MS in Health and Human Performance


Program Overview:

Thank you for your interest in the Master of Science with an emphasis in Health and Human Performance at the University of the Southwest.  We have created an online, one year, thirty (30) hour fast-track graduate program to accommodate interested individuals with a desire to work in health care.  We provide a quality learning environment through lecture, lab, practical experience, and internships to prepare our students for a career as a health care professional.  Our online program allows the flexibility for interested students to enter during any time of the academic year. 
                                                           
Program Description

Two of the most notable issues in society today are the provisions of health care and the rising concern with the epidemic of obesity.  Many more Americans are becoming aware of their health and its relationship to the quality of life with health and aging. Although they may understand the importance of diet and exercise in maintaining good health, they often are uneducated or untrained as to proper exercise techniques and how to ensure proper nutrition. Hence, there is an increasing demand for trained health care professionals who can serve the general public by raising awareness and providing quality instruction, both of which may help reduce health care costs and assist individuals in improving and maintaining their health.

The Master of Science in Health and Human Performance will develop trained professionals. The coursework has been designed to allow students to develop and demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of clinical evaluation, fitness assessment, nutrition, and exercise prescription. As students progress through the program they will have opportunities to work with normal, healthy individuals, active ager’s, cardiac patients, and centenarians and will gain experience working with populations with chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cardiac conditions, to enable them to understand and assist in their treatment.

In developing this program, the department has carefully studied the needs of current health care professionals, teachers, coaches, corporate wellness employees, and assistants in athletic programs. Graduates of the program will be able to pursue advanced career opportunities in sub-disciplines such as: Exercise Physiology, Sport History, Motor Development, Sport Pedagogy, Motor Learning, Sports Medicine (Athletic Training, Pre-PT), Biomechanics, Sport Philosophy, Sport Psychology, Sport Sociology, Sport Management, Adapted Physical Education, Health Education, Physical Education, Leisure, and Recreation.
 
MS-HHP Flyer

Career Possibilities

College Professor
Exercise Physiologist
Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist
Biomechanist
Sport Psychologist
City Sports Recreation Director
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Personal Fitness Trainer
Sports Official
Athletic Trainer
Recreation Leader
Physical Education Teacher
Health Education Teacher
Athletic Coach
Athletic Director
Physical Education Administrator
Public Health Education
Sports Facilities Manager
Aquatics Specialist
Choreographer
Camp Director
Sports Information Director
Recreation and Intramural Director
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Or continue towards their doctorate in their related field.

           MS-Health and Human Performance Required Courses

HHP 5003-Physiological Basis of Human Performance

HHP 5013-Research Methods

HHP 5023-Advanced Human Nutrition

HHP 5033-Issues in Sports Law

HHP 5043-Diagnostic Tests & Measurements in Exercise Science

HHP 5053-Neurological Basis for Motor Learning and Control

HHP 5063-Group Dynamics

HHP 5073-Health and Human Behavior

HHP 5006-Advanced Practicum or Internship/Project in Exercise Science (Practical Application Only)

HHP 5113: Psychology of Sport and Injury (Lecture and Theory Only)

HHP 5123: Applied Sport Psychology (Lecture and Theory Only)

See advisor for sequence of completion


HHP Practical Application Degree Plan
HHP Lecture and Theory Degree Plan
_____________________________________________________________________________

Heath Hooper, PhD
Associate Professor and Program Chair for Health and Human Performance


Email: hhooper@usw.edu



For more information, please contact Brandon Rodriguez at 1(833)879-4723 ext. 714 or Email brodriguez@usw.edu