Health, Exercise, and Sport Sciences Mission Statement
The Health, Exercise, and Sport Sciences major prepares individuals for careers in the field of kinesiology. Specialized studies are related to clinical health and wellness, movement and performance training, education, or management. Individuals in our program gain knowledge and skills through evidence-based learning, serving diverse populations, researching relevant topics and engaging in leadership while maintaining high ethical standards.
The Health, Exercise, and Sport Sciences major is designed for students who wish to pursue careers in the health and kinesiological sciences, or who wish to seek further specialization through a health sciences graduate program. Graduates may seek entry-level positions in hospitals and clinical rehabilitation centers, wellness centers, health informatics, medical technology, community recreation programs, strength and conditioning performance centers. With additional education students may seek careers in cardiac rehabilitation, exercise physiology, exercise or sports psychology, occupational therapy, physician assistant, physical therapy, sports medicine or health and physical education teacher education, as well as many other areas of specialization.
The Health and Wellness Concentration program of study is designed for students who wish to promote quality of life through prescribing and promoting healthy lifestyles and pursue careers in areas of clinical based rehabilitation, fitness and wellness, health and medical research or who wish to seek further specialization through graduate study. In addition to the Health, Exercise, and Sport Sciences core curriculum of 36 credit hours, the student will complete 27-36 credit hours including clinical laboratory and professional practicum experience.
The Health and Physical Education Concentration program of study prepares students as health and physical educators in school settings. Students may prepare as candidates for North Carolina K-12 licensure; see specific requirements in the teacher education section of this catalogue. In addition to the core curriculum of 36 credit hours, the student will complete 22-29 credit hours, including skill acquisition, physical education methods, and professional education classes. Additional coursework is required to obtain licensure.
Student Learning Outcomes of the Health, Exercise, and Sport Sciences Program
Upon completion of the Health, Exercise, and Sport Sciences major, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of foundational knowledge, theoretical perspectives and empirical findings;
- Apply conceptual knowledge that reflects best practice in a variety of settings;
- Apply leadership skills (reflection, management, critical thinking, ethics & collaboration) to career preparation in practical settings;
- Utilize technology effectively;
- Exhibit professional dispositions as future leaders in the field of health, exercise, and sport science;
- Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research;
- Acquire the broad base of knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to pursue lifelong learning.
