Degrees & Programs

• Undergraduate Programs
• Graduate Programs

Undergraduate Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Education with a Major in Physical Education
• Bachelor of Science in Education with a Major in Recreation
• Undergraduate Minors

The Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation (HHPR) offers degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The HHPR department is one of four departments in the College of Education and is located in the Weede Physical Education building, which contains gymnasiums, laboratories, swimming pool, fitness center and mediated classrooms. The faculty is composed of members possessing a wide-array of specializations.

Bachelor of Science in Education with a Major in Physical Education

The HHPR Department offers courses in the theory and practice of physical education for the preparation of teachers and athletic coaches. Students earning a major in physical education will complete courses in the theory and practice of physical education to be prepared to teach physical education pre-kindergarten through grade twelve. In addition to the core, students complete either an emphasis area or a minor. Emphasis areas include: Coaching, Group Fitness, Dance and Rhythms, and Strength and Conditioning. Students choosing to complete a minor must select one from a discipline appropriate to teacher preparation. Professional Education course are required for all students.

Program Content

Required Theory Core Credits

Areas of Emphases

In addition to the core, students must complete either an emphasis area or a minor.

Coaching Emphasis

This emphasis prepares students to serve as athletic coaches in K-12 and college settings.

Group Fitness, Dance and Rhythms

This emphasis prepares the physical education teacher to deliver rhythm and dance to students. Upon completion of the program, students are encouraged to take the Primary Group Exercise Certification Exam offered by the Aerobic and Fitness Association of America

Strength and Conditioning Emphasis

This emphasis prepares students to serve as strength and conditioning specialists in private, education and athletic settings. Students completing the Strength and Conditioning emphasis will be encouraged to take the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) Exam offered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Bachelor of Science with a Major in Recreation

The curriculum satisfies requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Recreation. In addition to the core, students must complete an emphasis area as well a minor. Emphasis areas include: Recreation Administration, Therapeutic Recreation, and Community, Corporate and Hospital Wellness.

Required Theory Core Credits

Recreation Administration Emphasis

The Recreation Administration emphasis provides students with the skills needed to serve leadership, supervisory, and management roles in city park and recreation capacities and other leisure service agencies. Upon completion of the program, students are encouraged to take the Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) Exam offered by the National Recreation and Park Association.

Recreation Administration Emphasis requires a minor in Business Administration, Marketing, or Leadership Studies (21 hours).

Therapeutic Recreation Emphasis

This emphasis prepares students for supervisory and leadership positions in various private and community-based health care facilities delivering care to individuals with various disabilities. Students completing the Therapeutic Recreation emphasis qualifies them to sit for the National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) Exam.

*Can be counted toward Psychology Minor

Therapeutic Recreation Emphasis requires a minor in Psychology or Leadership Studies. (21 hours).

Community, Corporate & Hospital Wellness Emphasis

This emphasis prepares students for supervisory and leadership positions in the wellness field in community, corporate (private), and hospital-based settings. Students completing the emphasis will be encouraged to take the Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) Exam offered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

*FCS 203 Nutrition and Health will satisfy a portion of the general education Health and Well-Being area.

Community, Corporate & Hospital Wellness Emphasis requires a minor in Business Administration or Marketing. (21 hours).

Undergraduate Minors

The Health, Human Performance and Recreation Department offers three minors for students majoring in another field. Minors include:

• Physical Education
• Recreation
• Coaching

Graduate Program

Master of Science in Physical Education

The Master’s of Science Degree program is designed to prepare students for careers in the fields of sport, physical education, wellness and recreation. Candidates complete the required core of 15 (18 for thesis option) hours and one of three 12 hour curricular emphases offered within the degree totaling a minimum of 32 hours. Candidates selecting either the Human Performance and Wellness or Sport and Leisure Service Management emphases must complete an internship.

Admission Requirements

For work leading to the Master of Science degree with a major in Health, Human Performance and Recreation, a candidate must have obtained a grade point average of 2.70 in twenty semester hours of acceptable undergraduate credit from an appropriate field. These credit hours should be so distributed as to furnish an adequate background for the work required in the graduate major. Conditional entry will be given if the grade point average in the undergraduate major field is below 2.70. However, a grade point average of 3.00 must be attained within the first 12 hours of coursework to gain full admission. Additional requirements include:

†Department interview with Graduate Coordinator and Department Chairperson

†A written statement of educational goals and objectives

†Two personal letters of reference

Program Content

Required Theory Core

In addition to core requirements, students must complete one area of emphasis.

Human Performance and Wellness Emphasis

The Human Performance and Wellness emphasis prepares students possessing education, health, exercise science or similar degrees for careers in education, community and private settings. This emphasis includes 12 hours of required courses and 5 hours of electives.

Sport and Leisure Service Management Emphasis

The Sport and Leisure Service Management emphasis prepares students possessing recreation, education, business or similar degrees for management careers in sport, leisure, and education settings. This emphasis includes 12 hours of required courses and 5 hours of electives.

General Emphasis

The General Emphasis provides students the opportunity to develop a broad background in Health, Human Performance and Recreation professions. This emphasis includes 12 hours of required courses and 5 hours of electives.

Electives in Health, Human Performance and Recreation