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.
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
Program Faculty

William E. Amonette
Associate Professor in Exercise and Health Sciences,
Human Sciences and Humanities
Contact number: 281-283-3381
Email: amonette@uhcl.edu
Office: Recreation & Wellness, Suite 249

Denise B. Cazes
Senior Lecturer in Fitness and Human Performance,
Human Sciences and Humanities
Contact number: 281-283-3419
Email: cazes@uhcl.edu
Office: Recreation & Wellness, Suite 249.13

Julianna M. Dean
Assistant Professor of Exercise and Health Sciences,
Human Sciences and Humanities
Contact number: 281-283-3389
Email: deanj@uhcl.edu
Office: R249

Isabelle Kusters
Associate Professor, Exercise and Health Sciences,
Human Sciences and Humanities
Contact number: 281-283-3378
Email: kusters@uhcl.edu
Office: Recreation & Wellness Building 249
Isabel Woelfel
Lecturer in the Fitness and Human Performance,
Human Sciences and Humanities
Contact number: 281-283-3387
Email: woelfel@uhcl.edu
Office: R249.9
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