Health Promotion and Exercise Science Comprehensive Major, B.S.

The Health Promotion and Exercise Science academic program is a baccalaureate degree providing professional preparation for a career in health and fitness exercise science and a solid foundation for graduate study in health, exercise science/fitness, and allied health.

Health Promotion Concentration - This concentration aligns students who wish to pursue careers in community outreach, employee wellness, health service management, medical and pharmaceutical sales, work safety and wellness education, health research, and health policy. The health promotion concentration provides a comprehensive background of chronic disease, health education, human anatomy and functions, preventative information, exercise assessment, testing, and prescription.

Health Sciences Concentration - This concentration aligns students who wish to pursue careers in Allied Health covering but not limited to physical therapy, occupational therapy, dietetics, physical therapy assisting, and physician’s assistant. Allied Health professionals’ roles include prevention, diagnostician, and treatment of a range of conditions and illnesses often within multidisciplinary health care teams to provide successful/optimal patient outcomes.

In addition to the course requirements listed:

1.        It is REQUIRED that each major be an active member of an approved state or national organization in Health Promotion & Exercise Science during the academic years while pursuing this major.
2.        It is REQUIRED that all Health Promotion & Exercise Science majors complete a national seated exam:  American College of Sports Medicine, Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP); or National Strength and Conditioning Assoc, Certified  Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS) or Certified Special Population Specialist (NSCA-CSPS). Students will work with their advisor in determining the appropriate exam.
3.        It is REQUIRED that each student develop an electronic portfolio of their academic work beginning with their freshman year. The electronic portfolio is to be completed by the student during their senior year.
4.        It is  REQUIRED that each student earn a minimum of “C” in each Health Promotion & Exercise Science core class.

Health Promotion and Exercise Science Program Learning Outcomes

1. The HPEX student will be able to demonstrate mastery of core knowledge requisite for success in health and exercise science professions.
2. The HPEX student will be able to demonstrate competency in pre-activity, health appraisal, and testing skills requisite for success in health and exercise science professions.
3. The HPEX student will apply critical thinking and problem-solving techniques to navigate professional exercise science, health, or wellness obstacles.
4. The HPEX student will critically assess and process health and exercise science content specific media, research, and literature.
5. The HPEX student will be able to synthesize new information from a variety of sources and integrate that information into the current body of knowledge