In this Guide
Learn the many ways you can extend your classroom experience to the real world.
- Take required Kinesiology, Biology and Psychology courses and explore other programs of interest.
- Learn about co-op – apply at the end of your first year.
- Complete the WHMIS online training and the online and in-class Young Worker Health and Safety Orientation training to prepare for your community leadership experiences.
- Live in the Faculty of Science or Recreation & Wellness Residence Learning Community to extend opportunities for learning and development beyond the classroom.
- Participate in Supplemental Instruction sessions for key courses.
- Learn outside the classroom with at least two community-based experiences by starting to complete your 96-hour community leadership requirement.
- Enhance your academic experience at Laurier through professional one-on-one, online and peer-to-peer resources available through Academic Advising and Support.
- Choose an area of concentration.
- Meet with a potential faculty advisor to discuss research topics for your senior- level research thesis.
- Engage in experiential learning with SynDavers. The first full-sized synthetic cadavers in Canada are used by undergraduate students in anatomy and physiology classes. The cadavers are complete with every bone, joint, muscle, organ and tendon found on the human body in vivid detail. Tendons, muscles and organs can be manipulated, dissembled and reassembled so students can learn how parts work together.
- Complete a course with a community and workplace partnership placement to learn about program design and delivery.
- Learn about the fundamental movement skills, physical literacy, games and coaching as applied to sport and physical activity by taking activity/practicum courses in physical activity instruction.
- Explore practical, hands-on learning experiences such as physical activity programming, fitness testing, or injury assessment in your courses.
- Connect with local organizations such as the YMCA, KidsAbility, seniors' centres or youth sport organizations to complete your required community leadership experience.
- Look for research and volunteer opportunities at the Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities (CHC). CHC is an initiative of the Laurier Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE), designed to connect undergraduate and graduate students to community organizations on and off campus. Building on the skills and enthusiasm of Laurier students, and catalyzed by generous donations, CHC offers diverse programming for children and youth in our community who may not have access to such programming otherwise.
- If you’re thinking about applying to graduate school, talk with your professors and visit the Career Centre.
- Learn about Research and Instructional Assistantship opportunities in Kinesiology.
- Attend the annual National Undergraduate Research Conference in Kinesiology and Physical Education.
- Conduct research for a fourth-year thesis project.
- Pursue certification with the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (Personal Trainer or Exercise Physiologist).
- If you’re interested in medical school as your next step after graduation, learn about Laurier’s pathway agreement with the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC). If you meet all eligibility and admission requirements, you are guaranteed an admissions interview with the AUC School of Medicine.
- If you’re applying to graduate school, sign up for a scholarship proposal writing workshop and book a further education application appointment.
As a Kinesiology student, you can:
- Join student clubs such as the Kin Kouncil, Healthy Hawks, We Heart Hawks, or Society for Undergraduate Research and Outreach (SURO) and build leadership skills through joining an executive team.
- Volunteer with the Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities
- Look for employment opportunities as a varsity sport student trainer or at the Athletic Complex.
- Obtain your First Aid/CPR certification.
- Participate in the Kin Games.
- Become a student member of the Ontario Kinesiology Association.
Outside of your program, there are many co-curricular opportunities for you to participate in.
- Check out the Experience Catalogue for a full list of co-curricular experiences that are currently offered across campus.
- Volunteer with the Students’ Union (e.g., Laurier Orientation, Hawk Walk, EcoHawks, Food Bank, Emergency Response Team, Shinerama).
- Volunteer on campus with the Accessible Learning, Global Engagement, Sustainability Office, Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, WLU Student Publications and more.
- Get involved in the local community by volunteering off campus.
- Apply for on-campus jobs:
- Check Navigator frequently for job postings or contact individual departments directly.
- Search for job opportunities on the Students’ Union website.
- If you meet eligibility criteria, apply for the Laurier Work Study Program or International Student Work Experience Program.
- Attend Job Fairs to network with employers.
- Explore ways to get involved in research.
- Look into StartUp Lab opportunities for support in launching a new venture.
Job/Volunteer Search Tips
- While on-campus opportunities are posted year-round, recruitment often starts early! Start looking in the winter term for opportunities in the following academic year.
- Have your resumé and LinkedIn profile reviewed by Career Centre staff for both on and off-campus opportunities.
- Laurier offers a variety of co-curricular certificates that you can complete during your studies. Earn certificates in topics including academic development, professional development, wellness, leadership and career development.
- Participate in workshops, programming and events offered by the Career Centre, Gendered and Sexual Violence Prevention and Support, Laurier Library, the Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and more.
- Engage in the First-Year Leadership Program including Campus Councils and House Council and the Leadership Certificate.
- Connect with Global Engagement to learn about international options available to you including opportunities abroad and language and culture sharing programs.
Design Your Degree
These are a few popular academic opportunities which allow you to dive deeper into your major area of study or broaden your knowledge. See undergraduate options, minors and courses for more information.
Develop Your Knowledge and Skills
As a Laurier student, you will develop the following competencies through your curricular and co-curricular experiences.
Competency Framework
Competencies are categories of transferrable skills that appear on your online Experience Record to help you reflect on what you've learned from your experiences. The competencies include:
- Adaptability and Resiliency
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- Communication
- Creativity and Innovation
- Critical Thinking
- Digital Literacy
- Diversity and Intercultural Understanding
- Functional Knowledge
- Leadership
- Problem Solving
- Professional Attributes
- Self-Awareness
Functional Knowledge
- Develop and implement programs designed to maximize physical and mental health, and wellness.
- Demonstrate knowledge of theories of health and fitness, human anatomy and trends in Kinesiology.
- Understand physical risk assessment, injury prevention and rehabilitation.
- Display knowledge of human biomechanics and strategies for maximizing physical potential.
- Evaluate and modify activities, equipment and environment to ensure optimal usage.
- Identify, develop and implement leisure and recreational activities to enhance quality of life.
- Examine issues through multiple lenses and integrated perspectives.
- Assess the physical, leisure and recreational needs of communities and individuals, make recommendations and develop individual and community plans for improvement.
- Organize, plan and administer activities, programs, groups and events.
Discover Career Options
All your experiences at Laurier can help you prepare for your future. Attend Career Centre events and workshops or book a career consulting appointment to explore career and further education options.
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139 Kinesiology respondents from the 2024 Laurier Graduate Survey conducted by the Career Centre. Graduates were surveyed within 12 months of graduation. Other includes those travelling, volunteering or out of the workforce.
Alumni Careers and Pathways
Sample Further Education Programs Within the First Year After Graduation
- Doctor - Chiropractic, Dentistry, Osteopathy
- Master’s Degree - Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Health Sciences, Health Informatics, Management Analytics
- College Program - Advanced Ergonomics, Massage Therapy, Dental Hygiene, Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography, Forensic Identification
- Bachelor’s Degree - Athletic Therapy, Education, Midwifery
Sample Jobs Within the First Year After Graduation
- exercise therapist
- pharmacy experience specialist
- physiotherapy assistant
- recreation support coordinator
- resident pedorthist
- strength and conditioning coach
- transition support worker
- wellness kinesiologist
Careers Of Alumni Two to Five Years After Graduation
- chiropractor
- health promotion coordinator
- kinesiologist
- occupational therapist
- physiotherapist
- teacher
Career Options and Resources
Need some guidance on what you can do with your degree? Discover some career options and find resources to help guide you.
Career and Industry Options
- athletics
- education/teaching
- fitness training
- health and wellness
- journalism/media
- law enforcement
- massage therapy
- medicine
- nutrition/dietetics
- occupational therapy
- paramedics
- physical therapy
- recreation
- rehabilitation
- research
- sports management
Career Resources
- Canadian Kinesiology Alliance
- Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology
- Ontario Kinesiology Association
- Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine
- Ontario Fitness Council
- The Ontario Physical and Health Education Association
- Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute
- College of Kinesiologists of Ontario
- Ontario Rehabilitation Programs Application Service
- Ontario Medical School Application Service
Your Experiences Tell Your Story
Share your story through your Laurier Experience Record. An interactive, shareable and official record of your hands-on experiences and learning opportunities at Laurier – the first of its kind in Canada!
Share Your Feedback
We'd love to hear from you. Complete the Laurier Experience Guide Feedback Survey to share your thoughts.