Within the liberal arts tradition of The University of Montana and the mission of the School of Education, the Department of Health and Human Performance engages in professional education, scholarly activity, and meaningful public service. The department emphasizes all dimensions of health and human movement to enhance the longevity and quality of life.
The undergraduate curriculum in health and human performance at The University of Montana prepares graduates to be competent entry-level professionals in health and human performance-related occupations or candidates for advanced study in related disciplines. Development of the following is considered essential in achieving those outcomes: 1) knowledge of the scope of the profession, 2) basic and professional skills germane to effective practice as a health and human performance professional or successful pursuit of advanced studies, 3) higher order thinking skills which increase the students' involvement in their own learning and promote a lifelong quest for knowledge, 4) knowledge of the multiple dimensions of health , and possession of health promotion skills applicable in a variety of settings, 5) understanding of the role played by health and human performance professionals, a sense of responsibility, personal attributes, and professional behaviors requisite for effective functioning within that role, and 6) respect for the uniqueness and dignity of self and others.
A choice of three areas of emphasis is included in the undergraduate curriculum--Athletic Training, Human Movement which includes Exercise Science and Fitness Specialist options, and Health Studies which includes Health Enhancement and Health Promotion options. Students complete requirements for one or more of the options/emphases consistent with their professional aspirations.
The goal of the Athletic Training emphasis is to prepare competent entry-level athletic trainers for employment in educational and clinical settings or post-graduate study. The Athletic Training curriculum is designed to help students develop proficiency in the prevention, recognition, evaluation, management, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Successful graduates should possess the knowledge and skills to qualify tor the National Athletic Trainer's Association certification.
The Human Movement emphasis is designed to provide students with an in-depth biological and social science background. The Fitness Specialist option prepares students for professional certification and employment in fitness-related fields. Successful graduates of this option should possess the knowledge and skills to qualify for the American College of Sports Medicine Health/Fitness Instructor certification or the National Strength Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification, or the equivalent. The Exercise Science option prepares students for post-baccalaureate study in human movement and related sciences. While completing a program of study representative of individual interests and a broad-based scientific core of human movement study, Exercise Science students must earn and maintain a minimum grade average by their junior year and complete a senior thesis.
The Health Studies emphasis prepares students to teach health behaviors and to facilitate their adoption in the school or community. Students successfully completing the Health Enhancement option should meet state certification standards for teaching Health Enhancement in K-12 environments. Students successfully completing the Health Promotion option should be prepared to assess health needs, plan, implement and evaluate Health Promotion activities in a variety of settings.
The graduate curriculum in Health and Human Performance at The University of Montana prepares post-graduates to become effective health and human performance professionals or competitive candidates for advanced study in related disciplines through a comprehensive program of study and guided research. Development of the following is considered essential in achieveing a graduate degree: 1) oral and written communication, 2) understanding of current research, 3) familiarity with the literature in one's chosen specialization, 4) ability to design, conduct, and report research in a scholarly fashion, 5) investigative skills to promote independent pursuit of learning beyond the confines of curricular requirements, and 6) personal characteristics, sense of responsiblity, and professional behaviors requisite for effective functioning as an advanced health and human performance professional. Graduate options include Exercise and Performance Psychology, Exercise Science, and Health Promotion. For more information regarding the department's graduate program, refer to The University of Montana Graduate Programs and Admissions catalog. The department also provides a large activity program (HHP 100-179) which includes instruction in a wide variety of individual, team, recreational, and fitness activities. Goals of this program include helping students: 1) develop and maintain long-term health-related fitness, 2) develop motor performance skills that facilitate regular and continuous participation in physical activity, and 3) develop the adult "inner athlete" who continually strives to reach optimal potential through involvement in challenging endeavors. Students may elect to apply up to four credits from HHP 100-179 toward a baccalaureate degree.
Students must fulfill the requirements listed below. Upper-division students must maintain a cumulative grade average of 2.00 to continue as majors in the department. The minimum grade average required for upper division Exercise Science students is 2.80. All HHP majors and minors must earn a minimum grade of a C in all required courses, including prerequisites. Courses specifically listed in this catalog as requirements for Health and Human Performance majors must be taken for a traditional letter grade. This includes courses in HHP as well as out-of-department courses.
All HHP majors and minors must enroll in the appropriate number of HHP 200-225 courses to satisfy the professional activity requirements. HHP 100-179 will not satisfy the requirement except as noted in the Health Enhancement option. To remain enrolled in professional activities 200-225, students must meet the minimum departmental proficiency level in both skill and knowledge of the activity. A 2.50 grade average is required to qualify for student teaching. To successfully complete the program in Health Enhancement, a student must receive a grade of C or above in every course in the following areas: teaching major and minor, required Curriculum and Instruction courses, a health education course, Psyc 100S, Enex 101, and C&I 427 or Entt 440. None of these courses may be taken as pass/not pass except where that is the only grade available.
Students may apply for admission into the professional program by obtaining an application from the Athletic Training Program Director. This application must be submitted with a written statement of purpose and three letters of recommendation. The following criteria must be met:
1. Completion of all required pre-professional coursework.
2. Attainment of a minimum overall grade point average of 2.75.
3. Attainment of a minimum grade of C in all required courses, including prerequisites.
Any one of the following first aid/emergency care certifications:
Plus one of the following CPR certifications:
Areas of Emphasis Undergraduate students must complete requirements for a minimum of one of the areas of emphasis listed below. The typical student may take more than four years to complete these requirements, especially in the Athletic Training emphasis and the Health Enhancement option.
Athletic Training Emphasis (required courses). Within Department (55-57 crs.): 181, 184, 226, 240, 246, 361, 365, 377, 378, 384, 389, 410, 411, 446, 475E, 479, 489, 3-5 crs. of electives exclusive of 100-179. Out of Department (51-54 crs.): Enex 101; Comm 111A; Chem 151N, 152N; Biol 106N, 212, 213; Psyc 100S; Soc 110S; PT 364, 365, 382, 383, 376, 377; For 220; Phar 110N; CS 170 (or competency test).
Human Movement Emphasis (required core courses). Within Department (26 crs.): 181, 184, 350, 377, 378, 386, 387, 475E, 483, 484. Out of Department (17-20 crs.): Enex 101; Comm 111A; CS 170 (or competency test); Biol 212, 213; Psyc 100S.
Exercise Science option (required courses). Within Department (18 crs.): 1 cr. from 200-225, 226, 384, 446, 486, 3 crs. of 497, 3 crs. of electives exclusive of 100-179. Out of Department (20 crs.): Soc 110S, Chem 151N-152N, Phys 121N, For 220, 9 crs. of electives to be chosen from biology, biochemistry, mathematics, physics, compuer science, psychology.
Fitness Specialist option (required courses). Within Department (33 crs.): 227, 236N, 240, 246, 361, 365, 2 crs. of 398, 425, 481, 485, 4 crs. of 498, 2 crs. of electives exclusive of 100-179. Out of Department (12 crs.): Psyc 337, Acct 201, Mgmt 360, Fin 322, 6 crs. of electives to be chosen from biology, biochemistry, mathematics, physics, computer science, psychology.
Health Studies Emphasis (required core courses). Within Department (21 crs.): 181, 184, 226, 233, 365, 377, 378, 475E. Out of Department (23 crs.): Enex 101, Comm 111A; Anth 265N; Biol 106N, 212, 213; Psyc 100S.
Health Enhancement option (required courses). Within Department (33 crs.): 6 crs. from 200-225 (minimum of two each in team and individual sports and one dance activity. Two of the 6 credits may 100-179 provided they are: l) level II or higher, 2) not offered as a professional activity, and 3) not credit for a varsity sport.), 246, 301, 339, 361, 384, 386, 387, 466, 3 crs. of electives exclusive of 100-179. Out of Department (34 crs.): Ent 440 or C&I 427; Psyc 240S; C&I 200, 301, 302, 303, 407, 410, 415, 481, 482.
Health Promotion option (required courses). Within Department (25-27 crs.): 236N, 305 (or CS 170 or competency test), 395, 425, 482, 485, 494, 4 crs. of 498, 3 crs. of electives exclusive of 100-179. Out of Department (18 crs.): Chem 101N, Evst 304, SW 425S, Psyc 337, 6 crs. of electives to be taken from Comm 220, 240 or 241.