Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for regular students applying to be admitted to the Master of Science (MSc) program are as follows:
- An Honours Bacehlor's degree (or equivalent) with at least a second class standing 75% average (B).
- References. Each applicant must submit two letters of reference from faculty members who taught him/her as an undergraduate.
- Proof of proficiency in English (if applicable); accepted examinations and required minimum scores for graduate studies are listed on the English Language Proficiency page.
- Sample of Work. Each applicant must submit one copy of a term paper, research project or senior essay written during the last two years of undergraduate studies.
- Each applicant must submit a letter indicating why he/she wishes to pursue graduate studies.
For admission requirements for probationary and transitional students can be found in the Graduate Studies Calendar, Academic Regulations - Categories of Admission to the Master's Program. With respect to admission requirements to a qualifying program, under certain conditions applicants who do not meet the University's and the Department's requirements for admission to graduate studies may be considered (see Graduate Studies Calendar - Admission Requirements - Qualifying Program).
Deadline for applications to the Master's program is February 1.
Specific Admission Requirements (Thesis-based option)
Biomechanics
It is essential that a student have at least a one-term course in each of the following areas: general physiology, statistics, biomechanics of movement, anatomy, calculus, computer science, and physics (mechanics). Students can be admitted to the program lacking one or more of these essential courses, but the deficiency must be made up in the first or second term. In addition, it is desirable, but not essential, that students have competency in biochemistry, exercise physiology, physics (electrical science), and neuroanatomy.
Neuroscience
Students should have at least a one-term course in neuroscience (learning, performance, motor control or sport psychology), statistics and computer science. Students without this background will be evaluated for entrance to the MSc program in terms of their specific research interests as outlined in their application letter. As well, depending on their proposed area of study, anatomy, biomechanics and/or psychology may be required.
Physiology and Nutrition
It is essential that a student have at least a one-term course in each of the following areas: general physiology, physiology of physical activity, biochemistry, statistics and biomechanics. Students can be admitted to the program lacking one or more of these essential courses, but the deficiency must be made up in the first or second term. In addition, it is desirable, but not essential that students have competency in anatomy, calculus, computer science and physics (mechanics).
Degree Requirements
There are two options for completion of the MSc in Kinesiology: 1) thesis-based, or 2) course-based/experiential. The specific requirements are outlined below.
Thesis-based option
The minimum course requirement for the thesis-based MSc degree is four one-term graduate courses (0.50 unit weight) and two graduate seminars (0.50 unit weight). Required courses: one-term course related to quantitative analysis (i.e., methods, modeling, mathematics or statistics). Graduate courses must be selected in consultation with, and approved by, the student's supervisor or advisor.
A thesis on an approved subject is required and is defended by an oral examination. The research is conducted under the supervision of the student's advisor and the thesis committee. The MSc thesis committee consists of a minimum of three faculty including the student's supervisor.
The minimum residence requirement for the MSc degree for the thesis-based option is two terms full-time from an Honours Bachelor's degree or equivalent. The requirements for a MSc degree in Kinesiology for the thesis-based option must be completed within six terms. In order to complete the program during this time period a candidate in the thesis-based option is expected to devote to research as much of the time following completion of courses as is necessary to complete the thesis.
Course-based/experiential option
The minimum requirements for the course-based/experiential MSc degree are eight one-term (0.50 unit weight) graduate courses, two graduate seminars, a one-term experiential learning component, and a capstone colloquium. Required courses: one-term course related to quantitative analysis (i.e., methods, modeling, mathematics or statistics). A minimum of four courses must be from the Department of Kinesiology. The experiential learning requirement is met with a one-term, full-time, program-relevant internship/experiential placement (minimum of 420 hours) to be arranged by the student in consultation with the Graduate Committee. The placement, objectives, and work required to meet these objectives are to be approved by the departmental Graduate Committee and the placement supervisor. Candidates are also required to submit a discussion paper or case series related to this placement to the departmental Graduate Committee, as well as present this work as part of the capstone colloquium.
The minimum residence requirement for the course-based/experiential MSc degree is two terms full-time from an Honours Bachelor's degree or equivalent. The requirements for a course-based/experiential MSc degree in Kinesiology must be completed within three terms. In order to complete the program during this time period a candidate in the course-based/experiential option is expected to complete all course work in the first two terms and devote the summer to a relevant internship/experiential placement.
Permission from the Department Graduate Committee and the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, as appropriate, must be obtained for any MSc degree student (both options) to continue registration beyond term limits.
All MSc degree students (both options) must register for two of the following research seminars: KIN 670A, KIN 670B, KIN 670E; KIN 670F; KIN 670H; KIN 670I to fulfill degree requirements. Please note that these courses are designated as Cr/NCr and do not count towards course requirements. A maximum of two research seminar courses (KIN 670s) can be used towards the MSc degree requirements.
All graduate courses except those designated in this Calendar as Cr/NCr must be assigned a numerical grade. Any student who registers for a course in a department outside the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences must receive a numeical grade for the course. Unless the course is designated Cr/NCr in the Graduate Calendar, the student must ask the instructor to submit a numerical grade. The student must clarify this requirement with the instructor within the first two weeks of each term.
Students must obtain an average of at least 72% (B-) in the set of courses which they present in fulfilment of course requirements for any graduate degree. Unsatisfactory academic performance in any one course will result in a review of the candidate's status by the departmental Graduate Committee. If a student with a failed course is permitted to continue, additional work may be required to clear the failure in that course, or by replacement of the failed course. Alternatively, the student may be required to repeat part or all of the program.