COURSE CURRICULUM

A Health Behavior and Fitness degree prepares students for careers focused on improving physical activity, wellness, and overall public health through education, exercise science, and behavior change strategies. The program emphasizes both scientific understanding and practical application, helping students learn how the human body responds to exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle interventions, while also studying the psychological and social factors that influence health behaviors. Students gain experience in designing fitness programs, promoting healthy habits, and supporting individuals and groups in achieving long-term wellness goals. The curriculum is strengthened by access to advanced research and laboratory facilities, including the Pediatric Movement and Physical Activity Laboratory, which studies how physical activity impacts children’s health and helps guide public health initiatives, and the Applied Physiology Laboratory, which provides state-of-the-art equipment for analyzing how the body responds to exercise and nutrition-based treatments. These resources give students hands-on exposure to real-world research and applied health science.The program also benefits from strong academic recognition, with the College of Education ranked highly at state and national levels and the kinesiology and health promotion programs recognized for affordability and quality. Students are trained in both theoretical and applied areas of health behavior, including anatomy, physiology, exercise psychology, strength and conditioning, and behavioral change methods. This combination helps graduates develop strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills needed to work effectively in health and fitness environments.Graduates of the program can pursue careers such as personal trainer, wellness coach, health coach, corporate or group fitness coordinator, strength and conditioning specialist, sport coach, and wellness program coordinator. Many also work in community health promotion or corporate wellness programs that focus on improving employee health and productivity. Others continue into advanced study in fields like exercise science, kinesiology, public health, physical therapy, or related healthcare professions. Overall, the degree equips students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to promote healthier lifestyles and address the growing demand for wellness and preventive health services.