The Exercise & Wellness Studies program within the Physical Education, Exercise & Wellness Studies (PXW) department prepares students for careers in the exercise science or health & wellness fields.
Students in the “Exercise Science (concentration) work in the health and fitness industry, and are skilled in evaluating health behaviors and risk factors, conducting fitness assessments, writing appropriate exercise prescriptions, and motivating individuals to modify negative health habits and maintain positive lifestyle behaviors for health promotion. They conduct these activities in university, corporate, commercial, or community settings where their clients participate in health promotion and fitness-related activities. As an integral part of the health and wellness team, Exercise Science Professionals can work with Personal Fitness Trainers and Exercise Physiologists in a number of different settings, such as corporate, clinical, community, and commercial fitness and wellness centers (entrepreneurship). Exercise Science Professionals work with the apparently healthy population and clients with controlled disease, leading and demonstrating these clients in safe and effective methods of exercise. The Exercise Science Professional can also assess risk factors and identify (not diagnosed) the health status of clients.”1
Students in the Health & Wellness concentration prepare for careers as health/wellness professionals in private business and industry, community organizations, and healthcare settings working with groups and individuals.
Students in both concentrations are taught using a range of methods by which health promotion can be achieved. The program utilizes adventure programming (structured learning exercises characterized by perceived or real risk or challenge) and experiential education principles as the foundation for its curriculum.
To graduate, a cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required.
Each student’s academic file will be reviewed every semester. Students who do not meet the retention criteria including, but not limited to, grade, ethics, or fieldwork/internship site requirements for two consecutive semesters will be dismissed from the program. In the case of dismissal, a letter outlining the reasons for dismissal will be issued by the department to the student. Students may appeal the decision to the Academic Standards Committee.
During fieldwork or internships, students are required to follow site policies and procedures including those related to physical examinations and immunizations. Malpractice insurance is required for internships.
Students wishing to teach K-12 physical education or health education should select the B.S. Physical Education and Health Education degree.
Program Learning Objectives
PXW Major Learning Objectives
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Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written formats.
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Understand the needs of diverse students, clients, families, and/or colleagues.
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Develop leadership skills necessary to be an effective teaching/health & wellness professional.
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Engage in professional development and/or professional organizations.
Health & Wellness Concentration Learning Objectives:
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Apply concepts and theories of health and wellness to promote healthy lifestyles.
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Recognize the importance of interprofessional collaboration in the delivery of safe, high quality care within the field.
Exercise Science Concentration Learning Objectives:
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Demonstrate the ability to assess a person’s health status and risk factors, conduct fitness testing, and prescribe and administer exercise programs.
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Recognize the importance of interprofessional collaboration in the delivery of safe, high quality care within the field.
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