Health and Sports Science

Department Chair—Goodwin
Associate Professor—Hodge
Assistant Professor—Goodwin
Instructors—Boucher, Briggs, Clapper, Pester, Thorne
Adjunct Faculty—Dallas, Hamilton, Sky, Smith, Wolpert

The department of health and sport sciences mission statement is, “Professionals devoted to developing, increasing and maintaining the span of healthy life through education, programs and services.” Aligned with its role in liberal education, the department offers professional education for individuals wishing to pursue careers in athletic training, exercise science, health education, physical education, pre-physical therapy, and health and fitness management. In addition, the department offers physical education and fitness activities as well as a variety of health-related topics designed to improve the quality of life of the participants.

The major curricula of the department are multifaceted and programs of study can be designed to meet individual interests. A student may prepare for commercial or community service positions in health and fitness management and be eligible for certification in numerous health and fitness areas, or a student may pursue one of the programs that leads to licensure to teach health and/or physical education. The athletic training major, which is accredited by the CAATE (Commission on the Accreditation of Athletic Training Education Programs), is offered to prepare students to become certified athletic trainers. Through the exercise science majors students can prepare themselves for advanced studies in the exercise and health science fields. In addition, minors in coaching and health are available.

In addition to professional preparation for specific occupations, the major in health and sport sciences is an excellent background for graduate studies in related fields of business, recreation, guidance and counseling, administration, exercise physiology, research and sports medicine. Instruction in physical education activities provides an opportunity for all students to learn about, and to participate in, a variety of individual and team sports, dance, and conditioning activities, and to achieve a level of proficiency in these activities that will encourage satisfaction and enjoyment from participation throughout life.

Admission Standards

All health and sport sciences majors are required to have liability insurance, professional attire, and one professional organization membership prior to junior status.

Students enrolling in health education or physical education must follow the guidelines for admission to teacher education established by the education department. The guidelines can be found under “Education” in this section of the bulletin. Students enrolling in health and fitness management, exercise science, or pre-physical therapy must simply meet the university entrance requirements.

Students interested in the athletic training professional preparation program may select it as a freshman. Formal admission to the athletic training program will take place at the end of the second semester and must be earned by demonstrated performance in several areas:

Successful completion of no less than 24 semester hours. In those hours the student will have completed the following pre-athletic training courses or equivalent courses for transfers: BIOL 100 or BIOL 151 , CHEM 101 , HSPTS 289 and HSPTS 260 . Performance in these courses will be used to judge the student’s ability to successfully complete the program.
A cumulative grade point average of 2.75 at the time of application.
Athletic training staff evaluation of student’s performance in the clinical setting.
Formal interviews and two letters of recommendation in the application process.
A directed observation program completed prior to the application deadline. This includes a minimum of five practice observations with four different teams during the year and one game observation. Prior to completing directed observations, the student must complete OSHA training. A journal detailing the directed observations is required for application.
Prior to enrollment of HSPTS 254 students must file with the Athletic Training Program Director evidence of up to date immunizations and physical examination. Students are also required to show proof of liability insurance.
The technical standards set forth by the Athletic Training Educational Program establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to this program to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer, as well as meet the expectations of the program’s accrediting agency CAATE (Commission on the Accreditation of Athletic Training Education Programs). Students must read the Technical Standards policy in the Student Athletic Training Manual and verify that they meet the technical standards with or without reasonable accommodations, by signature of a physician.
Athletic Training Fees: Additional expenses incurred by athletic training students include: Attire, personal medical equipment, liability insurance, transportation to clinical sites, and National Athletic Trainers’ Association membership.

Once admitted to the program, students will be evaluated each semester. Students must maintain a 2.75 cumulative grade point average. In the clinical experience, a combined score from the weekly proficiencies and clinical assignment evaluations of 80 percent or better for that semester must be attained in order to advance to the next semester. Students receiving below a C grade in athletic training course work will be required to retake the course. If progress is unsatisfactory, the student will be placed on probation for one semester and expected to remedy any deficiencies. Students on probation for two consecutive semesters will be removed from the program. For further information contact the program director of the athletic training curriculum.