About Kinesiology and Health Sciences

professor showing spine model to students

In 1967, the University of Waterloo continued its spirit of innovation with the establishment of the world's first Department of Kinesiology.

For the first time, scientists specializing in human biochemistry, physiology, neuroscience, and biomechanics joined forces with experts in psychology and sociology to investigate and define the science of human movement.

Today, Waterloo's Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences has grown to include 29 faculty members (professors), 25 adjunct faculty, more than 20 staff (including teaching, research, operations and administrative staff), approximately 1,000 undergraduate students, and approximately 135 graduate students (Master's and PhD).

Part of the Faculty of Health, the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences is housed in B.C. Matthews Hall and the Lyle S. Hallman Institute for Health Promotion.

Undergraduate excellence

Waterloo's undergraduate program emphasizes the study of human movement from cellular to musculoskeletal systems, and is enhanced by upper-year kinesiology electives in a wide range of topics taught by leading scientists in the field. Students using the degree as groundwork for professional programs can further their preparation with a minor in Medical Physiology, Rehabilitation Sciences, Ergonomics and Injury Prevention, or Human Nutrition.

Experiential learning

Classroom learning is enhanced by hands-on learning in our well-equipped laboratories, which reinforces concepts learned in class and fosters the development of a wide range of highly marketable skills. Waterloo School of Anatomy provides undergraduate and graduate students the essential opportunity to study human form and function using human cadavers. From utilizing X-ray suites to examining spine specimens to employing 3D imaging and eye-tracking cameras to monitor gait patterns, experiential learning is at the core of the student experience.

World's best co-op

Practicums and opportunities offered by our world renowned co-operative program allow students to graduate with tremendous knowledge of human function in a wide variety of environments. As a result, our graduates are often sought after for their comprehensive knowledge base and problem-solving abilities, and have been very successful in finding employment in an extraordinarily wide range of jobs.

Graduate studies

With one of the first and most established graduate programs of its kind, Waterloo's Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences has been a defining force in graduate teaching and research. Waterloo's graduate programs in Biomechanics (MSc, PhD), Physiology and Nutrition (MSc, PhD) and Neuroscience (MSc, PhD) are well recognized in Canada and internationally. In addition to this, we are educating the educators: University of Waterloo alumni now dominate the Kinesiology faculty rosters of Canada's most respected universities. In addition to supporting our graduate students with state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities, the Department guarantees funding for full-time grad students through a combination of teaching assistantship (TA), research assistantship (RA), and scholarship.


General inquiries

Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, Ontario
Canada N2L 3G1

Telephone: 519-888-4567, ext. 42968

Fax: 519-888-4666

Email: Cheryl Kieswetter, Administrative Specialist

Office: B.C. Matthews Hall (BMH), Room 3040