Exercise Physiology

Bachelor Degree in Exercise Physiology

(Formerly Health/Fitness Studies)

For more information contact:

Dr. Deborah Johnston
Undergraduate Exercise Physiology Program Director
Department of HHPR
One Bear Place #97313
76798-7313
(254) 710-4020

General Program Description

One of the fastest growing career areas in the country is that related to health, fitness, and exercise physiology in both the public and private sectors. Business and industry are becoming aware of the increased efficiency of a work force where the wellness level is high and medical costs and absenteeism are reduced. The wellness consciousness of the general population is at an all-time high, and health and fitness programs permeate our society through business and industry, hospitals and rehabilitation centers, fitness assessment clinics, fitness clubs, wellness programs projected through public and private recreation, along with efforts of schools and churches to serve the wellness needs of their constituencies. This degree program is designed especially to prepare practitioners for the myriad of career opportunities related to this emphasis. In addition to the concentration in health and fitness, which includes a full semester of supervised internship in a career setting chosen by the student, this program also provides preparation for the general environment which will house the professional function. Because these are "people jobs", there is also preparation in leadership skills.

Degree Requirements

I. A minimum of 124 semester hours.

• Minimum 36 hrs. advanced total with at least 18 hrs. in residence
• Minimum 60 hrs. in residence including the last 30 hrs.
• Admission and Graduation Requirements – 2.0 GPA overall and in major
• No course may be taken pass-fail.

II. Basic Studies (49-50 hrs)

• ENG 1302, 1304 or 3300, and 2301, 2304 or 2306 (9 hrs)
• History (3 hrs)
• PSY 1305 and Sociology 1305 (6 hrs).
• PSC 2302 (3 hrs)
• REL 1310 and 1350 (6 hrs)
• Mathematics 1304 or 1321 (3 hrs)
• CSI 1302, 1303 or ISY 1305 (3 hrs)
• CSS 1301 or 1302 (3 hrs)
• HP 1420 and CHE 1300 (7 hrs)
• Fine Arts–art, music, or theater arts (2-3 hrs)
• Human Performance, including HED 1145 (4 semesters)
• Chapel–two semesters (no credit)

III. Major (38 hrs)

Human Performance Required Courses (16 hrs)

• 1. HP 2304, 2420, 2306, 2307 and 4368
• 2. HHPR Required Electives (3 hrs)

Health Education Required Courses (3 hrs)

• 1. HED 2331

Professional Field Experiences (6 hrs)

• 1. HED 4V80 or HP 4V79

Note: Must have current First Aid and CPR certification to enroll in these courses.

IV. Supporting Area (21 hrs)

• HP 3320, HP 3330, HP 4350, HP 4352, HP 4354, HP 4369, HP 4371

V. Leadership Skills Development (9 hrs)

• HP 4393 or BUS 3303, HP 4375, FCS 2351

VI. Required Electives (8 hrs)

• PHY 1408, PHY 1409

Exercise Physiology (Health / Fitness Studies) 4-year Course Plan