the KPE program plan, of which a minimum of 48 credits must be at the upper-level (300/400). Within the 120 credits, students must complete 36 university-level credits (including 12 upper-level credits) outside of the KPE course offerings. A minimum program GPA of 2.0 is necessary to graduate.

Students must complete either the exercise science (option 1) or the pedagogy option (option 2) to complete their degree.

Program outline

Students must complete all of the KPE core courses, 13 or 14 credits of KPE electives (depending on the chosen option), and a minimum of 36 university-level credits (including at least 12 upper-level credits) outside of the Kinesiology and Physical Education course offerings.

Note: Selection of these courses must be done in consultation with the KPE department or an educational advisor to insure that they meet the requirements of the student’s career ambition.

Core course requirements (Required courses: 44 credits of KPE plus 6-7 credits of breadth requirements — see below)

Breadth requirements

Total: 50-51 credits

Option 1 — Exercise Science

The exercise science option provides preparation for those pursuing careers as a registered kinesiologist, those planning to go to graduate school, or for those who are using their kinesiology degree in preparation for admittance to a professional program such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, massage therapy, medicine or chiropractics.

Mandatory course work: 20 credits

KPE electives: 14 credits

Students must complete 14 KPE credits, 10 of which must be upper-level credit, and must include one course with a lab (4 credits).

Non-KPE electives: 36 credits

Credits must be taken from Biology, Chemistry, Math, Physics and/or Psychology and must include at least 12 credits at the upper-level. Please note that depending on what professional program and institution you are applying to, admission requirements can include specific Biology, Chemistry, Math, Physics and/or Psychology courses. Please consult an educational advisor to be certain that your choice of electives provides you with the proper requirements to fit your career choice.

Option 2 — Pedagogy

The pedagogy option provides preparation for those pursuing careers in instructional settings in both the public and private domain. Although many graduates from this option will pursue a teaching credential, many others will find opportunities in community recreation facilities as instructors, personal trainers or administrators (depending on the electives chosen).

Mandatory course work: 21 credits

Note: Those hoping to enter a teacher education program following their undergraduate degree for the purpose of obtaining teacher certification in Secondary Physical Education will be required to have taken ALL of the activity courses. Students should plan accordingly.

KPE electives: 13 Credits

Students must complete 13 KPE credits, 10 of which must be upper-level credit, and must include one course with a lab (4 credits).

Non-KPE electives: 36 Credits

Courses may be selected from any field of study that supports your career objective. Out of the 36 credits, 12 credits must be at the upper-level. Please note that if you are intending to teach at the elementary, middle or secondary level, a second teachable area may be required. Please consult with an educational advisor to make sure that you have the proper requirements for entry into a Teacher Education Program or PDP. Education 200 and 300 are strongly recommended for those pursuing teaching; those pursuing Personal Training may wish to pursue a Business Minor.

Bachelor of Kinesiology combined with an existing minor/extended minor

A student completing requirements for the Bachelor of Kinesiology may combine this with the requirements for any of the existing minors or Arts extended minors offered at UFV, with the exception of the Biology extended minor. In such cases, the transcript will specify both the Bachelor of Kinesiology and extended minor or minor program completed. Examples of such minors include those in Arts (see this section for a listing of Arts minors), Science (Biology for Kinesiology students, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics), Business Administration (see this section for the Business minor), and Criminal Justice. For examples of Arts extended minors, please see this section for the listing.

In order to complete the degree in a timely fashion, students wishing to combine the Bachelor of Kinesiology degree with any minor and/or Arts extended minor (except Biology extended minor) must seek approval of the appropriate program advisors. Students should be aware that if they choose to fulfill the requirements of both the Kinesiology degree and a minor or an Arts extended minor, they will most likely need to complete more than 120 credits in order to meet all requirements, and that they will need to meet the graduation/program requirements for both the Bachelor of Kinesiology degree and the selected minor or extended minor.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.