The Department of Exercise and Sport Science (ESS), an academic department within the School of Education, endeavors to prepare students for service in a widely diverse workplace. The ESS Department offers one major with five areas of specialization leading to a Bachelor of Science degree. The department also offers three minors within ESS. A core curriculum, which consists of courses in fitness and wellness, motor development, kinesiology/biomechanics, exercise physiology, measurement and evaluation, and critical analysis and composition of professional literature, is required for each specialization and the minor. An undergraduate degree in exercise and sport science or a related field of study is a prerequisite to several certification exams and/or acceptance to most ESS related graduate programs.
Areas of Specialization:
Physical Education - Students specializing in physical education will be given the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills related to teaching physical education in schools and other community and/or commercial settings. Those interested in teaching in K-12 schools must meet the requirements of the Department of Exercise and Sport Science and the HPU Teacher Education Program (TEP). The TEP, operated by the Department of Education, is accredited by the State Board of Education (SBEC) to offer programs leading to teacher certification (by exam) in several subject concentrations. The certification program with a concentration in physical education includes all-level physical education (K-12).
Personal Trainer – Students specializing in the area of personal training will be given the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills related to the development of exercise programs for individuals of various ages and fitness levels in a non-school setting. These include settings such as health and wellness centers, worksite health promotion programs, and public or private sport and recreation facilities. Due to important managerial competencies required by such a career choice, it is suggested that student complete a minor area composed of business-related courses. These courses are offered through the School of Business. Students will have an opportunity to prepare for and take the Certified Personal Trainer examination provided by The Cooper Institute, Dallas, Texas.
Coaching – Students specializing in Coaching will be given the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills related to careers as competitive athletic coaches in the recreational, collegiate, and professional coaching professions. Students wanting to coach in Texas Public schools should complete the Teacher Education Program and certify to teach in a preferred teaching field.
Athletic Training - Students interested in Athletic Training will be given the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills related to careers as athletic trainers in interscholastic/intercollegiate athletic programs or clinical settings. The requirements of the current program meet the guidelines established for licensure by the Texas Department of Health. Students interested in Athletic Training should contact Mr. Mike Terrill (Head Athletic Trainer) in the Howard Payne Athletics Department.
Minors in ESS
Exercise and Sport Science Minor - Students specializing in other academic areas whose career goals require some knowledge and skills in ESS may choose the ESS minor. The ESS minor is a 24-hour program in areas of General Exercise and Sport Science, Coaching or Youth Ministry related activity leadership. Other minor emphasis may be developed through the ESS department dependent on the student’s desired area of interest upon graduation. The Teacher Education Program does not offer a second teaching field in Exercise and Sport Science.
Beyond the Classroom
Exercise and Sport Science club – Students are encouraged to become members of the ESS students club. The club offers opportunities for further professional development in their chosen specialization, as well as social interaction with other ESS majors on campus.
Student Trainers – Each year, students preparing in Athletic Training serve on the HPU athletic training team as student trainers. These athletic trainers work to serve all of the HPU athletic teams.
Faculty – Prospective students are encouraged to visit with the following faculty members regarding the Department of Exercise and Sport Science:
Dr. Rick Beelby; Associate Professor/ Department Chair of ESS; EdD Texas Tech University
Mr. Cloyce (Curly) Cox; Associate Professor; M.S., Baylor University
Mr. Scott Owen, ATC, CPT; Assistant Professor; M.A., Western Michigan University
Mrs. Kim Rosato, Instructor, M.S., Indiana University
For more information contact any of the ESS faculty by email or phone.
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