Majors and Minors

The Health and Human Performance Major provides a broad and solid foundation for pursuit of a variety of professions, such as medical careers, physical therapy, athletic training, teaching, wellness promotion, recreation leadership, and sports management. The Department promotes in the Health and Human Performance student the desire to fully develop the ability to constructively use all of his/her potential capacities for movement, movement analysis, and movement education. Training and experiences are provided that will enhance the student’s skills and knowledge in exercise science, communication, creative self-expression, critical reflection, research, and leadership in the classroom and activity settings.

The Health and Human Performance major requires the student to complete a series of core courses, with electives chosen in consultation with an advisor. The Health and Human Performance: Teaching P-12 has an established curriculum leading to teaching certification. Students interested in the Health and Human Performance major or the Health and Human Performance: Teaching P-12 major should contact a departmental faculty member as early as possible in their College career to explore areas of concentration.

The Department also offers minor programs in Dance, Health Studies, and Health Teaching. Certain classes offer the opportunity for applying for certifications such as: Kentucky Teacher Certification in Physical Education and Health (after 1 year internship after graduation); First Aid; CPR and AED; First Aid and CPR Instructor; Water Safety Instructor; Lifeguard; Scuba; Aquatics Fitness Instructor; Coaching; Dance (Kentucky Department of Education Permission as an Arts and Humanities teacher).

All students are required to complete the Lifetime Wellness requirement of the General Education curriculum. A sequence of three courses totaling one full credit is designed to develop knowledge and skills and to establish habits and patterns of healthy choices for a lifetime. In this sequence, the dimensions of wellness are addressed, including: emotional, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, physical, and social/interpersonal health.

B.A. Degree with a Major in Health and Human Performance Learning Goals

All Health and Human Performance majors will be able to:

  1. Assess fitness, prescribe exercise, develop appropriate programs, demonstrate exercise science knowledge
  2. Understand the importance of integrating all dimensions of wellness into healthy behaviors
  3. Demonstrate competency in a variety of movement activities
  4. Analyze movement
  5. Identify cultural, social, psychological, historical impacts on profession
  6. Understand and apply principles of motor learning (how people learn movement)
  7. Generate activities (skill progressions) that are developmentally appropriate and safe
  8. Interpret research relevant to our field
  9. Demonstrate quantitative competency relevant to our field
  10. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills in ways relevant to our field
  11. Develop confidence in working with diverse populations
  12. Develop skills in leadership and professional networking

B.A. Degree with a Major in Health and Human Performance and P-12 Certification

Teaching certification may be earned through a major in Health and Human Performance together with required course work and experiences in Education. Students must meet all requirements for admission to the Teacher Education Program, for admission to Student Teaching, and for recommendation for certification, including the required admission and exit portfolios.

Exploring the Major

A student interested in a Health and Human Performance major should contact a Department faculty member as early as possible to explore areas of concentration. A student interested in the Health and Human Performance: Teaching P-12 major should begin course work in the first year.

Admission to the Major

An interview with departmental faculty members and a departmental recommendation are required for admission to the Health and Human Performance major.

Course Sequencing Considerations

(in order to complete degree requirements within eight terms)

A student with an interest in Health and Human Performance as a major is advised to register as early as the first term for HHP 125: Foundations of Human Performance. These courses are foundational to continued work in the major Health and Human Performance major courses are taught in alternating years, so it is important to begin the sequence as early as possible. It is recommended that HHP 492 be taken in the Junior year.

Proficiency Requirements for Retention in and Completion of the Major

A grade of C (2.0 GPA) or higher in each required Health in Human Performance major course and in each prerequisite and collateral course is required for continuation in the major. Students not receiving a grade of C or higher may repeat that particular course to raise the grade while remaining in the major program.

Other Considerations or Recommendations

Students majoring in Health and Human Performance are expected to hold a Labor position for at least one term within the Health and Human Performance Department, Seabury Center, or Intramurals.

Department Information

Major and Minor Requirements