Kinesiology

Lakehead University provides the opportunity for qualified students to study for a Master of Science degree in Kinesiology.

Two program options are available to students:

  • Thesis-based Master's (2 years)
  • Course-based Master's (16 months)

MSc in Kinesiology - Thesis-based

The thesis-based degree program employs a multidisciplinary approach that focuses on the study of human performance from a scientific perspective. The program of study centres around eight content areas:

  • adapted physical activity
  • biomechanics
  • sports medicine and rehabilitation
  • exercise physiology 
  • motor control and learning 
  • psychology of physical activity 
  • sociocultural
  • health promotion

When making course selections, students choose a discipline orientation that involves an in-depth study of Kinesiology in one or more of the above areas of content. Opportunities exist for students to take electives outside of our program.

MSc in Kinesiology: Gerontology Specialization (Thesis-based)

The Gerontology Program collaborates with five departments including Kinesiology, to provide students with an innovative, interdisciplinary learning perspective. Students have the opportunity to access multifaceted resources and work together with complementary disciplines.

Research and theory in Gerontology is reviewed, and the thesis or major project taken in the collaborating academic unit will have a gerontological focus. For additional information on the Interdisciplinary Graduate Specialization in Gerontology, please visit the Gerontology website.

NOTE: Students in these programs must complete all requirements within six terms (2 years) of continuous registration.

MSc in Kinesiology: Course-based

The course-based Master of Science in Kinesiology is a program for those that are interested in undertaking a more applied, evidence-based pathway that will add value to their credentials both academically and experientially.  The program provides professional training, clinical skills upgrading, and research opportunities for current and future practitioners of Kinesiology.

The combination of online and on-campus courses gives students the option to live in Thunder Bay or to live in an alternate location and attend the Thunder Bay campus to complete the practical courses.  This distance-friendly MSc degree offers students the opportunity to study from home and still engage with professors and peers.  The format of course delivery may also allow students to maintain employment while completing their studies. 

Please note that when applying you will be asked to provide two academic references. 

NOTE: Students in this program must complete all requirements within 16 months of continuous registration.

Admission Requirements for Masters

Applicants for admission must be graduates of a recognized university, college, or institute as well as show evidence of scholarly achievement. Except where otherwise stated in the Admission Requirements of a particular program, degree students must have a four year bachelor's degree or its equivalent with at least second class standing (B) based on their last 20 half courses or equivalent.

An applicant holding a degree other than one in the discipline area to which admission is sought will be considered on the basis of courses taken and academic standing. A Qualifying Year at the undergraduate level may be required to meet the admission standards. Courses taken as part of a Qualifying Year can not be used as credit towards a graduate degree.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not necessarily guarantee admission. No candidate will be admitted unless the academic unit recommends admission. All applicants will be advised by the Office of Graduate Studies in writing of their admission status.

Graduate Funding

At Lakehead University, we realize the importance of financial support for graduate students.

Therefore, financial assistance opportunities are available in several forms and are generally awarded to students by individual programs on the basis of academic promise and financial need.

The different funding options available include:

For your convenience, a searchable database of graduate scholarships, bursaries, and awards is provided below. Award eligibility, criteria, and application procedures for graduate funding is indicated for each award. Please use the general search tool to find available funding by program. Alternatively, you may also click the advanced search link to specify available funding by program level, award category and/or award amount.

Although financial support cannot be guaranteed to all graduate students in all programs, we encourage you to inquire about financial assistance with your Graduate Coordinator in your program of study. You may also contact the Graduate Funding Officer in the Faculty of Graduate Studies to learn more about your graduate funding options.

Conditions of Graduate Awards

Graduate scholarships are based on academic merit. Graduate bursaries are based on financial need, although there may be a merit component to the bursary. Where the award designates that an application is required, only those students who have submitted the specified application by the deadline will be considered for those awards. Late and/or incomplete applications will not be considered. Only successful applicants will be notified.

Recipients of scholarships, awards and bursaries must be registered in order to receive funding. Graduate awards are applied to any outstanding balance on the student's account. Students are entitled to their awards only after their fees are paid in full. Only students with credit account balances will be refunded the balance of the overpayment. Overpayment refunds of these awards will be issued at the end of September, January and May each year.

The University reserves the right to make changes without prior notice to the terms, conditions and award values listed in this section and in the University Calendar.

The most up-to-date internal awards and applications are on our new award system MyAwards

Graduate Studies Funding Database

How to Apply

Although applications are accepted on a continual basis, to be considered in the initial Admission & Funding decisions for the Fall (September) semester, you are encouraged to apply by February 1.

Supervisor Information

Students interested in the thesis-based master’s degree are encouraged to contact potential supervisors directly and before submitting an application for graduate study.

Unlike our thesis-based offering, course-based students will not be required to secure a faculty supervisor to be considered for admission.

The first step in the application process is to complete the online graduate studies application form.

After you have submitted the online form along with the required $100 CAD application fee, you will be provided with an online account where you can complete the remaining steps of the application process which include uploading the required supporting documents and monitoring the status of your application.

Click here to Apply to Graduate Studies 

After you have applied 

After you have submitted the online application form, you can access your account here. Any change in your application status will be reflected in this portal.

 Reference Letter(s) ( minimum 1; maximum 3)
  • Please upload at least one academic reference letter to support your Kinesiology application
Official Transcript
Proof of Degree
Program Specific Supporting Documents (If required)
  • For a list of program specific documents, please see this program's Additional Application Information section (if required, see above)
Official English Test Results (If required)

Additional Application Information

Background Information Form - MSc Kinesiology Thesis program
Background Information Form - MSc Kinesiology Course-based program

Next Steps

Registration Procedures

Before Registering!

Check to make sure all of your course selections are currently being offered by referring to the University Course Calendar and the University Course Time Tables.

University Graduate Studies & General Regulations & Policies