An Introduction to the Department

The Department of Health, Physical Education, & Recreation offers nationally recognized professional preparation programs for majors and a physical activity program for non-majors to fulfill the general education requirement for physical education. The Department offers undergraduate degree programs leading to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Physical Education with teacher endorsement in Health and Physical Education at the PreK-12 levels, in Recreation, and in Sport Management. Physical activity courses for the general education requirement include a wide variety of lifetime sports activities.

The overall goal of the Department is to provide an environment in which each student can pursue professional development and wellness for life through classroom activities, sports skills practice, and extracurricular activities designed to enhance intellectual development, physical fitness, emotional strength, and social wellbeing.

The Health & Physical Education Degree Program

Physical Education majors will receive a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree and will meet teacher licensure requirements for Health and Physical Education PreK-12. The Health and Physical Education program is accredited by the Department of Education in Virginia and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

The major offers course work and field experiences, including student teaching. Participation in student organizations, professional associations, and other experiences related to the major, such as the Department-sponsored Majors' Club, Healthy Hamptonians, or American Red Cross Club, is strongly encouraged. Requirements for student teaching and graduation include a grade of "C" or higher in all Departmental courses (prefixes of HEA, PED, and REC); an overall Grade Point Average of 2.5 or higher; successful completion of required certification examinations, and other Department, Division, School, and University requirements.

Career Opportunities
Career opportunities for health and physical education majors include positions in public and private schools as health and physical education teachers, interscholastic coaches, or directors of intramural activities; in businesses as corporate health or fitness directors; in recreation centers as program directors, trainers, or instructors; in government agencies as education specialists; and in other settings related to health, physical fitness, and exercise science. Graduates may also pursue graduate study in a variety of fields such as exercise science, physical therapy, physical education, health education, or educational administration. The Department has an impressive track record of students finding employment and entering prestigious graduate schools.

Scholarships & Financial Assistance
Scholarships are awarded for qualifying students through the University Scholarship Program. These include Presidential Scholars, Academic Achievers, and various Departmental scholarships as obtained through grants, projects, internships, Army and Navy scholarships, government agencies, industry, and other organizations. Information on other sources of financial assistance (e.g., Pell Grant, Work-Study, Federal Direct Loan Programs, etc.) is available through the University Financial Aid Office.

Department Faculty
The Department of Health & Physical Education is comprised of 12 full-time faculty and approximately 10 part-time/adjunct faculty. The faculty take pride in working together to provide high quality academic programs and to mentor students in professional growth and personal development. In addition to excellent academic credentials, many of the faculty are involved in their respective professional organizations, holding positions of national leadership and service. Publications and grants also are areas where faculty excel and bring distinction to the Department. Faculty have expertise in the following specialty areas:

• Aquatics
• Athletics & Coaching
• Dance
• Exercise Science
• Health Education & Promotion
• Injury Prevention
• Physical Fitness
• Recreation: Program Delivery
• Recreation: Management
• Sports Administration
• Sport Management
• Teacher Preparation - Pedagogy