Master in Kinesiology

Lakehead University, with campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario, offers a welcoming, student-centred experience focused on applied learning and community engagement. Founded in 1965, Lakehead enrolls nearly 10,000 students and provides a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs across arts, sciences, engineering, business, health and social sciences. The university is recognized for combining strong research with experiential learning opportunities and a commitment to Indigenous education.

Lakehead’s strengths include interdisciplinary research, hands-on labs, co-op placements and community-based projects that prepare students for practical careers. Faculty members emphasize mentorship and small-group teaching, enabling closer interaction and tailored academic support. The university also promotes sustainability initiatives and integrates Indigenous perspectives across curricula, creating a diverse learning environment that values multiple ways of knowing.

Campus life in Thunder Bay and Orillia offers a balance of outdoor recreation, cultural events and student services, with supports for international students such as orientation, advising and academic resources. Affordable living costs and strong campus communities help newcomers adapt and thrive. Applicants should highlight relevant experience and interest in applied learning, and investigate scholarships, work-study options and co-op pathways to enhance both study and career prospects.

The Master in Kinesiology at Lakehead University is a 2-year thesis-based or 16-month course-based program for students with a Bachelor's degree. It helps students gain advanced knowledge in kinesiology and prepares them for careers in sports and exercise science.

The curriculum includes courses like Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, and Sport Psychology, as well as a Capstone Project or Thesis. Students develop skills in research methods, measurement, and evaluation, and learn about exercise prescription and programming, sports nutrition, and strength and conditioning.

Graduates can pursue careers as Exercise Physiologists, Sports Coaches, Fitness Coordinators, Athletic Therapists, or Sports Managers, working in industries like healthcare, education, or professional sports, and with employers such as sports teams, hospitals, or fitness centers.