HEALTH/FITNESS MANAGEMENT, B.S.

This degree is designed as a professional preparation leading toward the roles of directors and leaders in the field of health fitness. Upon successful completion of the health fitness management program, students will:

1. Develop comprehensive fitness and health programs: Establish and develop fitness and health assessment programs, integrating industry standards and evidence-based practices to address the diverse needs of clients and ensure optimal health outcomes.
2. Conduct and analyze physical fitness and health assessments: Perform thorough physical fitness and health assessments, employing analytical skills to interpret assessment data accurately and utilize insights for informed decision-making in health and fitness management.
3. Design tailored exercise programs: Create personalized exercise programs for individuals and groups, leveraging knowledge of exercise science and client-specific factors to prescribe activities that align with health goals, preferences, and abilities.
4. Implement behavior change strategies: Intervene to foster positive attitude changes in individuals engaging in harmful health practices, employing motivational techniques and behavior change theories to empower clients to adopt healthier lifestyles.
5. Gain practical experience through internships: Obtain hands-on experience through internships across diverse healthcare and fitness settings, applying theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts, refining professional skills, and developing a comprehensive understanding of industry practices.
6. Apply business management principles: Utilize business management principles to effectively manage health and fitness facilities, including aspects such as budgeting, marketing, operations, and customer service, ensuring the successful operation and growth of health and fitness enterprises.

Completion of the program allows the graduate to sit for the Health Fitness Specialist examinations, which are administered through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).

In addition, students will be directed into other nationally recognized certifications according to their personal interests. These certifications may be in personal training, nutrition counseling and health coaching from organizations such as the American Council on Exercise and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Career Opportunities

Located in a corporate, community, hospital, commercial or educational setting, this career demands expertise in facilitating behavior change, promoting healthy lifestyles and managing a wellness facility.

The Health/Fitness Management degree will prepare students for entry-level positions in fitness, wellness and health promotion programs in corporate, business, church and community settings. The opportunities include a wide spectrum in the various settings, as follows:

• Facilitating participants’ lifestyle choices
• Promoting and marketing health programs
• Implementing programs in fitness, nutrition, health education, stress management, smoking cessation
• Managing fitness and wellness facilities that provide community activities for participants