Health and Human Performance

Associate Dean and Chair: Melissa Knight-Maloney
Email: KNIGHTMALO_M@fortlewis.edu

Public Health Chair: Jennifer Lowell
Email: jllowell@fortlewis.edu

Departmental Descriptions

The Department of Health and Human Performance aims to meet the needs of our graduates to function as critically thinking professionals within the health care disciplines. We strive to prepare students for the current job market by providing a scientific knowledge base and a variety of opportunities for practical experience.

Programs of Study

The Health Sciences faculty encourage students to maintain frequent contact with their departmental and professional advisors to ensure timely completion of the major.

The Health Sciences Department offers four majors; Exercise Physiology , Sport Administration , Exercise and Health Promotion Major , Nutrition Major , and Public Health Major .

The Exercise Physiology Major is designed to study acute and chronic physical and mental adaptations to various exercise conditions. Exercise Physiologist examine the role that exercise has in diminishing or reversing the progression of various chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as well as studying the adaptations of athletes to a variety of training programs. This major is designed for students that plan to attend graduate programs in exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor learning or physical therapy. Students with an interest in allied health professions or clinical positions that focus on cardiovascular disease and/or diabetes treatment and prevention may also choose an Exercise Physiology Major. This major will prepare students for a variety of certifications, including The National Council on Strength and Fitness Personal Trainer Certification.

Students who are planning on pursuing a careers in health and wellness instruction/coaching, corporate health promotions, or physical education, should consider the Exercise and Health Promotion Major . Exercise and Health Promotion professionals guide individuals in developing physical fitness and improving personal health and wellness. This major will provide students with the requisite knowledge to pursue a variety of careers in the health and fitness field, which has recently seen tremendous growth. This major will also prepare students to sit for a variety of certifications including The National Council on Strength and Fitness Personal Trainer Certification. Students wanting to obtain K-12 Physical Education licensure should enroll in the Exercise and Health Promotion Major and contact the Teacher Education Department.

The Sport Administration Major is designed for students who are interested in working with professional, collegiate or community sport and athletic organizations. Students in this major take courses in the Health Sciences department as well as in the School of Business Administration. In order to fully prepare our students, this option combines both an academic foundation and practical experience, including two field placements.

[Nutrition Major]

The Exercise Science K-12 Education Major gives high-quality academic preparation to students who wish to become K-12 physical education teachers licensed by the State of Colorado. This option is extremely demanding and requires careful planning and advising. Students choosing this option should consult an Health Sciences mentor as early as possible in their careers, and should read the Teacher Education Licensure Program section of this catalog for the steps and requirements for applying to the Teacher Education Licensure Program and requirements for completing the program.

Majors in Health and Human Performance

Exercise Physiology Major
Exercise and Health Promotion Major
Exercise Science K-12 Education Major
Nutrition Major
Sport Administration Major

Minors in Health Sciences

Coaching Minor
Exercise Science Minor
Nutrition Minor
Sports Administration Minor