Goals and Objectives

The department is committed to promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles throughout the lifespan, whether it be through providing opportunities for exceptional performance in athletics; for a holistic teaching approach in our physical education, health, dance, outdoor education and coaching curricula; for creative expression in dance theatre; or for recreational and leisure opportunities through activity courses and the life fitness program.

Major

The health and human performance major provides students with three options:

• K-12 Physical Education: A 54-credit comprehensive program (no minor required) that qualifies graduates to teach K-12 Physical Education in the public school setting.
• Exercise and Sport Science: A 34-credit program, plus minor, designed for students who seek careers in health promotion, cardiac rehabilitation, personal training, or sport management. Students who plan to continue their education at the graduate level in areas such as exercise physiology, athletic training, sport psychology, or biomechanics, may also wish to choose this option.
• Health Education: A 34-credit program, plus minor, designed to prepare students to teach health education in the public school setting.

Minors

The department of health and human performance provides minors in health education, coaching, dance education and outdoor education. An Adapted Physical Education minor is also available for students seeking K-12 physical education certification or for teachers who are already certified in K-12 physical education. Students from all disciplines are encouraged to enjoy the opportunities provided through these minors.

Academics

In 1993 the department of health and human performance was the first Wisconsin program to pass the rigorous standards of the National Association of Sport and Physical Education (NASPE). The department met or exceeded the national requirements for every standard, in a time when nationally less than 25 percent of the physical education programs evaluated passed. In 2003, the department once again passed NASPE standards and is one of the few NASPE accredited physical education programs in the Midwest and the only NASPE accredited program in Wisconsin.

Faculty

The department of health and human performance has a unique blend of faculty and academic staff who place the overall education of students as their first priority. A genuine concern for the well-being of our students, both physically and mentally, provides an encouraging
atmosphere for the growth and development of tomorrow’s teachers and leaders. Students and faculty interact on a one-to-one basis and form life-long connections.