If helping people develop their potential for a healthy lifestyle is the career you're after, then the Department of Health and Human Performance at The University of Montana can start you on the right track. Our primary focus is to advance and disseminate knowledge about the promotion of healthy lifestyle choices and behaviors, the enhancement of human movement and enriching the quality of life.
Within our department, we offer three specialization options in HHP and an academic major in athletic training, each leading to a bachelor's degree and preparing you for a satisfying career in a health or human performance-related field:
At the conclusion of your HHP undergraduate degree program, you may seek an entry level position in your chosen field or be fully prepared to pursue an advanced degree. Your coursework will help you to:
Understand the scope of our profession and provide the skills you need to be an effective practitioner;
Develop lifetime proficiency in critical thinking and enhance your thirst for knowledge;
Become familiar with the many aspects of health and health promotion as they are offered in a variety of settings;
Adopt personal and professional attributes characteristic of health and human performance professional, and
Learn respect for the uniqueness and dignity of colleagues and those you serve.
Athletic Training
Upon graduation, Athletic Training majors will be eligible to sit for the Board of Certification examination to become certified athletic trainers and employable in a variety of educational, industrial and clinical settings. Through this curriculum, students acquire proficiency in the acute care of injuries or illnesses, risk management and referral, therapeutic exercise and modalities, pharmacology, pathology of conditions and disabilities, assessment and evaluation of athletic injuries, professional development and responsibilities and nutrition for athletes.
Exercise Science
The Exercise Science option features a vigorous biological and social science curriculum designed to prepare students for graduate work in many health areas, exercise physiology and related sciences. Graduates who complete the Exercise Science Option may apply for - and typically are admitted to - advanced study in medicine, including medical doctor, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant or respiratory therapy programs or similar medical-based fields.
Health Enhancement
Those who aspire to teach health and physical education in K-12 schools should choose the Health Enhancement option. Classes give training in teaching skills to promote healthy lifestyle choices and behaviors, as well as how to teach students physical education and sports skills. Upon completion of this option, students should meet state certification standards for teaching health enhancement (health and physical education) in K-12 settings.
Applied Health
The Applied Health Science option prepares students for professional certification and employment in two areas: exercise and fitness, and community health education. Successful graduates of this option should possess the knowledge and skills to qualify for: 1) American College of Sports Medicine Health/Fitness Instructor certification; 2) National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Certification or equivalent, and/or 3) certification as a Health Education Specialist. Through their coursework, students should be prepared to assess health needs, plan, implement and evaluate health promotion activities in a variety of settings.
About UM and the HHP Department
The University of Montana was founded in 1893, and for more than a century, it has nurtured and supported students in their educational endeavors. A rich academic tradition makes UM the state's flagship university and the "university of choice" for more than 13,000 students. Our faculty and staff remain committed to encouraging the full development of each student's potential so that they can contribute creatively to society as competent and concerned professionals; and they encourage the development of strong value systems that foster respect for individual differences and abilities.
The University has been praised for the quality of its services that meet student needs for health, safety, advising services, and its on-campus living and dining facilities. The Mansfield Library has the state's most extensive collection and supports the University's academic and research programs. UM students receive a high-quality, well-rounded education and training for their careers from three colleges and six professional schools, including the School of Education, which is home to the Department of Health and Human Performance. Within the liberal arts tradition of The University of Montana and mission of the School of Education, the HHP department faculty, staff and students engage in professional education, scholarly activity and meaningful public service. The department emphasizes all dimensions of health and human movement to enhance longevity and the quality of life.
