2 years at RDC

Kinesiology is the study of the science of movement. The RDC Kinesiology and Sport Studies program offers 2-year diploma specializations in the following areas:

• Kinesiology and Sport Studies General
• Kinesiology and Sport Studies Adapted Physical Education  *SUSPENDED*
• Kinesiology and Sport Studies Fitness and Health Promotion

The diploma programs allow you to acquire knowledge and experience in either Adapted Physical Education, Fitness and Health Promotion, or take the General Diploma pattern of courses. After completing the 2-year Diploma Program, you may transfer to a university to complete a 4-year Bachelor's Degree program.

The objective of the diploma program is to educate and prepare qualified leaders in the field of Kinesiology and Sport Studies who are prepared for employment in related fields and agencies in the private and public sectors.

Note: The Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation at the University of Alberta dedicates entrance into the Bachelor of Kinesiology program for 30 students transferring from the RDC Bachelor of Kinesiology Transfer program who have between 45 and 60 transferable credits and a minimum GPA of 3.0 based on the most recent minimum 24 transferable credits.  Possession of the minimum average does not guarantee admission to the program and admission may be competitive based on applications. 

Related Link: Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admissions page for detailed group descriptions.

Minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in:

1. English 30-1
2. Subject from Group C (Biology 30 highly recommended)

Note: Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency in addition to the program admission requirements.

Note: After completing your diploma and if you are applying to transfer to the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary, you must present ELA 30-1, Biology 30, Mathematics 30-1 and Chemistry 30 for admission. For the U of C - Exercise and Health Physiology Major - Math 30-1 (minimum grade of 70%) is required. Math 31 is recommended. For the U of C - Biomechanics Major - Mathematics 30-1 (minimum grade of 70%) and Math 31 are required; Physics 30 is recommended.

Note: If you are applying to the University of Alberta Bachelor of Science Kinesiology (BScKin), admission to this program requires the following high school subject requirements ELA 30-1, Chemistry 30, Mathematics 30-1, Physics 30, and one of Biology 30 or Physical Education 30 (5 credits) or approved 35 level equivalent (5 credit), including Exercise Science 35, Sports Medicine 35, or Sport Performance 35.

Note: Admission requirements are under review. Applicants are advised that the following will be required for admission to Fall, 2020:  Minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in:

1. English Language Arts 30-1
2. Biology 30
3. Subject from Group A or C
4. Subject from Group A or C
5. Subject from Group B, C, or Physical Education 30 (5 credit), or Recreation Leadership (REC) Advanced Level-Career and Technology. 

*Mathematics 30-2 is acceptable for admission as a Group C subject, however only one of Mathematics 30-1 and Mathematics 30-2 may be used for admission purposes.

*Only one Language other than English is accepted for admission.

Note: Students with Study Permits that are admitted to a program that has a practicum or clinical placement in childcare, primary/secondary school teaching or health service field occupations must complete their Medical Authorization as required by Citizenship and Immigration Canada one month prior to the start of classes.

You must complete all courses with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 with no grade less than D in any course to receive the Kinesiology and Sport Studies Diploma.

Diploma - Kinesiology and Sports Studies - General

This program is designed for students who wish to (1) complete the General Diploma or (2) continue on to complete a four year Bachelor's Degree. The General Diploma is the University of Alberta and University of Calgary Transfer Programs pattern of courses.

General Diploma (transfer to Bachelor of Kinesiology Degree at the University of Alberta)

Year 1:

• KNSS 200 Structural Anatomy
• KNSS 201 Biomechanics
• KNSS 204 Sociocultural Foundations of P.E. Leisure & Sport
• KNSS 214 Introduction to Personal Physical Fitness (U of A transfer)
• KNSS 240 Adapted Physical Education
• KNSS 270 Leadership & Instruction in Physical Activity
• KDNC 200 The Spectrum of Dance in Society
• ENGL 219/ENGL 220 Essay Composition and Critical Reading/Literary Analysis
• One Physical Activity Course - KPAC/KDNC

Year 2:

• PSIO 258 Elementary Physiology I
• PSIO 259 Elementary Physiology II
• KNSS 202 Physiology of Exercise
• KNSS 203 Skill Acquisition & Performance
• KNSS 205 History of Sport
• KNSS 250 Intro to the Admin of Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Programs
• One Physical Activity Course -KPAC/KDNC

