Health and Human Performance

About the Department

The Department of Health and Human Performance offers majors in exercise science, physical education teacher education, and public health, and a minor in coaching. The Department also offers a wide range of activity courses that enrich the overall student experience at the College of Charleston. The department’s primary mission offers an interactive, student-centered curriculum that immerses students in all aspects of human health. Through courses and experiences that engage students in high-level discussion, hands-on, and applied learning environments, the department is committed to transforming students into knowledgeable professionals and lifelong learners. The Department of Health and Human Performance provides excellent academic training and experiences for students who wish to pursue advanced studies in medicine, rehabilitation sciences, and other allied health professions.

Exercise Science, B.S.

The undergraduate degree program in exercise science is designed for students wishing to pursue careers and graduate degrees in exercise science and/or attend graduate programs in the allied health professions (physical therapy, physician’s assistant, occupational therapy, athletic training, nutrition, and nursing), medicine, and dentistry. The program provides students with the core competencies to become certified as a Certified Exercise Physiologist by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and/or as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) upon graduation and meeting the certification exam. Students receive training and experiences to qualify them for careers in the exercise and sport sciences as well as the fitness and wellness industry. Students take courses in exercise physiology, nutrition, biomechanics, kinesiology (functional anatomy), motor skill behavior, fitness assessment and exercise prescription, psychology, and other applied areas. Requirements for completion of this major can be found in the Programs of Study  Section of the catalog.

Physical Education, Teacher Education Concentration, B.S.

The undergraduate degree program in physical education teacher education is designed for candidates who seek to become certified public school physical education teachers in grades PreK - 12. The physical education teacher education program is nationally recognized by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE). Requirements for completion of this major can be found in the Programs of Study  Section of the catalog.

Public Health, B.S.

Through coursework and experiential opportunities related to the core public health fields (i.e., health promotion, epidemiology, biostatistics, health administration), Public Health majors will learn best practice strategies to promote health and prevent disease in a variety of contexts, and become prepared to further their education or pursue a health-oriented career. The Public Health B.S. program is recommended for students who are considering careers in allied health fields as well as non-profit or for-profit health agencies, health promotion programs, health policy, health communication, or public health administration to name a few. Requirements for completion of this major can be found in the Programs of Study  Section of the catalog.

Public Health, B.A.

Public Health majors will examine health on local, national, and global levels as they learn to think critically about health issues in multiple contexts. This degree prepares students for a variety of jobs in the health sector or for advanced degrees in public health or other health-related fields. The Public Health B.A. program is recommended for students who are considering careers in areas such as health administration, health policy, or health communication. Those students wanting a stronger emphasis in science are encouraged to consider the Public Health B.S. program. Requirements for completion of this major can be found in the Programs of Study  Section of the catalog.

Coaching Minor

The coaching minor is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of coaching at all levels: youth, elementary, high school, college and professional. This minor is designed to assist coaches in developing effective organizational, motivational and teaching strategies to guide successful programs. The coaching minor is available to students in all majors, provided there is no overlap in course requirements. Requirements for completion of this minor can be found in the Minor Requirements Section of the catalog.

Majors

• Exercise Science, B.S.  
• Physical Education, Teacher Education Concentration, B.S.  
• Public Health, B.A.  
• Public Health, B.S.  

Minors

• Coaching Minor