Movement Science Degree, Preventative Health and Physical Activity Concentration, B.S.

The Preventative Health and Physical Activity concentration eqips students to become active changemakers in the health and well-being of individuals and communities. With a strong focus on leadership, collaboration, and equity, this program prepares students to understand and promote health through prevention, education, and advocacy.

Students can choose to complete this program in one of two routes:

• As a concentration within the Movement Science major
• As a minor added to another declared major

This flexible pathway allows students to tailor their academic experience to their professional goals.

What You'll Learn and Do:

At the heart of this concentration is the belief that preventative health and physical activity are powerful tools for positive change. Students explore:

• Preventative health interventions through evidence-based health behavior models
• Interprofessional collaboration and team-based problem solving
• Health equity and the social determinants of health
• The importance of health literacy - both personally and as community advocates

Through this integrated, real-world approach, students gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead wellness initiatives, educate others, and support equitable access to health resources across diverse populations.

Policies and Progression:

All students in this concentration are expected to follow the policies and procedures outlined in the Sports Medicine and Human Performance (SMHP) Department Manual, including requirements for acheiving Intermediate and Advanced Standing.

The Preventative Care and Physical Activity concentration is one of several engaging pathways within the Movement Science major - a flexible program designed for students who want to make a difference in individual and community health.

All Movement Science majors complete a 27-credit Movement Science Core that lays the foundation in human movement, health, and wellness. From there, students in the Preventative Health and Physical Activity concentration dive deeper wit

• 18 credits of specialized coursework focused on preventative care, behavior change, and health equity
• An additional 18 credits of advisor-approved coursework or completion of a related minor to build a focused area of expertise

This additional coursework is designed to support credentialing opportunities aligned with each student's career goals and interests.

Credentialing and Career Readiness:

Students in this concentration are encouraged to pursue nationally recognized certifications and licensures that boost their credentials and expand career opportunities. While completing the coursework does not guarantee certification, it lays the groundwork for success on a variety of professional exams.

Potential credentialing paths include (but are not limited to):

• Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)
• Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist (PAPHS)
• Health, Food, and Consumer Science MTEL (Massachusetts Teacher Licensure in Health Education)
• Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programming (CSPAP)

Advisors work closely with students to tailor their academic and professional plans - helping them choose the best path for certification and licensure preparation.

Empower Health. Inspire Change. Lead Communities.

Graduates of the Preventative Health and Physical Activity Concentration are prepared for a wide variety of roles in both public and private sectors. Whether you're passionate about health education, wellness coaching, or health advocacy, this program opens the door to meaningful work across diverse professional settings.

You'll develop in-demand, transferable skills like leadership, teamwork, interprofessional communication, professionalism, and systems thinking - skills that are highly valued across industries and essential for creating real change in the world.

Career Settings May Include:

• Schools and Universities
• Hospitals and Clinical Practices
• Doctor's Offices and Healthcare Systems
• Corporate Wellness Programs
• Insurance Companies
• Government Agencies (Local, State, and Federal)
• Community and Nonprofit Organizations

According to national data, approximately 50% of graduates from similar programs are employed in healthcare or social assistance, and 20% work in government roles at the state or local level (https://www.nchec.org/).

Possible Job Titles May Include:

• Health Coach
• Patient Educator
• Employee Wellness Coordinator
• Health Advocacy Specialist
• Prevention Specialist
• Health Information Specialist
• Health Literacy Program Coordinator
• Community Health Program Director
• Physical Activity Program Manager
• Grant Writer
• Health Communications Consultant or Journalist

What You'll Do:

In these roles you take on responsibilities such as:

• Educating individuals and communities to improve health behaviors and promote healthier environments
• Creating and implementing prevention-focused programs that address community health challenges
• Advocating for health equity, access to safe physical activity spaces, and public health policy change
• Building partnerships across healthcare, education, and government sectors
• Helping patients and clients navigate healthcare systems, understand treatment plans, and access resources
• Designing wellness campaigns, incentive programs, and educational outreach tailored to diverse populations

Plan Your Path with Purpose:

Many of the certifications and credentials associated with this concentration - such as CEHS, PAPHS, or CSPAP - overlap in scope and responsibilities. That's why it's important to work closely with a program advisor and tailor your academic and career plan based on your unique strengths and interests.

Majors in the Department of Sports Medicine and Human Performance must complete the 27-credit Major Core curriculum, along with general education coursework, concentration-specific requirements, and professional development benchmarks, including Intermediate Standing and Advanced Standing.

The Major Core is organized into four key areas: Scientific Foundations, Motor Behavior, Evidence-Based Practices, and Cultural Competence.

Please note: requirements within the Major Core may vary slightly depending on your concentration. Be sure to review your program plan or speak with your advisor for guidance. There are minimum GPA requirements to be eligible for graduation:

• Major Core: minimum 2.5 GPA
• Concentration: minimum 2.7 GPA (3.0 for PE)
• Overall: minimum 2.8 GPA

Scientific Foundations (18 credits)

Motor Behavior (3 credits)

Evidence-Based Practice (3 credits)

Cultural Competence (3 credits)

Active participation in professional practices and development opportunities outside of coursework is an essential requirement of the Movement Science major. Throughout the program, students must document these experiences in an E-Portfolio, along with other specified criteria, to meet the Intermediate Standing and Advanced Standing benchmarks required for academic progression.

At the core of the department's philosophy is the belief that true professional growth extends beyond the classroom. Engaging in professional development opportunities-such as attending academic lectures and campus events, volunteering in clinical or community settings, participating in social justice-oriented educational activities, and taking on leadership roles in professional clubs or conferences-allows students to apply their knowledge, build meaningful connections, and cultivate the habits, confidence, and adaptability required in real-world settings. These experiences not only enrich academic learning but also prepare students to be reflective, proactive, and effective professionals in their chosen fields. The department regularly announces a variety of on- and off-campus events that support professional development. Students are also encouraged to take initiative and pursue additional opportunities of personal and professional interest beyond those formally promoted or announced.

Intermediate Standing

Advanced Standing

The following is a listing of the Preventative Health and Physical Activity Concentration requirements beyond those of the Movement Science Core:

Required Courses

Select a Minor or Take 18 Additional Credits

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a general education or common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in General Education: WISE or Common Core.