Human Performance and Fitness

Preparing you to work in any fitness and health-related career
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About The Program
School of Education

Human Performance and Fitness

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As a human performance and fitness major, you’ll be part of a growing program that will help you build a strong science foundation through courses such as anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, and exercise physiology.

 

Choose from two emphases:

  • Human Performance - Health Promotion
  • Human Performance - Exercise for Special Populations

You'll also have the unique opportunity to work with professors in our Nora Staael Evert Human Performance Lab, fully equipped to enhance teaching and training in the clinical and applied aspects of exercise physiology!

 

 

Wondering if this program is for you? 

This program will be a good fit if you are:

  • Driven and committed, wanting to pass knowledge along and stay on top of latest research
  • Personable, with good communication skills; a lot of daily contact
  • Adaptable and dependable; not a typical schedule and many demands can be placed with little notice
  • Invested in helping others and seeing them succeed
  • Caring, compassionate and empathetic; people that are in it for the long-term wellbeing of others are needed in these positions
  • Hands-on, and skilled at monitoring/assessing
Careers 

With a degree in human performance and fitness, you could work as an:

  • Activities Coordinator
  • Athletic Trainer
  • Corporate Wellness Trainer
  • Dietician
  • Nutritionist
  • Physical Education Instructor
  • Resort Manager
  • Camp Director
  • Cruise Recreation Director
  • Emergency Medical Technician
  • Health Information Coordinator
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Physical Therapist
  • Recreation and Fitness Worker
  • Spa Director
  • Athlete/Coach
  • Dancer/Dance Teacher
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Personal Fitness Trainer
  • Recreational Therapist
Internships 

At Northern, getting out of the classroom and into a real-world workplace setting is a critical part of your education. In this program, you’ll work with your professors to find the internship opportunity that’s right for you, with two options available:

  • PE 395: A field experience where you'll explore a possible career field for 150 hours
  • PE 496: You'll work directly with professionals in the field for 150 hours

Contact the Millicent Atkins School of Education at 605-626-2415 to learn more!

Scholarships 

The NSU WolfPACT is the highest guaranteed, four-year scholarship in the region. But we also offer scholarships specific to education students. Contact the School of Education at 605-626-2415 to learn more!

Courses 

Human Performance and Fitness (BS) Course Requirements and Student Learning Outcomes

 

 

Plans of Study 

Human Performance - Emphasis in Health Promotion (BS) Plan of Study

Human Performance - Emphasis in Exercise for Special Populations (BS) Plan of Study

Human Performance - Pre-Physical/Occupational Therapy (BS) Plan of Study

 

Program Success/Outcomes 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

“I am originally from Edmonton Alberta, Canada. When I was a sophomore in high school, however, I had the opportunity to attend a high school in South Dakota with a program through my church. I ended up touring Northern with one of my friends who was a senior at the time. After touring campus, I decided that I wanted to come back to the States to continue my education at NSU. I am currently majoring in human performance and fitness with an emphasis in pre-physical therapy. I am also very active with extracurriculars on campus. For example, I am currently an RA in Wolves Memorial. I am also a member of the environmental club, RHA and the Fit Club that started earlier this year. One of my biggest commitments this year has been serving as the student chair/president of the Gypsy Day committee. We started planning Gypsy Day in January, and from there we assembled the executive team and the committee. This year’s Gypsy Day committee is very strong. There is so much to be excited about during Gypsy Week from the theme, to the parade, to the football game! I hope everyone else is as excited for it as I am.” – Abigail Ashton #beNORTHERN #unleashYOURpotential #NorthernStateU #GypsyDays

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Suggested Majors and Minors 

Students majoring in human performance and fitness often double major in: 

And they often minor in:

Study Abroad 

Experience the world while earning your degree through NSU Study Abroad! With hundreds of opportunities available around the globe, Northern can make your study abroad dream become a reality. Learn more!

Undergraduate Research 

At Northern, you'll have the chance to conduct cutting-edge research that can have real-world impacts - while still an undergraduate student. Now with our brand new, state-of-the-art Jewett Regional Science Education Center, the sky is truly the limit. Learn more!

Contact Information 

Ready to take the next step? Contact us today:

  • Human performance and fitness academic advisor: Tim Moffett, 605-626-2272 or tim.moffett@northern.edu.
  • Human performance and fitness faculty advisor: TBA

Want to learn more about living and learning at Northern? Contact NSU Admissions today 605-626-2544 or admissions@northern.edu!

 

Still unsure of a major? We can help! Contact NSU Career Services at 605-626-3007 or careerservices@northern.edu.

 

 

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Northern is known for being one of the best values in the region and is committed to student affordability.

Learn more about resources available as you take steps toward advancing your education and pursuing your dream career!

 

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