Two of:

• KNSS 209 Measurement and Evaluation
• KNSS 244 Introduction to Nutrition
• KNSS 253 Psychological Sport Performance
• KNSS 307 Growth and Development
• PSYC 260 Basic Psychological Processes

One of:

• KNSS 220 Introduction to Athletic Therapy
• KNSS 260 Introduction to Coaching Theory
• KNSS 280 Introduction to Outdoor Education*
• KNSS 299 Directed Studies in Kinesiology and Sport Studies
• INTD 240 Integrated Arts Approach to Movement

* Participation in KNSS 280 requires that all students complete and return a participant information package in early August. If you do not receive an information package by the end of July, please contact the Kinesiology Department at 403-342-3201. KNSS 280 includes a one week camp during the fourth week in August.

General Diploma (transfer to Bachelor of Kinesiology Degree at the University of Calgary)

Year 1:

• KNSS 200 Structural Anatomy
• KNSS 201 Biomechanics
• KNSS 204 Sociocultural Foundations of P.E. Leisure & Sport
• KNSS 210 Personal Fitness and Wellness
• KNSS 240 Adapted Physical Education
• KNSS 270 Leadership & Instruction in Physical Activity
• KDNC 200 The Spectrum of Dance in Society
• Two Approved Options
• Two Physical Activity Courses - KPAC/KDNC or KNSS 280*

Year 2:

• PSIO 258 Elementary Physiology I
• PSIO 259 Elementary Physiology II
• KNSS 205 History of Sport
• KNSS 209 Measurement and Evaluation
• KNSS 244 Introduction to Nutrition
• KNSS 307 Growth and Development
• BIOL 217 Introduction to Cell Biology
• Two Physical Activity Courses - KPAC/KDNC or KNSS 280*

Two of:

• One Approved Option
• KNSS 203 Skill Acquisition & Performance
• KNSS 220 Introduction to Athletic Therapy
• KNSS 250 Intro to the Admin of Sport, Physical Activity, and Recreation Programs
• KNSS 253 Psychological Sport Performance
• KNSS 260 Introduction to Coaching Theory
• KNSS 299 Directed Studies in Kinesiology and Sport Studies
• INTD 240 Integrated Arts Approach to Movement

Note: Students should plan to take KNSS 200, PSIO 258, PSIO 259, and BIOL 217 at RDC before transferring to U of C.

Approved options should be selected after consultation with an Academic Advisor and considering the major you will choose upon transferring.

General Major Approved Options are: English 219 and/or PSYC 260.

Students interested in pursuing the Leadership in Pedagogy and Coaching Major at the U of C should discuss, with an academic advisor, requirements for admission to this program at U of C prior to commencement of their RDC Kinesiology program.

* Participation in KNSS 280 requires that all students complete and return a participant information package in early August. If you do not receive an information package by the end of July, please contact the Kinesiology Department at 403-342-3201. KNSS 280 includes a one week camp during the fourth week in August.

Diploma - Kinesiology and Sport Studies - Adapted Physical Education  *SUSPENDED*

The Adapted Physical Education Program is designed for students who wish to (1) complete a diploma with a focus in adapted physical education (2) pursue the university transferable program of studies in the area of Kinesiology and Sport Studies or the University of Calgary Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation Program.

The 2-year Adapted Physical Education program is designed so that the students will acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes in preparation for a career in the area of adapted physical education program development and delivery.

Course Selection

Year 1:

• KNSS 200 Structural Anatomy
• KNSS 201 Biomechanics
• KNSS 204 Sociocultural Foundations of PE Leisure and Sport
• KNSS 214 Introduction to Personal Physical Fitness (U of A transfer)
• KNSS 240 Adapted Physical Education
• KNSS 270 Leadership and Instruction in Physical Activity
• KDNC 200 The Spectrum of Dance in Society
• KNSS 307 Human Growth & Development
• One Physical Activity Course - KPAC/KDNC
• Approved Option (ENGL 219 or PSYC 260 recommended)

Year 2:

• PSIO 258 Elementary Physiology I
• PSIO 259 Elementary Physiology II
• KNSS 250 Intro to the Admin of Sport, Physical Activity, and Recreation Programs
• KNSS 299 Directed Studies in Kinesiology and Sport Studies
• INTD 240 Integrated Arts Approach to Adapted Physical Education
• KNSS 306 Values and Ethics in Adapted Physical Education
• KNSS 285 Physical Activity & Aging
• KNSS 340 Pedagogies in Adapted Human Movement
• Two Approved Options: (Recommended: BIOL 217 (U of C transfer), KNSS 202, KNSS 205, KNSS 209, KNSS 260, KNSS 244, KNSS 253, 2-KPAC/KDNC's, PSYCH 260, ENGL 219, ENGL 220)

The diploma program requires the completion of the above listed courses or acceptable replacement courses.

