Physical Education and Coaching (Bachelor)
Domestic applications
Fall 2025: Apply Now! Deadline May 1
Winter 2026: Apply Now! Deadline Oct 1
International applications
Please visit the International Application Deadline page to find out when applications may be available.
Overview
Prepare to become a kinesiologist, physical education teacher, physiotherapist, occupational therapist or sport, health or wellness professional with the Bachelor of Physical Education and Coaching.
You’ll take a breadth of courses in the areas of teaching and coaching (e.g., leadership and pedagogy), human performance (e.g., biomechanics, anatomy and physiology), social sciences and humanities (e.g., psychology, sociology and philosophy) and more. You can also choose a concentration in kinesiology or health promotion.
Students pursing the Bachelor of Physical Education with a Kinesiology Concentration are also eligible to apply to the BC Association of Kinesiologists to become practicing Kinesiologist.
Continue your education
With appropriate course selection, Bachelor of Physical Education and Coaching graduates are eligible to apply to a variety of professional programs including, but not limited to, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and teacher education.
Work experience while you study
Get hands-on experience in the field with our BPEC fieldwork program and be paired with a mentor in the community.
You also can earn money and get relevant work experience before you graduate with the optional Co-operative Education Program.
Expand your coaching education
As part of your degree, you'll have the opportunity to complete the following coaching education:
- NCCP Competition Introduction - Trained Status
- NCCP Competition Development - Trained Status (Selected Modules)
Admissions Requirements
I. ACADEMIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
For Second Year Entry
- A minimum GPA of 2.33 in all completed courses
- A minimum of 24 university transfer credits completed or currently enrolled at the time of application.
For Third Year Entry
- Completion of a minimum 54 undergraduate credits with a minimum GPA of 2.33
- Completed and/or enrolled courses must include:
II. NON-ACADEMIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
All Applicants:
- Submission of two references
- Criminal Record Check (upon offer of admission)
III. NOTES ON ADMISSIONS:
- Admission to the BPEC program is contingent upon:
- Availability of seats
- Applicant ranking in the selective admission process.
- Second Year Entry applicants are ranked based on a combination of the following:
- Two References
- Cumulative GPA
- BIOL 1209 or 1203 or equivalent status (Students who have completed or are enrolled in BIOL 1209, 1203, or equivalent at the time of application score higher than non-enrolled students)
- Third Year entry applicants are ranked based on a combination of the following:
- Two References
- Cumulative GPA
- Applicants are ranked according to their total score. Applicants with the same score will be offered seats based on their date of application.
Cost
Calculate your tuition and see the approximate cost of taking your program at Douglas College with the tuition & fee estimator. See costs broken down into categories including tuition fees, textbooks, student activity fees, U-Pass and more.
For more information, refer to the tuition fee charts.
Program Requirements
Graduation Requirements
- Successful completion of a minimum of 128 credits
- A minimum of 45 credits must be at the 3000-4000 level
- 40% (52) credits of all coursework must be completed at Douglas College
- A minimum program GPA of 2.00
- Time limit to complete program graduation requirements: ten (10) years
- Non-Academic Graduation Requirements (see note below):
- NCCP Competition/Introduction A and B
- NCCP Competition Development
- High Five - Principles of Health Childhood Development Certification
- Active First Aid CPR (B or C) Certificate
- As an option, students in this program can graduate with a Concentration in Kinesiology and/or Health Promotion (see optional concentration information below the main course requirements); concentrations are noted on a student's transcript.
Notes on Non-Academic Graduation Requirements:
- Specific instructions on how to complete theserequirements will be provided to students once they are admitted into the BPEC program.
- The "NCCP Competition/Introduction A and B" and "NCCP Competition Development" requirements are embedded within required course work.
- The "Active First Aid CPR (B or C) Certificate" requirement must be obtained, and maintained, by the student on their own.
