Program

Physical Education and Coaching (Bachelor)


Domestic Application Deadlines

Winter Deadline: October 1

Fall Deadline: May 1


How can i apply?

Students who meet the admissions criteria apply via the EducationPlanner. Additional information can be found on the Apply to Douglas page. 

Campus
Coquitlam
New Westminster
Learning Format
Full-time
Part-time
Offered
Fall
Winter

Overview

Prepare to become a 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 (leadership and pedagogy), human performance (biomechanics, anatomy and physiology), social sciences and humanities (psychology, sociology and philosophy) and more. You can also choose a concentration in kinesiology or health promotion.

Students pursing the Bachelor of Physical Education Kinesiology Concentration are also eligible to apply to the 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 teaching 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 complete the following coaching education:

  • NCCP Competition Introduction - Trained Status
  • NCCP Competition Development - Trained Status (6 Modules)
  • High Five - Principles of Healthy Childhood Development

Admissions Requirements

2nd Year BPEC Admission Requirements

Admission to year two of the BPEC program is contingent upon:

1. Availability of seats; and
2. 24 university transfer credits completed or currently enrolled at the time of application 
    Completed and/or currently enrolled courses must include:
    2.1. Minimum of 9 Sport Science or equivalent credits; and
    2.2. BIOL 1109 or BIOL 1103 or equivalent; and
    2.3. 3 credits of university transfer English; and
3. Foundations of Math 11 with a minimum grade of "C", Pre-Calculus 11 with a minimum grade of "C", or approved equivalent; and
4. A minimum GPA of 2.33 for completed courses; and
5. Submission of two personal references; and
6. Student ranking in the preferential admission process. Students are ranked based on a combination of the following:
    6.1. The two personal admissions reference letters from coaches, PE teachers or community leaders verifying physical education, sport or work experience and character reference; and
    6.2. Cumulative GPA; and
    6.3. 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; and
    6.4. Applicants with the same total score will be offered seats based on their date of application.
7. Upon offer of admission to the program, successful completion of a Ministry of Justice Criminal Record Check is required.

3rd Year BPEC Admission Requirements

The Sport Science department uses a preferential admissions procedure for entry into the BPEC program. Admission to year three of the BPEC program is contingent upon:
1.  Availability of seats; and
2.  Completion of a minimum 54 undergraduate credits with a minimum GPA of 2.33; and
3.  Completed and/or enrolled courses must include:
    3.1. Minimum of 21 Sport Science or equivalent credits, including SPSC 1103, SPSC 1105, SPSC 1164, SPSC 1195, SPSC 2205, SPSC 2275 or equivalents; and
    3.2. BIOL 1109 or BIOL 1103 or equivalent; and
    3.3. BIOL 1209 or BIOL 1203 or equivalent; and
    3.4. 3 credits of university transfer English; and
    3.5. 3 credits of university transfer Math; and
4. Submission of two personal references; and
5. Upon offer of admission to the program, successful completion of a Ministry of Justice Criminal Record Check; and
6. The preferential admission process will assign scores to the following admission criteria:
    6.1. The two admission reference letters from coaches, PE teachers or community leaders verifying physical education, sport or work experience and character reference; and
    6.2. Cumulative GPA; and
7. Following this review applicants are then ranked according to their total score. Applicants with the same total score will be offered seats based on their date of application.

 

Cost

You can get an average cost for your program - tuition and student fees, books, uniforms, lab fees etc - on the Program Cost page. 

Only programs approved for student loan funding are listed on the Program Cost page. For all other programs, refer to the Tuition Fee page.

Program Requirements

Curriculum Framework

Graduation Requirements for Students Completing By Summer 2023:

  • Successful completion of a minimum of 128 credits
  • A minimum of forty five (45) credits must be at the 3000-4000 level
  • Time limit to complete program graduation requirements: ten (10) years

Graduation Requirements for Students Completing After Summer 2023:

  • Successful completion of a minimum of 128 credits
  • A minimum of forty five (45) credits must be at the 3000-4000 level
  • 40% (51.2) credits of all coursework must be completed at Douglas College
  • A minimum program GPA 2.00
  • Time limit to complete program graduation requirements: ten (10) years

Graduation Requirements:

Foundation & breadth

ENGL
(6 credits)

MATH
(3 credits)

SCIENCE
(9 credits)

Electives (12 credits)

ENGL 1130 (3)
+ English Literature course (3)

MATH (3) (1)

BIOL 1109 or BIOL 1103 (3) or equivalent

6 credits from any discipline except SPSC

   

+
BIOL 1209 or BIOL 1203 (3) or equivalent

+
6 credits from any discipline

   

+
Lab Science (3)

 

Focus (1000/2000 Level)

SPSC core (30 credits)

SPSC applied methods (12 credits)

SPSC 1103 (3)

SPSC 1105 (3)

SPSC 1151 (3)

SPSC 1164 (3)

SPSC 1192 (3)

SPSC 1195 (3)

SPSC 2205 (3)

SPSC 2210 (3)

SPSC 2231 (3)

SPSC 2275 (3)

Minimum of 3 credits in each of the following SPSC applied method course areas:

  1. Game-centred approaches
  2. Movement education
  3. Alternative environment or outdoor education, and
  4. Individual activities and games

 

 

SPSC (30 credits)

Electives (15 credits)

SPSC fieldwork + portfolio (8 credits)

