Inspiring future leaders in the workplace
Jump start your career in a kinesiology-related field or better prepare yourself for professional programs with Waterloo’s one-of-a-kind coursework Master of Kinesiology program.
This one-year degree offers students a state-of-the-art education that combines evidence-based, interdisciplinary courses with a one-term, 420-hour experiential internship in a workplace setting. The specialized curriculum offers hands-on, real-world learning throughout the degree, resulting in an unparalleled graduate experience.
Program overview
This specialized program in movement and exercise science prepares students for careers in allied health, fitness, and performance. Through four core work-integrated learning courses and a supervised internship, students gain practical skills in movement assessment, exercise prescription, ethical decision-making, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The program emphasizes person-centered, experiential learning to ensure graduates are confident and career-ready.
Note: We are only offering the Movement and Exercise Science specialization at this time.
Pathways to clinical credentialing
Students aiming to become Registered Kinesiologists or Clinical Exercise Physiologists (CEP) can access bridging opportunities through advanced clinical courses. These courses support credentialing requirements and prepare students for clinical graduate programs.
Waterloo's first Graduate Certificate in Work-Integrated Learning
MKin students can earn a Graduate Certificate in WIL by completing 150+ hours of high-quality experiential learning including a supervised internship, career development training, and structured reflection. This certificate formally recognizes your applied skills and professional growth, giving you a competitive edge in the field. The first certificate of its kind at the University of Waterloo!
Graduate student resources
Course requirements
All requirements for the MKin coursework degree must be completed within three terms (one year). It is expected that students complete all coursework in the first two terms (fall and winter) and devote the spring term to the experiential internship. Students pay fees each term, including while they complete their internship.
- 4.0 total credits (equivalent to 8 full-term, full-credit courses)
- 2.0 from kinesiology
- Required courses:
- KIN 655: Theory and Practice of Movement Assessment (0.5)
- KIN 691: Theory and Practice of Cardiorespiratory & Body Composition Assessment (0.5)
- KIN 693: Theory and Practice of Exercise Prescription (0.5)
- One of the following elective courses:
- KIN 605: Nutrition and Exercise in Health and Performance (0.50)
- KIN 658: Physical Activity and Cognition (0.50)
- KIN 688: Selected Topics in Kinesiology (0.50)
- Required courses:
- 0.5 in qualitative or quantitative statistics
- 1.5 in elective courses
- 2.0 from kinesiology
Our kinesiology graduate courses cover a variety of topics including biomechanics, neuroscience and physiology and nutrition, allowing you to craft the perfect complement to your career goals.
Seminar milestone
Students complete a mandatory seminar milestone by participating in department-wide and stream-specific seminars. These seminars provide extracurricular learning and networking opportunities with fellow graduate students, faculty members and guest speakers.
Experiential internship
The Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences has a host of partner organizations who have provided experiential internship opportunities to our students. These high-quality placements allow students to gain invaluable hands-on experience and build their professional skill set and network to fast-track their career goals.
NOTE: Teaching Assistantship (TA) and Research Assistantship (RA) support and most scholarships are not available for the MKin coursework degree students. Students interested in these funding opportunities may wish to consider the thesis-based MSc program.
Application deadline: March 1st
For admission in September
The combination of coursework and internship in just one year made the MKin program the perfect fit for my career goals. Every course has challenged me to think critically and apply my knowledge in real-world settings.