Human Performance

Overview

The program is designed to prepare students to access key positions in the sports medicine, fitness, physical education and sport management fields and to empower them with the knowledge and hands-on experience to make a successful transition into a career in Human Performance. Students are encouraged to think critically and reflectively in order to promote leadership in the complexity of life’s wellness issues and trends.

Major core requirements include 22 credit hours:

• HPM 161 Introduction to Human Performance
• HPM 180 Health and Wellness
• BIO 190 Survey of Human Anatomy and Physiology
• HPM 210 First Aid, CPR, AED
• HPM 307 Kinesiology
• HPM 312 Physiology of Exercise
• HPM 330 Principles of Strength and Conditioning
• HPM 406 Assessment of Human Performance

In addition to the core, requirements the Human Performance major must complete 24 hours in one of the following concentration areas. Each concentration culminates with an internship to provide planned, supervised work experience with academic credit. Additional supplemental minors or endorsements are available.


Concentrations

ATHLETIC TRAINING CONCENTRATION
The Athletic Training concentration prepares students for graduate studies in Athletic Training. The concentration is heavily field-based to provide students “hands on” experiences with certified trainers, athletic teams, coaches, physicians and therapists. Included in the program are coaches, physicians and therapists. Requirements in the program are 800 hours of practical experience under the supervision of NATABOC certified Athletic Trainers. The program culminates with the opportunity to sit for the athletic training certification test.

Supplemental minors/endorsements:

• Coaching Endorsement – 14 credit hours
• Coaching Minor – 14 credit hours
• Strength and Conditioning Minor – 20 credit hours

EXERCISE SCIENCE CONCENTRATION:
The Exercise Science concentration offers a program designed to prepare students for careers in one of the fastest growing allied health professions. Exercise scientists work in health promotion, fitness development, clinical rehabilitation and sport and athletic programs as instructors, directors, coaches, researchers, managers, supervisors and technologists.

Career environments include health and fitness clubs, YMCAs, resorts, college, university and professional sports programs, rehabilitation centers, correctional service facilities, emergency response organizations, military programs and hospitals.

The concentration also provides an opportunity for entry into professional programs in medicine, physical therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, occupational therapy or additional graduate study.


FITNESS AND SPORTS MANAGEMENT CONCENTRATION:
The Fitness and Sports Management concentration prepares students to enter the commercial and business aspects of the sports and fitness industry.

The degree program is necessary for careers in corporate fitness, community recreation, government wellness initiatives programs, facility management, strength coaching, sports marketing, sports management, sports merchandising, sports journalism, wellness center coordinator, personal fitness trainer and geriatric activity director.


PHYSICAL EDUCATION CONCENTRATION:
The Physical Education concentration prepares students to become teachers who are uniquely equipped to apply their knowledge of human performance in school settings. With youth in the United States facing a health crisis of epidemic proportions the need for qualified physical education teachers is significant.

The degree program is heavily field-based so students spend a significant amount of time receiving “real life” opportunities to develop teaching skills. Proximity to diverse school settings provides opportunities to experience multicultural environments.