PHIL (3 credits)

SPSC 3158 (3)

SPSC 3240 (3)

SPSC 3276 (3)

SPSC 3399 (3)

SPSC 4199 (3)

SPSC 4231 (3)

SPSC 4291 (3)

+ Upper Level

SPSC Electives (9)

Maximum 6 credits from Upper Level SPSC courses

Fieldwork

SPSC 2101 (1.5)

SPSC 3101 (1.5)

SPSC 3201 (1.5)

SPSC 4101 (1.5)

+ Portfolio

SPSC 2211 (1)

SPSC 4211 (1)

PHIL 4205 (3)

Note 1: MATH 1191 is recommended for future elementary teachers and a minimum of MATH 1234 is recommended for future Secondary teachers

Note 2: SPSC applied methods courses or activity courses are typically numbered 13xx or 23xx

Note 3: Most post-secondary institutions and discipline areas require a minimum of 15 credits of upper-level course work in one area to qualify as a minor.

Bachelor of Physical Education & Coaching: Kinesiology Concentration

In addition to the existing Bachelor of Physical Education & Coaching, students can also apply to graduate with a Bachelor of Physical Education & Coaching: Kinesiology Concentration. BPEC Graduation requirements apply however students must also meet the following criteria to be awarded the BPEC: Kinesiology Concentration credential.

Students must complete 12 credits of upper-level sport science course work from the list below:

Kinesiology Concentration course options (12 credits required):
SPSC 3154: Integrated Movement Analysis (3 credits)
SPSC 3256: Research Methods in Sport Science, Physical Education, and Recreation (3 credits)
SPSC 3275: Advanced Exercise Physiology (3 credits)
SPSC 4161: Fitness Assessment and Prescription (3 credits)
SPSC 4256: Sport Science Applied Research (3 credits)
OR              Additional upper-level kinesiology-related credit approved by the department.

Bachelor of Physical Education & Coaching: Health Promotion Concentration

In addition to the existing Bachelor of Physical Education and Coaching program, students can also  apply to graduate with a Bachelor of Physical Education and Coaching: Health Promotion Concentration. BPEC graduate requirements apply, however students must also meet the following criteria to be awarded the BPEC: Health Promotion Concentration. Students must complete 15 credits total as indicated below.

Choose a minimum of two (2) of the following upper level SPSC courses* (6 credits):

Course Title Credits
SPSC 3203 Health Promotion 3
SPSC 4161 Fitness Assessment & Prescription

3

SPSC 4256 Sport Science Applied Research 3
SPSC 3991 Directed Study in Sport Science 3

Choose two (2) additional SPSC courses either from the remaining courses above or from the courses listed below (6 credits):

Course Title Credits
SPSC 2292 Intro to the Admin of Leisure & Sport Services 3
SPSC 2252 Contemporary Health Issues 3

Choose one (1) from the following courses (3 credits) to complete the 15 credit requirement for the specialization:

Course Title Credits
SOSC 2140 Behaviour in Organizations 3
SOCI 2280* Sociology of Health and Illness 3
SOCI 3345* Aging as a Social Process 3
MARK 3313 Non-Profit Marketing 3
MARK 3340* Promotional Strategy 3
PSYC 3304* Health Psychology 3
PSYC 3340* Cultural Psychology 3
PSYC 4370* Counseling Skills Fundamentals 3
  Any additional upper-level health promotion-related course approved by dept.  

*NOTE: Prerequisite courses required. Please see the Douglas College course catalogue for specific details.

 

BPEC Non-academic graduation requirements

  1. NCCP Competition/Introduction A and B
  2. NCCP Competition Development
  3. Active First Aid and CPR (B or C)
  4. Active Fitness Theory Certification
  5. High Five - Principles of Health Childhood Development Certification

BPEC - Co-op designation

Bachelor of Physical Education and Coaching (BPEC) students can complete co-operative educational credits as part of their studies. You'll graduate with a special designation on your degree that indicates you've completed co-operative studies as part of your bachelor's degree in Physical Education and Coaching - plus gain paid work experience in the field. Co-op designation is awarded to students who complete COOP 1100, 2310, 3510 during their degree. 

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. You 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

HOW TO APPLY FOR CO-OP

You can apply after you have completed your first semester of study in the BPEC Program. Planning for a co-op placement in your summer semester starts in January of that year. For more info about the application process, see Co-operative Education.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact: Co-op Education Placement Officer at 604 527 5769 or co-op@douglascollege.ca

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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:

  1. maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00; and
  2. achieve a minimum grade of “P” in all registered academic courses; and
  3. must register in a minimum of 24 credits F/T or 9 credits P/T annually; and
  4. 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
  5. 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:

  • Adventure/Outdoor Educator 
  • Kinesiologist
  • Physical Education Teacher
  • Physiotherapist
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Athletic Administrator
  • Certified Personal Trainer 
  • Community/Provincial/National Level Coach 
  • Cruise Ship Recreation Coordinator 
  • Exercise Physiologist 
  • Fitness or recreation Coordinator 
  • Group Exercise Leader 
  • Gymnastics Coach 
  • Health/Fitness Consultant 
  • Physical Health Advocate 
  • Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness 
  • Sports Official/Referee/Umpire 
  • Strength & Conditioning Coach 
  • Yoga/Pilates/Aquatic/Weight Training Teacher