Physical Activity in Health Promotion

Physical Activity in Health Promotion Concentration

Students in this program gain knowledge of “best practices” on how to encourage physical activity in a variety of settings and populations. Additionally, students learn about how to appropriately measure the impact of physical activity promotion efforts. This concentration helps students become well prepared for careers in areas such as worksite wellness; community, private, or hospital-based health/fitness programs; or community-based programs promoting physical activity and/or weight management. Putting theory into practice is emphasized in the Physical Activity in health Promotion concentration by providing students with a wide variety of practical and professional experiences. Students have the opportunity to become directly involved with community organizations while they are working toward their master's degree.

A concentration in Physical Activity in Health Promotion prepares students for:

-Research/graduate assistantships for PhD programs in related fields
-Management in worksite health promotion, physical activity implementation, weight management and childhood obesity programs
-Community health/physical activity practitioners in community, private and clinical settings such as primary/secondary/post-secondary educational institutions, YMCAs/YWCAs, health/fitness clubs and hospital health/fitness programs.

Students receive a multidisciplinary academic background. Curriculum is based on competencies for:

-Worksite Health Professionals, published by the American Journal of Health Education

-Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist, published by ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) and NPAS (National Physical Activity Society)

Special Admission Requirements:

Please complete the following special admission requirements for Physical Education Pedagogy, Physical Education Coaching, Exercise Science without an internship, Exercise Science with an internship, and Physical Activity in Health Promotion concentrations.

-Two letters of recommendation sent directly to Graduate Studies
-Statement of goals and rational for entering graduate program (maximum of 300 words)

Upon entering program, students must attend an orientation session and receive an orientation manual containing valuable information to help student be successful in this program. Students may opt for:

MS (30 hours of coursework and 6 hours of a thesis research project) or
MS (36 hours, non-thesis track which requires a comprehensive exam)