Fitness and Human Performance Program

Program Overview/Mission

University of Houston-Clear Lake's Fitness and Human Performance curriculum includes online, hybrid and on-campus "hands-on" courses.  You will be introduced to the fundamental scientific aspects of exercise, completing advanced courses in exercise physiology, nutrition, biomechanics, resistance exercise, health promotion, peak athletic performance, and physical fitness among others.

Goals and Objectives

Our goal is to provide graduates with a strong academic and practical knowledge base to work in a variety of exercise and health related careers, or to pursue research or clinical graduate degrees.

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Program Degrees

• Fitness and Human Performance B.S.
• Fitness and Human Performance B.S. with Grades EC-12 Physical Education Certification

Accreditation Information

The National Strength and Conditioning Association has recognized the Fitness and Human Performance curriculum as preparing students for successful entrance into the career field.

Admission Requirements

• Freshman Requirements
• Transfer Student Requirements
• International Student Requirements

Program Faculty

Curriculum and Instruction

As Fitness and Human Performance students, you may select one of three concentrations depending on your career objectives. Specific information concerning concentration can be provided by a faculty member upon request.

Exercise Science: Choose upper level credits from a list of directed courses in health, biology, and biological aspects of psychology. This concentration is intended for undergraduate students who are interested in strength and conditioning, personal training and exercise physiology, or who may decide to pursue graduate degrees in science.

Health Promotion: Choose upper level credits from a list of directed courses in health and behavioral psychology. This concentration is intended for undergraduate students with an interest in corporate wellness, corporate fitness and fitness management, or who may decide to pursue graduate degrees in health sciences or public health.

Physical Education: Complete a directed curriculum in the Fitness and Human Performance and Education programs in motor development and learning, adolescent activity and sports, and teaching pedagogy courses in preparation for the State of Texas EC-12 Physical Education teaching certification. Students completing this concentration will also be required to declare a second teaching field completing courses in preparation for the Life Sciences, Special Education or Social Studies certification.

Pre-Clinical: Upon completion of this concentration, apply to graduate programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician's assistant and chiropractic. Students selecting this concentration work with their academic advisor to develop customized degree plans to prepare for application upon graduation. Because of strong working relationships with local and state universities, many Fitness and Human Performance graduates have entered into successful careers in health professions and now work in some of the most in-demand fields.

Career Opportunities

Prepare for a career in exercise testing/physiology, exercise prescription, personal training, fitness or corporate wellness/management or proceed on to a professional program in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician's assistant or chiropractic care. Graduates of the program hold jobs as strength & conditioning coaches in the NBA, NFL, MLB, and at the collegiate level. Some work as exercise physiologists, scientists, health promotion coordinators, fitness specialists, personal trainers and many other jobs. Others have continued their education in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant and doctoral research programs.

All leave UHCL with a sound theoretical and practical knowledge of exercise and the opportunity to work in a truly rewarding field.                         

                        

Additional Information

For more information, contact

Dr. Julianna M. Dean, Program Director
281-283-3389
deanj@uhcl.edu

or

Human Sciences and Humanities
Academic Advising Office
hshadvising@uhcl.edu
281-283-3333

University of Houston-Clear Lake
2700 Bay Area Blvd
Houston, TX 77058-1098