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For Miranda Hull-Dalik, learning has always been about curiosity and passion. After studying kinesiology and business at the University of Calgary, Hull-Dalik found herself drawn to adapted physical activity while volunteering in stroke and spinal cord rehabilitation programs. That spark led her to the ¶®É«µÛ’s Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation and the adapted physical activity (APA) graduate certificate.

“I just like to keep learning,” Hull-Dalik explains. “When I was working at The Steadward Centre, it made sense to keep exploring this field and see what new research and courses were out there. I wanted to learn not just from textbooks, but also from lived experiences.”

Learning that connects to real life

Hull-Dalik says the fully online courses gave her practical insights she could apply immediately in her work. Among her favourites were a class on becoming a reflexive practitioner, taught by Nathan Victor Fawaz, and the Instructional Approaches and Programming Models course with Jen Leo.

“It really connected to what I was doing every day,” she says. “I could bring my work into the classroom and my classroom learning back into my work. We challenged our assumptions, created safe spaces to reflect on mistakes, and looked critically at how our language and attitudes shape inclusion.”

Hull-Dalik also highlights how the certificate’s emphasis on equity, diversity and inclusion shaped her approach. “I’ve become more aware of language — listening to how people want to be addressed and making space for Indigenous research and perspectives in my practice.”

Flexibility for busy professionals

As a working professional, Hull-Dalik appreciated the balance between asynchronous study and occasional live online sessions. “It’s definitely a commitment,” she says, “but there’s flexibility. Professors record lectures if you can’t make it, and group projects connect you with classmates across the world.”

She typically did her readings after work and sometimes rearranged her schedule to join live discussions. “If it’s something you’re passionate about, you can make it fit.”

A pathway to more

What began as a single certificate course became a stepping stone to further education. Hull-Dalik is now pursuing a course-based master’s degree at the faculty. “Even after one course, I knew I wanted to do more school,” she says. “The certificate is a great way to test the waters if you’re considering graduate studies — and your courses can count toward a master’s if you decide to continue.”

Advice for others

When asked what she’d tell someone considering the APA graduate certificate, Hull-Dalik’s answer is simple: “Do it! It can be tough to switch back into education mode, but the learning is worth it. You gain tools, confidence and a new perspective that you can bring into sport, recreation, health and other areas.”

Learn more about the adapted physical activity graduate certificate. Applications are open for fall and winter intakes.