Kinesiology Diploma

The Kinesiology Diploma prepares students for a variety of careers in sport, recreation, health, and wellness by providing a base of knowledge in areas of core competency in kinesiology as established by the Alberta Kinesiology Association. The development of knowledge and skills includes both theoretical and practical experience in a variety of settings and prepares students for employment in fitness centres, leisure centres, senior citizen/retirement complexes, colleges and universities, the private and business sector and provincial, national and international sport associations and events. Upon completion of a Kinesiology Diploma, students may be eligible for transfer to degree programs in kinesiology and related fields.

Admission Requirements

The Kinesiology Diploma requires passing grades and an overall average of 60 percent in the following Alberta Education high school courses or equivalents. For course groups, refer to the Classification of Alberta Education Courses.

• English Language Arts 30-1
• Two subjects from Group A or C
• One subject from Group C (Biology 30 recommended)
• One subject from Group B, C, Physical Education 30, or Rec Leadership Adv (CTS)
• Only one language other than English will be accepted

Mature Student Admission

If applicants are 21 years of age or older, by the first day of classes of the term in which admission in sought and do not have a high school diploma, they may still be eligible for admission as a Non-Matriculated Adult (NMA).  Admission to the Kinesiology Diploma program requires passing grades and an overall average of 60 percent on the following Alberta Education high school courses or equivalents:

• English Language Arts 30-1, and
• One other 30-level subject from Group A or C (Biology 30 recommended)

Regardless of admission requirements, applicants must still have the high school prerequisites to the courses they require or wish to take in their program.

Part-Time Student Admission

Students may enrol in up to two courses without admission to the program. Upon successful completion of two courses, if students wish to continue in the program, they will be expected to apply to the program and meet all admission requirements. Once students have met all admission requirements and received admission to the program, they will be granted credit for courses successfully completed prior to admission.

Program Curriculum

First year (30 credits)

• Junior English (3)
• PE1000 Structural Anatomy (3)
• PE1015 Essentials of Human Physiology (3)
• PE1120 Introduction to Human Movement (3)
• PE1030 Integrative Human Physiology (3)
• PE1040 Introduction to Sociocultural Aspects of Leisure and Sport (3)
• PE1090 Statistics, Measurement and Evaluation (3)
• PE1210 Introduction to Personal Physical Fitness (3)
• Activity Core (6) – see below

Second year (30 credits)

• DA1000 The Spectrum of Dance in Society (3)
• PE1050 Introduction to the Administration of Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Programs (3)
• PE2000 Exercise Physiology (3)
• PE2030 Skill Acquisition and Performance (3)
• PE2040 Leisure and Sport in Canadian Society: Historical Perspectives (3)
• PE2060 Biomechanics (3)
• PE2400 Introduction to Sports Injuries (3)
• Activity Core (6) – see below

One of:

• PE2190 Research Methods in Kinesiology (3)
• PE3030 Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity (3)

Activity Core Options

(Check prerequisites before enrolling)

• PA1560 Movement Foundations in Fitness and Yoga (3)
• PE1410 Introduction to Individual Movement Skills (3)
• PE2450 Introduction to Coaching Theory (3)
• PE2930 Introduction to the Movement Activities of Children (3)
• PE2940 A Conceptual Approach to Physical Activity (3)
• PF1980 Leadership in Resistance Training (3)
• PF2980 Advanced Training Methodologies (3)
• PE2170 Human Growth and Motor Development (3)
• PE2070 Adapted Sport and Physical Activity for Diverse Populations (3)
• PF2900 Fitness Assessment and Advanced Counseling (3)
• PF2920 Certified Personal Trainer Exercise Prescription (3)

Note: Students interested in obtaining CSEP-CPT certification must choose PF1980 and PF2900 in the Activity Core in Year 1 and PF2920 and one additional option in Year 2. Students must receive a grade of 60% or higher in both PF1980 and PF2900 to enter PF2920. For more information, speak to an advisor.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate with a Diploma in Kinesiology students must successfully complete all program requirements. If students meet these requirements, they may apply to graduate. 

University Transfer

Acceptance into any University program, once students have completed their studies at Northwestern Polytechnic, is normally based on their course selection and their academic standing.  Courses vary from institution to institution and are often evaluated on a case-by-case basis.  Early contact with the school students are applying to is encouraged and close consultation with a Northwestern Polytechnic Advisor is advisable. All post-secondary Kinesiology programs are slightly different.  Therefore students may be required to pick up courses, depending on where they apply.  Most receiving institutions will transfer a maximum of 60 credits from Northwestern Polytechnic.

University of Alberta
To be considered for admission to the University of Alberta as a transfer applicant, students must present a minimum GPA of 2.0 or equivalent based on a minimum of 24 transferable credits. Possession of a minimum GPA does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants must also possess all High School admission requirements or equivalent.

Students who transfer with less than 24 transfer credits will be considered High School Applicants to the University and will require an overall average of 70% in the high school courses required for admission.

Students may complete up to two years (60 credits) of appropriate course work. The courses within the Kinesiology Diploma program are the required courses for the first two years of the Bachelor of Kinesiology with the University of Alberta.

Other Universities
Please consult with an advisor for details on programs and requirements at other institutions.

Work Experience

Consider a Work Experience Option