Health & Fitness Promotion - B. Tech

The fitness industry continues to grow as the benefits of good health and exercise become more evident in our society. Fitness is no longer reserved for the elite athlete, but is important for all of society as a means of disease prevention and longevity.

Students who complete the bachelor's program in Health and Fitness Promotion may pursue employment in settings that promote health and wellness including fitness centers, corporate fitness facilities, as personal trainers, as strength and conditioning coaches with athletic teams, community health, and health organizations.

The Health and Fitness degree program will prepare students for certification exams with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), American Council on Exercise (ACE), or the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), to name but a few. The program is also designed to allow physical therapist assistants (PTA’s) to “bridge the gap” between the associates PTA degree and the doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree.

Students work on core strength development in the Fitness Center.

Pursue Graduate Degrees

The Health and Fitness Promotion program would provide students pre-requisites for graduate studies in the fields of health, wellness and/or fitness. Students who complete this degree would be eligible to apply for admission to some Doctor of Physical Therapy programs, Master’s of Occupational Therapy programs, Master’s of Athletic Training programs, or other Master’s degree programs in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or Human Performance. Another possibility is pursuing the Master’s of Physician Assistant Studies, but this will take additional science and math coursework that is not included in the program.

The benefits of good health and exercise have become increasingly prevalent and integrated into our society. Fitness is no longer reserved for elite athletes. It is equally important for all members of society as a means of disease prevention and longevity.

- Janet Parcell
Associate Professor, Health and Fitness Promotion

A student does rope exercises in the Field House

Health and Fitness Promotion Program Strengths:

Hands-on courses that allow students to directly practice and apply their knowledge and skills
New fitness lab space dedicated specifically for the Health and Fitness Promotion Program
Provide students with a strong foundational science background
Students will be prepared for graduate studies
Advance students’ understanding of the principles of health and fitness promotion
Gain a solid background in fundamental business and management principles
Obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate, develop, and implement sound programs that promote health and fitness as a means of disease and injury prevention
Students will gain the necessary tools to effectively meet the health and fitness needs of various populations
Provide students with experiences that will allow them to serve as role models and advocates of fitness and healthy lifestyles