Sport Science and Health Education

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Sport Science and Health Education

Busby, Downey, Garrett, Smith, Whalen

Department Mission Statement

The Sport Science and Health Education Department’s mission is educational development of the student for a productive, professional career in healthcare, sports medicine and performance, wellness, recreation, and physical education.  In addition, we seek to provide, for all students, the information necessary to implement lifelong living patterns which will enhance the quality of responsible lives through the development of critical thinking, productive work ethic and citizenship with wholesome, healthful and personal lifestyle habits. 

The Sport Science and Health Education (SpSc) Department offers basic and advanced courses designed to prepare students in the majors of physical education, health and exercise science, healthcare administration, and sport management.  Course work may lead to a teaching and/or coaching certification or position in exercise science, healthcare, or sport management. 

The department requires a grade of a C- or better in each course required for the major and the minor.  The Physical Education Teacher education (PETE) program requires a 2.75 minimum cumulative grade point average.  Student teaching must be completed to be eligible for teacher licensure.  However, the PETE major may be obtained if the student teaching is not successfully completed. 

Health and Exercise Sciences

The Health and Exercise Science program involves studying human body movement as a mechanism for preventing and managing chronic disease and injury, diagnosis, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement.  The major provides a diverse academic structure with a strong focus on practical skills and experiential learning, including patient and client interaction.  The major is designed for students interested in a variety of career opportunities in healthcare and health-related services, including health coaching and promotion, strength and conditioning, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, corporate wellness, and pre-professional programs such as athletic training, chiropractic, dietetics, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant, medicine, and speech therapy.  Internships and independent research are utilized to allow students to work with health and high-risk clients of various ages and abilities. 

The Health and Exercise Science program involves studying human body movement as a mechanism for preventing and managing chronic disease and injury, diagnosis, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement.  The HES is designed for students interested in advancing their knowledge and skills related to health and wellness concepts.  Foundational coursework will allow students to select upper-level courses in the HES major to best fit the individual’s future career and complement other areas of study across campus. 

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