Program Overview
The University of North Alabama’s Bachelor of Science in Health and Fitness program prepares students to promote healthy lifestyles, improve individual and community well-being, and lead wellness-focused initiatives. Through a multidisciplinary curriculum that combines health, fitness, recreation, and management principles, students develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to pursue a variety of careers in the health and wellness industry.
Why Choose This Program?
- Explore the connections between health, fitness, recreation, and wellness through a multidisciplinary curriculum
- Gain practical experience through hands-on learning opportunities and professional field experiences
- Develop real-world skills through experiential learning and internships
Health and Fitness Concentrations
Fitness Management Concentration
The Fitness Management concentration prepares students to lead and manage fitness, wellness, and recreation programs in a variety of settings. Through coursework in health promotion, fitness programming, leadership, and facility management, students will develop the skills needed to help individuals and communities achieve their health and wellness goals.
Health Promotion Concentration
Pursuing a Health Promotion concentration prepares students to educate, motivate, and empower individuals and communities to make better-informed health decisions. Through coursework in health education, wellness, and behavior change, students in this program will acquire the skills needed to promote healthy lifestyles and improve overall well-being across diverse populations and fields.
Curriculum & Coursework
Students in the Health and Fitness program benefit from a multidisciplinary curriculum that explores health, wellness, physical activity, recreation, and leadership. Through a combination of classroom instruction and practical learning experiences, you will gain valuable knowledge and skills to promote healthy lifestyles and improve the well-being of local communities.
Sample Courses:
- HPE 225 Nutrition and Human Performance
- HPE 300 Personal and Community Health
- HPE 370 Organization and Administration of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation
Learning Outcomes:
[UNA: Need Info Above]
Career Paths & Outcomes
A degree in Health and Fitness prepares you for a variety of careers dedicated to improving health, wellness, and quality of life. Graduates of our program are equipped with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to support individuals and communities through fitness, health promotion, recreation, and wellness-focused initiatives.
Common Career Paths:
- Fitness Center Manager
- Wellness Coordinator
- Health Promotion Specialist
- Community Health Educator
- Corporate Wellness Specialist
- Recreation Supervisor
- Health Program Coordinator
- Community Outreach Coordinator
Admissions Requirements
Admission into [program name] requires:
- Requirement
- Requirement
- Requirement
[UNA: Need Info Above]
Student Experience
At UNA, Health and Fitness students gain valuable hands-on experience through internships, research opportunities, leadership development, and professional engagement. You will have the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings while working alongside faculty mentors and industry professionals who will help prepare you for successful careers in health, wellness, fitness, recreation, and sport-related fields after graduation.
Opportunities include:
- Internship placements with health, fitness, recreation, and sport organizations
- Research opportunities through the Center for the Study of Exercise Science and Health Promotion
- Applied learning experiences through the Center for the Study of Sport and Recreation
- Networking and professional development through the Sport Leadership Summit
- Faculty mentorship and career prep opportunities
Meet the Faculty
Ms. Jacquelyn A. Allen
Senior Lecturer/Director, Wellness & Health Promotion
jaallen@una.edu
Mr. Jon M. Allen
Lecturer
jallen11@una.edu
Dr. Kyle Conkle
Assistant Professor, Sport Management
rconkle@una.edu
Dr. J. Matthew Green
Associate Dean, College of Education & Human Sciences, Professor, Exercise Science
jmgreen@una.edu
Dr. Jean Ann Helm Allen
Interim Associate Dean, College of Education & Human Sciences, Professor, Kinesiology
jhelm@una.edu
Dr. Chanho Kang
Associate Professor, Sport & Recreation Management
ckang@una.edu
Dr. Lauren G. Killen
Associate Professor, Exercise Science
lkillen1@una.edu
Mr. Mark D. Linder
Lecturer, Sport & Recreation Management
mdlinder@una.edu
Dr. Scott Lyons
Interim Department Chair, Graduate Program Coordinator, Professor
slyons1@una.edu
Dr. Eric K. O’Neal
Professor, Exercise Science
eoneal1@una.edu
Dr. Lee G. Renfroe
Professor, Health Promotion
lrenfroe@una.edu
Mr. Patrick Shremshock
Senior Lecturer, Sport & Recreation Management
pshremshock@una.edu
Dr. Hunter S. Waldman
Assistant Professor, Exercise Science
hswaldman@una.edu