Additional Graduation Requirements for the Co-operative Education Option:
- Successful completion of 3 Co-Operative work terms (27 credits)
- Students completing the Co-operative Education option will graduate with 155 credits and may require an additional term of study
- A minimum of 40% (62 credits) of all coursework must be completed at Douglas College
- Can be undertaken only after completion of a minimum of two semesters, 18 credits
- Cannot be taken in the last semester of the program
Course Requirements:
|
Course Number |
Course Title |
Credits |
|
Human Anatomy and Physiology I |
3.00 |
|
|
BIOL 1203 or 1209 |
Human Anatomy and Physiology II |
3.00 |
|
Academic Writing |
3.00 |
|
|
University Transfer (UT) English course (see note 1) |
Any University Transferable English course, except ENGL 1099, ENGL 1130, and ENGL 1200 |
3.00 |
|
UT Lab Science Elective (see note 1) |
A UT lab science course |
3.00 |
|
UT Math elective (see notes 1 and 2) |
A UT MATH course |
3.00 |
|
Sport Ethics |
3.00 |
|
|
Conditioning for Sport and Physical Activity |
3.00 |
|
|
Introduction to the Study of Sport and Leisure in Society |
3.00 |
|
|
Biomechanics |
3.00 |
|
|
Dynamics of Motor Skill Acquisition |
3.00 |
|
|
Topics in Human Nutrition |
3.00 |
|
|
Physical Growth and Motor Development |
3.00 |
|
|
Applied Methods - Movement Education |
3.00 |
|
|
Select one from the following courses: |
||
|
Applied Methods: Dance in Schools and Communities |
3.00 |
|
|
Applied Methods: Individual Activities & Games |
3.00 |
|
|
Select one from the following courses: |
||
|
Summer Outdoor & Alternative Environment Physical Education |
3.00 |
|
|
Winter Outdoor & Alternative Environment Physical Education |
3.00 |
|
| Complete all of the courses below: | ||
|
Applied Methods: Game-Centred Approaches |
3.00 |
|
|
Fieldwork I |
1.50 |
|
|
Socio-cultural Aspects of Sport, Health, and the Body |
3.00 |
|
|
Foundations in Physical Education, Recreation, & Coaching |
3.00 |
|
|
Portfolio Introduction |
1.00 |
|
|
Sport and Exercise Psychology |
3.00 |
|
|
Physiology of Exercise and Training |
3.00 |
|
|
Fieldwork II |
3.00 |
|
|
Inclusive Physical Activity |
3.00 |
|
|
Fieldwork III |
1.50 |
|
|
Leadership in Sport, Physical Education and Coaching |
3.00 |
|
|
Athletic Injury Assessment and Management |
3.00 |
|
|
Games Approach to Teaching and Coaching Sport |
3.00 |
|
|
Fieldwork IV |
1.50 |
|
|
Physical Education and Coaching Methods |
3.00 |
|
|
Portfolio Exit |
1.00 |
|
|
Advanced Sport and Exercise Psychology |
3.00 |
|
|
Curriculum and Planning Issues in Physical |
3.00 |
|
|
University Transfer (UT) Electives (see notes 3 and 4) |
12 UT credits |
12.00 |
|
Upper Level UT Electives (see notes 3 and 4) |
15 Upper Level credits |
15.00 |
|
Upper Level SPSC Electives |
Nine Upper Level SPSC credits |
9.00 |
|
Total Credits |
128.00 |
|
|
Co-Operative Education Option (see note 5) |
||
|
Cooperative Education |
9.00 |
|
|
Cooperative Education |
9.00 |
|
|
Cooperative Education |
9.00 |
|
|
Total Credits with Cooperative Education Option |
155.00 |
|
NOTES:
1. A University Transferable course is a course that transfers to one of the Research Universities - SFU, UBC (UBCV or UBCO), UNBC, or UVIC in the BC Transfer Guide.
2. MATH 1191 is recommended for future elementary teachers and MATH 1234 is recommended for future Secondary teachers.
3. For these electives, a maximum of two SPSC courses can be used.
4. Students can opt to use these credits towards Concentrations in Kinesiology and/or Health Promotion. Please see the concentration information below.
5. Bachelor of Physical Education and Coaching (BPEC) students can complete co-operative educational credits as part of their studies. Students will graduate with a special designation on their degree that indicates they have completed co-operative studies as part of the BPEC - plus gain paid work experience in the field. Note: Co-op courses are not substitutable for any academic credit courses or other degree requirements. Co-op placements related to the BPEC degree vary greatly. Students can find opportunities in:
- Recreation centres
- Summer camps
- Fitness centres
- Physiotherapy and kinesiology clinics
- Outdoor centres
- Coaching environments
- Non-profit organizations related to sport and physical activity
Students can apply to Co-Op after they have completed their first semester of study in the BPEC Program. Planning for a co-op placement in the summer semester starts in January of that year. For more info about the application process, see Co-operative Education.
Optional Concentrations for the Bachelor of Physical Education & Coaching (BPEC)
- Students in the Bachelor of Physical Education & Coaching Program who take the required courses in the tables below can apply to graduate with a Concentration in Kinesiology and/or Health Promotion.
- A Concentration is noted on the transcript, but not printed on the Credential.
Kinesiology (Concentration)
- Successful completion of a minimum of 12 upper level credits (from the table below).
Course Requirements:
|
Select 12 credits from the list below: |
|
|
|
Integrated Movement Analysis |
3.00 |
|
|
Research Methods in Sport Science, Physical Education, and Recreation |
3.00 |
|
|
Advanced Exercise Physiology |
3.00 |
|
|
Fitness Assessment and Prescription |
3.00 |
|
|
Sport Science Applied Research |
3.00 |
|
|
Additional upper-level kinesiology related course approved by the department. |
Any 3000-4000 level kinesiology related SPSC course |
3.00-5.00 credits (see note) |
|
TOTAL |
12.00 |
|
NOTE: Students who choose a 5-credit kinesiology-related may complete this concentration with more than 12 credits.
Health Promotion (Concentration)
- Successful completion of a minimum of 15 upper level credits (from the table below).
