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Academic Programs in Health and Human Performance

Undergraduate Programs  | Graduate Programs | Certificate Programs 

The fields of health and fitness impact everyone, young and old. If you want to change the world through athletics and wellness, the Department of Health and Human Performance has a program to meet your needs.

The Department of Health and Human Performance offers two undergraduate degree programs, a graduate degree program, and five certificate programs. Maximize your time studying what you’re passionate about by choosing one of three concentrations. All HHP majors get to practice their skills in settings relevant to their concentration, in the classroom, the Wellness Center or the Active Aging program.

Undergraduate Programs 

Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance, with a concentration in Teaching and Coaching K-12Everyday heroes, teachers and coaches shape their students’ lives. This concentration prepares students to acquire a K-12 teaching license and lead their own classes. Education students usually participate in classroom observation early on, making sure that they are on the right path. By graduation, students are familiar with the rules of the major youth sports, the principles of physical education and the basics of classroom management. We also encourage students to get an additional endorsement in Health Education, building on the previous courses in the concentration.

     Learn more about the Teaching and Coaching K-12 concentration program of study.

Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance, concentration in Health Promotion and Wellness
Health promotion and wellness activities take place in a range of institutions from private clinics to fitness centers throughout the United States. In this concentration, students take classes about proper nutrition, exercise, management, consumer health, and much more. Outreach programs, health fairs, and community activities round out the students’ experiences and prepare them with practical skills for the real world.

     Learn more about the Health Promotion and Wellness concentration program of study.

Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance, concentration in Recreation and Sport Management
In this concentration, students try everything from aquatics to volleyball. Complementing hands-on courses in developing recreation programming, students also take courses in business management principles. Students gain hands-on experience working with all ages through partnerships with local nursing homes and the Hays Recreation Commission. Recreation and Sports Management alumni find themselves employed anywhere from community recreation centers to professional sports teams.

     Learn more about the Recreation and Sports Management concentration program of study.

   Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance, concentration in Sport and Exercise Therapy

The Sport and Exercise Therapy concentration in Health and Human Performance is designed as a guide to assist students in their preparation for entrance application for professional programs in physical therapy, physicians assistant and occupational therapy.  Individuals wishing to enter a professional health program should pursue an undergraduate major in the discipline of their choice, but should take whatever additional courses may be necessary as prerequisites for admission to the specific professional school of interest.  Students are encouraged to locate the specific admissions requirement for the school of interest and work with their program advisor to ensure that all admissions requirements are met prior to graduation from Fort Hays State University.

   Learn more about the Sport and Exercise Therapy concentration program of study.

Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training
Athletic trainers help prevent and treat injuries in people of all ages, from children to professional athletes. From the sophomore year onward, the nationally accredited (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education [CAATE]) Athletic Training Education Program prepares students for the Board of Certification exam, the gateway to a successful career as an athletic trainer. In addition, students gain valuable hands-on experience in our facilities on and off campus through practicums with FHSU Athletics and area high schools.

     Learn more about the B.S. in Athletic Training program of study.

Certificate Programs 

A certificate adds value to your degree program by building your knowledge and skills in a particular topic area, giving you an advantage in the workplace or allowing you to explore your passion within the field. The Department of Health and Human Performance offers five certificates, available on campus and online.

Graduate Programs 

Master of Science in Health and Human Performance
Take your education and training to the next level with Master of Science in Health and Human Performance, and focus your degree program with a concentration in Exercise Science, Sport Administration or Movement and Sport Studies. In-depth instruction and hands-on experience make this a strong program for professionals seeking to further develop their career potential.

     Learn more about the Master of Science in Health and Human Performance program of study.
     Learn more about admissions requirements for the Master of Science in Health and Human Performance.

ONLINE Master of Science in Health and Human Performance Perhaps you would like to earn a Master's degree in Health and Human Performance, but your work and family obligations prevent you from enrolling in a traditional, face-to-face graduate program. Discover the flexibility and convenience of earning an MS in Health and Human Performance online - without sacrificing academic quality. 

Learn more about the degree requirements for the online Master of Science Health and Human Performance.   

Learn more about the Fort Hays State University Virtual College.  

Learn more about admissions requirements for the online Master of Science in Health and Human Performance.

ONLINE Master of Liberal Studies, emphasis in Health Science
The Master of Liberal Studies emphasis in Health, Physical Education, and Human Performance offers you the flexibility of a liberal studies graduate degree program in a framework that emphasizes highly practical skills in human performance issues. The curriculum integrates both topics of traditional importance alongside workshops in more contemporary issues to give students a broad overview of the discipline. While the program has wide appeal to many different graduate students, this program may well appeal most to physical education teachers, coaches and health/wellness professionals.

      Learn more about the Master of Liberal Studies, emphasis in Health Science.
     Learn more about the Fort Hays State University Virtual College.