Health and Human Performance

About the Department

The Department of Health and Human Performance offers majors in exercise science, public health, and health services administration and management and a minor in health informatics. 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.

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.

B.A. in Public Health majors will be provided with a foundational background in public heath knowledge and experience, while also developing an interdisciplinary perspective on target issues in public health (Global Health and Maternal and Child Health) that correspond to student interest and graduate level programs. 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 non-profit or for-profit health agencies, health promotion programs, health policy, and health communication. Those students wanting a stronger emphasis in science and/or considering a career in allied health 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.

Health Services Administration and Management, B.S.

The Health Services Administration and Management (HSAM) program serves to prepare students for graduate level degree programs in Health Care Administration and employment as medical and health services managers. The program prepares students to plan and manage health care operations including key tasks related to budget, hiring, scheduling, record keeping, compliance, policy and procedure implementation, and strategic planning. This program will also provide experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and independent studies, allowing students to seek applied learning opportunities and build community networks. Requirements for completion of this major can be found in the Programs of Study section of the catalog.

Majors

• Exercise Science, B.S.  
• Health Services Administration and Management, B.S.  
• Public Health, B.S.  
• Public Health, Global Health Concentration, B.A.  
• Public Health, Maternal and Child Health Concentration, B.A.  

Majors

• Health Informatics Minor