The Bachelor of Health and Exercise Sciences (BHES) at the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus is a four-year undergraduate degree focused on the science of human health, movement, and wellbeing. This program gives students a strong foundation in understanding how physical activity, behaviour, and biological systems interact to shape health throughout life.
✨What the Program Is About
At its core, the BHES degree explores the interdisciplinary nature of health and human movement, combining knowledge from psychology, physiology, neuromechanics, and social sciences. Students learn how physical activity affects fitness, performance, and overall quality of life.
The degree includes classroom learning, laboratory experiences, hands-on skill development, community practicum placements, and opportunities for independent research. These experiences help students build practical abilities and prepare for careers in health-related fields.
🔎Program Structure
The BHES is a 120-credit program completed over four years. Students typically study foundational courses in human anatomy, exercise physiology, psychology, and health research methods early in the program, then move into more advanced coursework as they progress.
A notable feature of the program is the option to specialize by selecting one of three concentrations. Students can apply to enter a concentration after their second year.
Available concentrations include:
- Kinesiology & Allied Health – Focuses on how exercise and movement can improve health, prevent injuries, and aid rehabilitation.
- Health Behaviour Change – Emphasizes theories and strategies to help individuals and communities adopt and maintain healthy behaviours.
- Clinical Exercise Physiology – Concentrates on using exercise as part of rehabilitation and chronic disease management.
Completing a concentration means students meet specific academic requirements and complete specialized coursework tied to that focus area.
📝Learning Experience
The BHES curriculum includes hands-on skill-building labs, community practicums, and research projects. Community practicum placements let students work with real health-related organizations under supervision, applying what they learn in real settings.
Students can also choose to engage in independent research or honours projects, which deepen scientific understanding and strengthen research skills.
These experiential learning opportunities are designed to help students gain confidence working in diverse health contexts, such as fitness programming, health promotion, rehabilitation, and disease prevention.
📚Careers and Pathways
Graduates of the BHES program gain knowledge and skills that are valuable in a broad range of professions. Potential career directions include:
- Kinesiologist or Clinical exercise physiologist
- Exercise and rehabilitation professional
- Community health promotion specialist
- Health and wellness/return to work coordinator
- Program coordinator (e.g. Parks and Recreation Dept.)
- Occupational therapist
- Public health director
Some career paths, such as physical therapy or medicine, may require further graduate education.
🎯Why This Program Matters
The BHES degree prepares students to understand the science behind human movement and its effects on health across the lifespan. Graduates leave ready to support individuals and communities to lead healthier, more active lives — whether in clinical settings, community health, policy, education, or research.
The program also reflects UBC Okanagan’s commitment to hands-on learning and student engagement, ensuring graduates can apply both theoretical and practical skills in real-world environments.
🔬Where Science Meets Real-World Impact
UBC Okanagan’s Bachelor of Health and Exercise Sciences offers a comprehensive and practical education in human movement and health. With flexible specialization options, experiential learning components, and strong preparation for future careers or graduate study, this degree provides a solid foundation for students passionate about improving health and well-being.
Related Article:
