Human Services Studies

Undergirding the curriculum development and teaching in the Department of Human Performance and Sport Sciences (HPSS) is the belief that physical activity, recreation, sport, work productivity, and independent living are vital to each individual’s health and quality of life. Therefore, it is important to train professionals who are able to safely and effectively guide others in participation in physical activity, recreation, and sports and vocational development; who value the uniqueness of the individual; who understand developmental approaches to working with individuals; who are critical thinkers; who are able to communicate effectively; and who are able to work collaboratively to solve problems.

Mission

The Department of HPSS offers undergraduate degree programs in therapeutic recreation, sport management, physical education, exercise science, and rehabilitation studies in order to prepare graduates for entry into professions which serve a diverse society. The Department also provides courses in health, fitness, recreation, and leisure to promote lifelong wellness and enjoyment of recreation for all university students. These programs are offered by faculty committed to effective teaching behaviors; the practice of scholarship both to improve pedagogy and to contribute to the knowledge base; the promotion of student success through advisement and mentoring; and servicing community needs through a focus on experiential learning.

Goals

To provide major programs which prepare students for entry level professional positions or graduate school admission
To provide a variety of courses in wellness and leisure (as part of the general education and service curricula) which promote lifelong health and leisure.
To model effective teaching behaviors which promote student learning
To increase faculty scholarship in the disciplines or in teaching effectiveness.
To provide excellent advising and mentoring
To provide service to community agencies through a focus on experiential learning of students.

Major Programs

The Department provides instructional opportunities for the university community in health, fitness, leisure, sports studies, physical education, recreation, therapeutic recreation, and rehabilitation studies. The programs offered include the following:

Physical Education with a teacher education and non-teaching option
Rehabilitation Studies
Therapeutic Recreation
Sport Management
Exercise Science
Motorsports Management

Minor Programs

Physical Education
Recreation
Rehabilitation Studies
Sports Medicine