Note: Acceptance into the Adapted Physical Education Diploma Program is limited by quota based on a minimum GPA of 2.0, Directed Study placement availability, an interview and completion of the following additional requirements:

• Standard First Aid, CPR-HCP & AED certification (or equivalent). Proof of completion of the additional requirements must be provided prior to the start of year 2.

Students normally apply to this diploma program starting December 1 of their first year of studies in the Kinesiology and Sport Studies Program.

Diploma - Kinesiology and Sport Studies - Fitness and Health Promotion

This Diploma Program is designed for students who wish to (1) complete a diploma with a focus on Fitness and Health Promotion or (2) pursue the university transferable program of studies in the area of Kinesiology and Sport Studies.

The 2-year Fitness and Health Promotion Program is designed so that the students will acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes required to plan and instruct fitness classes, perform a variety of fitness testing protocols, counsel individuals and groups regarding fitness programs and establish and operate fitness programs in industry, clubs and communities.

Course Selection

Year 1:

• KNSS 200 Structural Anatomy
• KNSS 201 Biomechanics
• KNSS 204 Sociocultural Foundations of PE Leisure & Sport
• KNSS 214 Introduction to Personal Physical Fitness (U of A transfer)
• KNSS 240 Adapted Physical Education
• KNSS 270 Leadership & Instruction in Physical Activity
• KDNC 200 The Spectrum of Dance in Society
• Approved Option
• Approved Option
• KPAC 290 Metabolic Conditioning

Year 2:

• PSIO 258 Elementary Physiology I
• PSIO 259 Elementary Physiology II
• KNSS 202 Physiology of Exercise (U of A transfer only)
• KNSS 209 Measurement and Evaluation
• KNSS 244 Introduction to Nutrition
• KNSS 250 Intro to the Admin of Sport, Physical Activity, and Recreation Programs
• KNSS 299 Directed Study
• KPAC 321 Applied Resistance Training

Two of:

• KNSS 203 Skill Acquisition and Performance
• KNSS 205 History of Sport
• KNSS 220 Athletic Therapy of KNSS 280* Outdoor Education
• KNSS 253 Psychological Sport Performance
• KNSS 307 Growth and Development
• BIOL 217 Intro to Cell Biology (required for U of C transfer students)
• PSYC 260 Basic Psychological Processes
• One Physical Activity Course - KPAC/KDNC
• BADM 132 Introduction to Marketing (No Uof C transfer)
• BUS 201 Introduction to Business

* KNSS 280 includes a four day camp scheduled during the fourth week in August. Students are required to complete and return a participant information package prior to attending. Contact the Kinesiology Department for further information or if you do not receive the participant information package by the end of July.

The diploma program requires the completion of the above listed courses or acceptable replacement courses. The Fitness and Health Promotion Diploma Program also requires the following certifications:

• AFLCA - Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification Association certification in one of the four specialties: Older Population, Aerobic, Aquatic, Resistance Training (AFLCA Certification includes CPR) OR the NCCP Level 1 Weightlifting - Instructional Stream.
• AFLCA group exercise OR the NCCP Level I Weightlifting - Instructional Stream
• Athletic First Aid (Standard First Aid accepted) and CPR Level B or C
• CSEP-CPT (Certified Personal Trainer) - Students are able to write the CSEP-CPT national certification examination upon completion of their Fitness & Health Promotion Diploma coursework.

These certifications are available through the Kevin Sirois Fitness and Resource Centre at RDC at a cost of approximately $60-$150 per certification.

Acceptance into the Fitness and Health Promotion Diploma Program is limited by quota based on a minimum GPA of 2.0, Directed Study placement availability and an interview.

Students normally apply to this diploma program starting December 1 of their first year of studies in the Kinesiology and Sport Studies Program.