Course Requirements:
|
Select two from the following courses: |
||
|
Health Promotion |
3.00 |
|
|
Fitness Assessment & Prescription |
3.00 |
|
|
Sport Science Applied Research |
3.00 |
|
|
Directed Study in Sport Science |
3.00 |
|
|
Select an additional two courses from the following: |
||
|
Intro to the Admin of Leisure & Sport Services |
3.00 |
|
|
Contemporary Health Issues |
3.00 |
|
|
Behaviour in Organizations |
3.00 |
|
|
Fitness Assessment & Prescription |
3.00 |
|
|
Sport Science Applied Research |
3.00 |
|
|
Directed Study in Sport Science |
3.00 |
|
|
Choose one from the following (see note): |
||
|
Behaviour in Organizations |
3.00 |
|
|
Sociology of Health and Illness |
3.00 |
|
|
Aging as a Social Process |
3.00 |
|
|
Non-Profit Marketing |
3.00 |
|
|
Promotional Strategy |
3.00 |
|
|
Health Psychology |
3.00 |
|
|
Cultural Psychology |
3.00 |
|
|
Counseling Skills Fundamentals |
3.00 |
|
|
Health Promotion course |
Any additional upper-level health promotion-related course approved by dept. |
3.00 |
|
|
TOTAL |
15.00 |
NOTE: Students will need to take special note of required pre-requisites to ensure they are able to register in the required courses. This information can be found on the Douglas College Course Catalogue website.
Program Guidelines
Program Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this program and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the program, consider the previous version as the applicable version.
FAQs
Based in Douglas College's Department of Sport Science, the Bachelor of Physical Education and Coaching degree focuses on applied knowledge, skills, and cutting-edge practices in the following content areas:
- Sport and Exercise Psychology
- Physical Education and Coaching Methods
- Socio-cultural Issues in Sport, Health, and Wellness
- Curriculum and Planning Issues in P.E.
- Leadership in Teaching and Coaching
- Sport and Leisure Administration
- Adapted Physical Activity
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Biomechanics
- Nutrition
- Sport and Fitness Conditioning
- Motor-Skill Development
The Bachelor of Physical Education and Coaching program also offers students practical, on-the-job experience through a Fieldwork Program. Starting in their first semester, students will work alongside professionals in the field to gain practical knowledge and experience. Please contact the Sport Science Department for more info on Fieldwork placements.
Fieldwork provides student with an opportunity to tie theory from the classroom into practice at a workplace. Students will take four fieldwork courses as part of their degree (SPSC 2101, SPSC 3101, SPSC 3201, SPSC 4101), each requiring 25 hours in a work/field placement, and classroom seminars supervised by the Fieldwork Faculty Supervisor. For more information on see the Fieldwork, please visit the (student info) page.
Portfolio provides students with an opportunity to reflect on their educational pathway and prepare themselves for their professional pathway. Students will take two Portfolio courses in their degree (SPSC 2211, SPSC 4211). In these courses, students will develop the necessary skills to enable them to successfully collect and showcase evidence that is representative of their educational and professional experience while at Douglas College.
You will earn a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education and Coaching. This is comparable to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Human Kinetics, or Recreation, Physical and Health Education. The BPEC ladders well into various graduate and professional programs, including teacher education programs. It also builds the foundation for those wanting to apply to become a practicing Kinesiologist with the British Columbia Association of Kinesiologists.
Please see the Faculty page for details on BPEC instructors and staff.
Students who meet the admissions criteria apply via the EducationPlanner. Additional information can be found on the Apply to Douglas page.
More Information
Special academic requirements
To maintain status in the Bachelor of Physical Education and Coaching, students must meet the following criteria:
- maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00; and
- achieve a minimum grade of “P” in all registered academic courses; and
- must register in a minimum of 24 credits F/T or 9 credits P/T annually; and
- Full-Time students must achieve a Mastery (MAS) grade in a minimum of 2.5 fieldwork/portfolio credits per academic year or Part-Time students must achieve a Mastery (MAS) grade in a minimum of 1 fieldwork/portfolio credit per academic year; and
- successful completion of BIOL 1209 or 1203 or equivalent for 3rd year students
NOTE: if any of the above criteria are not met, students may be placed on BPEC program probation for 1 year. Failure of a subsequent course OR non-enrollment in a fieldwork/portfolio course OR a cumulative GPA below 2.00 during the probationary period may result in removal from the Bachelor of Physical Education and Coaching program. Students removed from the BPEC program can re-apply after one year.
Tuition deposit
When offered a full-time seat in this program a non-refundable, non-transferable $350 tuition deposit is required.
Career Pathways
Career opportunities include:
- Kinesiologist
- Physical Education Teacher
- Physiotherapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Athletic Therapist
- Athletic Administrator
- Certified Personal Trainer
- Community/Provincial/National Level Coach
- Exercise Physiologist
- Community Recreation Coordinator
- Recreation Programmer
- Physical Health & Fitness Consultant
- Strength & Conditioning Coach
- Outdoor Educator
- Health Promotion Coordinator
- Student Wellness Coordinator
- Sport and Fitness Program Leader