FAQ

Across Canada, you will find various academic degrees that have majors in Kinesiology, Physical Education, Recreation, Tourism and Outdoor Education. Often these degrees offer further specialization in areas such as biomechanics, sport psychology or pedagogy of physical education. Some common names of these degrees include:

• Bachelor of Physical Education (BPE)
• Bachelor of Kinesiology (BKin)
• Bachelor of Health and Physical Education (BHPE)

Mount Royal University's BHPE has been created so that each of the majors aligns with similar majors at other universities. In the two majors where there is a national accreditation process, we have designed them to meet all accreditation requirements (Athletic Therapy meets the Kinesiology accreditation of CCUPEKA, as well as the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA) accreditation requirements, while Physical Literacy meets the Physical Education accreditation requirements of CCUPEKA).

The major difference between the terms kinesiology, physical education and health and physical education are the following:

• Kinesiology — is defined as the scientific study of human movement.

• Physical Education — refers to the study of how activity and health are taught to others (both in teaching and other environments).

• Health and Physical Education — we believe this best reflects the increased emphasis on how health is connected to physical activity as all four majors focus on how physical activity throughout life provides positive health benefits.


Kinesiology is the scientific study of movement. When taking a Kinesiology degree your coursework is primarily science-based including; Anatomy, Exercise Physiology etc. Many of these science-based courses are included in the PL major.

The primary difference between a Kinesiology program and a Physical Literacy program is that the PL major includes a combination of science, history, Sociology, physical movement and wellness courses. One of the advantages of the PL major is the holistic approach to health and well-being. Graduates of the PL major have a strong theoretical and practical understanding to help people live their best lives.

Yes. Mount Royal has more than 50 minors to choose from, in a variety of subjects. The earlier you can declare a minor the better, this way you can ensure you meet all of the requirements before graduation. A minor can have anywhere from 6-8 courses and you should be able to build these courses into your General Education and Elective requirements. If you have questions about which minor you should choose, how to fit a minor into your degree or which courses to take then you can ask your BHPE Advisor.

Yes. The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CESP) is a national voluntary organization composed of professionals interested and involved in the scientific study of exercise physiology, exercise biochemistry, fitness and health. There are different certifications offered by CESP. One of the options available to Physical Literacy students is a CSEP-Certified Personal Trainer (CPT). This certification is in addition to the PL degree. Most of the core competencies for the CSEP-CPT are met by required courses within the degree. To receive this certification students will need to enrol in PHYL 4203 — Fitness Assessment & Prescription as an elective and complete theory and practical exams. The course and practical exam are both offered at MRU and the theory exam is taken either online or at a computerized testing centre. The practical exam is often offered following the coursework to help students succeed. Please note that there are additional fees for the CSEP-CPT exams and registration of the certification.

The AKA represents Kinesiologists at a provincial level in their efforts to grow the profession of kinesiology by promoting health and wellness research and practices.

Learn more about AKA.

Yes. There are two unpaid practicums in the Physical Literacy major. The first practicum is HPED 2050. This practicum involves theoretical coursework as well as a 52-hour job shadow in a field of interest in health and wellness. The second practicum is an unpaid 160-hour industry placement. This placement allows the student to acquire and develop first-hand experience in the field.

It is recommended that students complete their first practicum (HPED 2050) in year two of their degree. HPED 3050 should be completed in year three.

The BHPE degree prepares graduates for employment within the health, fitness, sport and recreation sectors; ecotourism and outdoor leadership; or for further education in graduate or professional programs - including teaching, physiotherapy, medicine, chiropractic, pharmacy and dentistry. The degree includes a General Education component to ensure breadth of study within four majors:

• Athletic Therapy (AT)
• Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership (EL)
• Physical Literacy (PL)
• Sport and Recreation Management (SR)

Athletic Therapy	Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership	Physical Literacy	Sport and Recreation Management
Graduates will be prepared to contribute to Canada's healthcare system as Athletic Therapists in a variety of sports medicine, professional and private settings. Career Examples: Athletic Therapist. Graduates may also pursue careers or subsequent studies in physiotherapy, medicine, dentistry or kinesiology.	Graduates will have skills and knowledge in tourism, business, socio-cultural heritage and outdoor leadership that will allow them to contribute to the tourism and outdoor recreation sectors. Career Examples: Wilderness guide, consultant, parks employee, tourism professional, teacher, outdoor facility manager or adventure therapists.	Graduates will have the skills and knowledge to connect physical activity and healthy lifestyles through educating, facilitating and promoting at the community and recreation levels. Career Examples: Teacher, recreation programmer, coach, fitness trainer/director or health educator.	Graduates will have skills and knowledge in recreation programming, community development, and management of sport, recreation and athletic facilities. Career Examples: Recreation facility manager, fitness director, community development facilitator, sport and recreation marketing, professional or sports consultant.

 

This BHPE degree allows students to earn an undergraduate degree from Mount Royal and have the option to continue their studies in a graduate or professional school.

To apply for Mount Royal University BHPE program, visit Admission.

The Bachelor of Health and Physical Education degree begins in the Fall Semester (September). Applications open on October 1 for the following year.

Visit Admission to read more about Mount Royal admission requirements and to apply online.

The BHPE degree requires the following specific course requirements:

English Language Arts 30-1: 60%
Mathematics 30-1 or 30-2: 50%
Biology 30: 50%

Visit Admission to read more about Mount Royal admission requirements and to apply online.

Yes. As a member of the Universities Canada (UC), Mount Royal degrees are recognized by all universities in Canada. In addition, the BHPE has been developed to align each major with similar programs across the country.

Specifically, the majors in Athletic Therapy and Physical Literacy meet the accreditation requirements of the Canadian Council of Undergraduate Physical Education & Kinesiology Administrators (CCUPEKA). The Athletic Therapy major meets the CCUPEKA Kinesiology standards, while the Physical Literacy major meets the CCUPEKA Physical Education standards. The CCUPEKA standards enable graduates to pursue graduate studies in the kinesiology and physical education domains.

The majors in Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership and Sport and Recreation Management have been developed in consultation with the other Canadian universities providing degrees in these areas to ensure graduates have the same opportunities for graduate or professional school as other equivalent programs.

Learn more about the BHPE degree and admission criteria at Admission.

Yes. You may apply to one of the four majors in your initial application.

The four majors are:

• Athletic Therapy
• Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership
• Physical Literacy
• Sport and Recreation Management

The cost of tuition, fees, books and supplies can be found on the Money Matters section of our website.

Yes. A variety of student awards and financial aid opportunities are available to students who qualify.

Yes, living in residence at Mount Royal is a convenient way to get the most out of your post-secondary education. Units are fully furnished and situated minutes away from a wide range of Mount Royal facilities and services. New students are guaranteed a room in residence if you apply and pay your application fee and security deposit by the appropriate deadline.