Health, Exercise Science, and Secondary Education

Mikaele Iosia, Chairperson

Health and Exercise Science

Professors Mikaele Iosia and Mark Wickam
Senior Lecturer Pam Womack

Secondary Education

Distinguished Professor William Estes
Professor Dan Lawson
Associate Professors Johnny McDaniel and Delia Price
Assistant Professor Jesse Wood

Athletic Training

Associate Professor Taz Kicklighter
Assistant Professor Racheal Lawler

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Disciplines

Exercise Science
Exercise Science Pre-Athletic Training
Health/Wellness, K-12 Licensure
Physical Education Recreation Emphasis
Sports Management
Secondary Education
Master of Science, Athletic Training (see link above)

The Department of Health, Exercise Science, and Secondary Education prepares students for careers in secondary education, wellness education (health/wellness, grades K- 12 licensure), physical education with recreation emphasis, exercise science, sports management, and athletic training. In addition to major classes, the department offers a variety of activity, sport, and lifetime fitness classes.

The secondary education faculty work extensively with other departments on campus and the state of Tennessee to secure teacher licensure for students admitted to the Teacher Education Program. All students seeking licensure in a secondary education area (other than wellness education) will declare their majors in the College of Arts and Sciences or the School of Music. Initial licensure areas include art, biology, business, business technology, chemistry, communication, English, history, mathematics, instrumental music, psychology, Spanish, French, TESOL, theater, vocal/general music, and wellness education. Numerous add-on licenses are available. For a complete list, see the add-on endorsement section at the end of the introduction to the Helen DeVos College of Education in this catalog.

The exercise science degree is designed for students who wish to promote exercise and physically active and healthy lifestyles to serve a wide range of audiences from an individual with Type II diabetes to athletes training to improve performance. Our graduates work in diverse settings such as fitness facilities, corporate wellness programs, and in nutrition and dietetic centers. Students are required to take a nationally-certified professional exam from societies such as the American College of Sports Medicine or the National Strength and Conditioning Association before graduation. The degree requirements include areas of physiological response to exercise and sedentary behavior, nutritional concerns of the general population and athletes, and studying overall health, disease prevention and reduction in risk factors.

The exercise science degree program with a pre-athletic training emphasis is designed to prepare students who plan a career in the field of athletic training. This program is designed to meet the latest accreditation standards which require a Masters Degree in Athletic Training to be eligible for the Board of Certification Exam. This program provides students with a core of science course work needed to pursue other areas of health care expertise in graduate schools such as athletic training, physical therapy, exercise physiology, occupational therapy, nutrition, physician assistant, and even nursing. Specialized internships provide unique coursework designed to enhance the student’s ability to succeed in these professional programs. Courses like Pharmacology, Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries, Exercise Physiology I and II, Principles of Advanced Nutrition, and Psychology of Sport, in addition to the science courses, give LU graduates a tremendous advantage during their advanced graduate studies.

The teacher licensure in wellness education (Health/PE, grades K-12) prepares professionals for successful and productive careers in teaching grades K-12. The program emphasizes knowledge of the human body, self-care, and techniques to motivate all students to lead healthy and productive lives. Students are encouraged (but not required) to become certified in both fields prior to graduation.

A physical education degree with an emphasis in recreation is offered for students planning to work in various recreational settings. A leadership track prepares students for careers in city and county agencies, YMCAs, or on college campuses. A second track focuses on outdoor recreation emphasizing safety, skills, and hands-on experiences in canoeing, backpacking and several other outdoor activities.

The sports management degree integrates courses from the department along with the Department of Communication Arts and the School of Business. This major prepares students for sports related industries that include professional organizations, intercollegiate athletics, amateur sports organizations, and community sports organizations. Clinical placements and a semester-long internship are negotiated with the student, department, and placement providers to meet the interests and goals of the student.

Programs

Majors

Minors

Courses

Exercise Science

Health

Physical Education

Recreation

Secondary Education

Academic Catalog