Physical & Health Education
Undergraduate Program Overview
All Students
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Inspire Movement. Promote Health. Build Stronger Communities.
Nipissing University’s Bachelor of Physical & Health Education (BPHE) program is designed for students who are passionate about physical activity, health promotion, and inspiring others. With a multidisciplinary curriculum, personalized learning, and real-world experiences, this program empowers future educators, health professionals, and community leaders to make a meaningful impact in schools, organizations, and communities.
Program Highlights
Through a dynamic mix of classroom and experiential learning, students in the BPHE program explore:
- Human Movement Science: Gain scientific and theoretical knowledge in human movement and health.
- Holistic Health Perspectives: Explore mental, physical, and emotional health through the lens of education and community well-being.
- Instructional Strategies: Develop instructional strategies for diverse learners and settings.
- Health Assessment: Learn to assess individual and community health needs.
- Leadership & Communication: Build leadership and communication skills for careers in education, sport, and wellness.
The program offers students an opportunity to meet the requirements for registration in the College of Kinesiology of Ontario.
Community Leadership Placement
The Community Leadership Placement is a non-paid work experience in an approved community setting that complements course work, previous experience, and future goals.
- Provides hands-on learning through real-world community engagement
- Connects students with local organizations and current community issues
- Develops leadership, professional, and transferable skills
- Creates mutually beneficial partnerships between students and organizations
- Inspires students to become active community members and future leaders
Resources
Program Related
Why Nipissing's Physical & Health Education Program?
Balanced, Experiential Curriculum
Learn through a mix of lectures, labs, seminars, physical activity courses, research opportunities, individual study, and community placements, with learning taking place both on and off campus.
Outdoor and Physical Education Classrooms
Build real-world skills alongside theory. Take applied physical activity courses each term, including options like basketball, hiking soccer, gymnastics, yoga, canoeing, cross-country skiing, dance, and more.
Community Leadership Placements
Gain hands-on experience in your third and fourth year with placements in schools, hospitals, clinics, sports teams, and rehabilitation centres while building lasting community connections.
Flexible Career Pathways
Tailor your degree toward teaching and coaching or toward becoming a health and exercise professional, including pathways into kinesiology and allied health fields like physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Learn and train in fully equipped labs, gymnasiums, and athletic spaces designed to support hands-on, active learning.
Supportive Learning Environment
Benefit from small class sizes and close mentorship from expert faculty in health, education, and kinesiology.
Pathway to Teaching
Seamlessly transition into Nipissing’s highly respected Bachelor of Education (BEd) program after graduation.
Admission Requirements
To qualify for admission, students must meet the General Admission Requirements, plus program specific prerequisites.
General Admission Requirements include:
Ontario Secondary School Diploma including six 4U/4M courses
Future Careers
A Physical & Health Education degree from Nipissing University prepares graduates to lead and inspire across health, wellness, education, and community settings. Graduates may pursue roles in the list below with further accreditations and certificates:
Education & Teaching Pathways
Physical and health educators (with additional teacher certification), or school health program coordinators.
Health & Wellness Services
Health and wellness consultants, public health educators, occupational or physiotherapy assistants.
Sport & Performance Settings
Strength and conditioning coaches, athletic trainers, sports coaches.
Community & Recreation Leadership
Recreation coordinators, community health coordinators, fitness or wellness program leaders.
Policy & Public Health
Public health educators and administrators, policy advisors, or community health planners.
Real People, Real Impact
What I enjoyed most was the opportunity to speak with professors and ask questions in a supportive learning environment. I also valued the applied components of the program, which allowed me to gain hands-on experience and apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.
Cameron B.
Class of 2017
I loved learning in a tight-knit, supportive environment between students and educators. The classes were engaging and helped prepare me for future learning and career aspirations.
Max S.
Class of 2023 (Honours Bachelor of Physical and Health Education, Minor in History)
Program Requirements
How the Common Degree Structure Works
At Nipissing, you can choose a minor, major, specialization, or honours specialization—each offering a different level of focus and flexibility to match your goals.
Check out this breakdown of the Common Degree Structure to see how you can make your interests fit your degree.
Program Options & Course Requirements
Find required courses for each type of specialization using this link.
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Notes:
This program does not follow the same degree format as the majority of other programs. This program you can either graduate with an Honours degree or a degree without Honours.
Disclaimer:
While every effort is made to ensure accuracy on this site, in the event of a discrepancy, Nipissing’s Academic Calendar is the official reference.