Joel Perkins, Chair

The health and exercise science program’s function is to prepare professionals for careers in physical therapy, health promotion, fitness management, or outdoor recreation. Selected health and exercise science courses are open to all SOU students. The program also offers a service program with activity courses for students in any major.

Graduate Program

Graduate degree programs with health and exercise science as major components are available (see Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies). The program may be tailored to meet the goals of students who wish to combine studies in health and exercise science with other academic areas. Such a program does not necessarily lead to licensing or certification.

Professional Affiliations

Faculty in the Department of Health and Exercise Science maintain professional memberships and actively participate in the following organizations: American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD); Northwest District-AAHPERD; Oregon Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (OAHPERD); National Athletic Trainers Association; the National Association of Underwater Instructors; and the American College of Sports Medicine. SOU’s athletic programs are governed by the National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

Student Expenses and Insurance

Southern Oregon University does not provide accident insurance. Students and others using the health, exercise science, physical education, and athletic facilities for classes, intramurals, club sports, and recreation are urged to purchase a policy at the time of registration if they do not have their own insurance coverage. Special fees vary by term and class.

Activity Courses

These courses are designed to give students an understanding of the importance of regular physical activity in improving physical and mental well-being. Students learn and improve recreational skills for maintaining an optimum level of physical fitness. All students are encouraged to take PE 180 activities and other health and exercise science courses. Maximum of 12 credits of PE 180 allowed for graduation.

Becoming a Major

Students interested in becoming a major should contact the department. Students must be admitted to the major, which usually occurs at the end of the sophomore year. Admission requires the following:

1. Completion of USEM 101 , 102 , 103 .
2. Completion of two terms of Physiology and Human Anatomy with a minimum grade of C- (for HPE majors only); first term only for OAL majors.
3. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 for all coursework completed.
4. A GPA of at least 2.5 for all coursework completed in the major.

Teacher Licensing

Health Education

Students who would like to teach health at the middle school or high school level in Oregon public schools must complete a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education before applying for admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at SOU. Interested students should consult the department chair for an appropriate advisor and the School of Education regarding admission requirements for the MAT program.

Students must prepare in advance to increase their chances of acceptance into this competitive program. Practica, internships, and volunteer experiences working with students in the public schools prior to application to the MAT program are required.

Physical Education

Students who would like to teach physical education at the early childhood/elementary or middle school/high school level in Oregon public schools must complete a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education before applying for admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at SOU. Interested students should consult the department chair for an appropriate advisor and the School of Education regarding admission requirements for the MAT program.

Students must prepare in advance to increase their chances of acceptance into this competitive program. Practica, internships, and volunteer experiences working with students in the public schools prior to application to the MAT program are required.

Program Requirements

Programs

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science

• •  Health and Exercise Science, BA or BS

Minor

• •  Health Promotion Minor
• •  Minor in Health and Physical Education Teacher Education

Courses

Physical Education

• •  PE 576L - Exercise Prescription and Graded Exercise Testing
• •  PE 579 - Nutrition for Training and Performance