Academics

 Call 907-786-4083 to schedule an appointment with an advisor in HPER.

All HPER academic programs include extensive science and communications components. Students will be expected to develop a comprehensive knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, the ability to critically evaluate and direct human movement, and skills to communicate well with various groups of people. Higher level programs will also require additional math, writing and technology competence.

Bachelor of Science in Physical Education (BSPE)

The core of the Bachelor of Science in Physical Education degree emphasizes the broad fundamental principles of physical education, including scientific foundations, psychological and cultural aspects, assessment and testing methods, trends, and leadership development in a variety of physical activities. Students may choose to pursue study in one of two emphasis areas within the degree: Health and Fitness Leadership or Outdoor Leadership and Administration.

The Health and Fitness Leadership emphasis and the Outdoor Leadership and Administration emphasis prepare students for professional positions in rapidly growing fields. Each emphasis focuses on developing leadership expertise as well as the knowledge, physical skills and technical competencies to prepare graduates for the job market. The Health and Fitness Leadership emphasis readies students for employment in hospital-based health education and fitness programs, community or public health/fitness programs, private health clubs and fitness facilities, corporate fitness/wellness programs, military fitness centers, as personal trainers or helps them prepare for further education in physical therapy. The Outdoor Leadership and Administration emphasis readies graduates for employment with youth or recreational programs, adventure tourism, guide services, camps, schools or a host of experiential education opportunities.

Occupational Endorsement Certificate, Fitness Leadership (OEC-FL)

The Fitness Leadership Occupational Endorsement Certificate provides students the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to develop a career in the ever-changing fitness industry. An array of career possibilities is available to individuals who successfully complete this program in group fitness instruction or personal training.

This comprehensive program provides students with 90 hours of leadership training in exercise theory and practice and 60 hours of training in their chosen fitness specialty or emphasis area: Group Fitness Leader or Personal Trainer. All classes combine current fitness research and training techniques with practical, hands-on teaching experience. This program follows the guidelines established by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

The Fitness Leadership Occupational Endorsement Certificate is designed to provide quality education and training to individuals interested in working in the fitness industry. Of the required 10 credits, 7 include lecture courses and 3 are laboratory sessions. The labs are enhanced by practicum experiences that reinforce skills, knowledge, and leadership qualities. Students receive training in basic applied kinesiology and exercise physiology, nutrition and healthy weight loss, injury prevention, fitness assessment, legal considerations, special populations, health screening, leadership and motivation.

Occupational Endorsement Certificate, Outdoor Leadership (OEC-OL)

The Outdoor Leadership Occupational Endorsement Certificate is designed to provide quality education and training to individuals interested in working in the outdoor recreation industry. The OEC-OL provides students the opportunity to acquire the foundational knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for an entry level position in the ever-changing recreation and tourism industry. An array of career possibilities is available to individuals who successfully complete this program. Students can enter into the field of outdoor/adventure education, guiding, activity/recreation therapy, or as a recreation specialist. There are positions in the government, non-profit, ecotourism, education, health care and for-profit sectors of industry.

This comprehensive program provides students with 19 credits of training in technical outdoor skills, judgment, decision making, leadership and risk assessment and hazard evaluation. Nine credits comprise the core curriculum. The student can then choose an emphasis area in water-based or land-based outdoor leadership. Classes combine current recreation research and instructional techniques with practical, hands-on teaching experience with extended field application. The field-based courses allow for practical skill application that reinforces technical knowledge, skills, abilities and refinement of leadership skills.

Master of Arts in Teaching - Physical Education (MAT-PE)

The Master of Arts in Teaching prepares graduates to teach K-12 physical education.

  • Offered through College of Education.
  • Methods Courses taught by Department of Health, Physical Education & Recreation.
  • Requires a Bachelor's degree in specialty area.

Minors

Students in most degree programs may add a minor in Athletic Training, Coaching, Health & Fitness Leadership, Outdoor Leadership and Physical Education.