The goals of the Department of Human Performance and Exercise Science are to prepare professionals for careers in exercise leadership or physical education in diverse settings, and to simultaneously promote the development of lifetime physical activity skills among the students and entire university community. These goals are achieved by promoting and integrating scientific research related to human performance and exercise science through focused programs of study and outreach services. Students interested in majoring in physical education or exercise science should consult with an advisor in the Department of Human Performance and Exercise Science.

Exercise Science - BS in Applied Science

The Department of Human Performance and Exercise Science offers a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science degree with a major in exercise science. The program is endorsed by the American College of Sports Medicine and is recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. This program prepares students for certification through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as health/fitness instructors. As such, graduates will be able to design safe and effective exercise prescriptions, and conduct individual exercise programs, fitness testing, and health education for low-to moderate-risk individuals, individuals with controlled diseases, and individuals in special populations (e.g. pregnancy, hypertension, diabetes mellitus). Graduates are employed in a wide variety of settings that include: public and private fitness clubs, hospital based wellness programs, corporate wellness programs, strength and conditioning, and clinical rehabilitation programs such as cardiac rehabilitation. In addition, the program serves as a strong foundation for students wishing to pursue advanced degrees in the field of Exercise Science or enter professional schools such as Physical or Occupational Therapy. Application forms and other information for formal admission to the Department of Human Performance and Exercise Science may be obtained in the department office, Room 307, Beeghly Center. This program can be completed in eight semesters if students average 16 hours per semester. For individual semester advisement, including general education, minor, and additional requirements, see assigned departmental advisor.



Professional Teacher Education Program - BS in Education

Youngstown State University is fully approved by the Ohio State Department of Education for the preparation of physical education teachers for public schools. The degree of Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in physical education leads to licensure in multi-age education.

Those students seeking upper-division admission in physical education must formally apply to the Department of Human Performance and Exercise Science when they have completed 50 hours of credit. Application forms and other information for formal admission to the Department of Human Performance and Exercise Science may be obtained in the department office, Room 307, Beeghly Center.

It is also recommended that, once students have applied for and been accepted to upper division in the College of Education, they see an advisor in the COE for individual advisement related to education courses. This program can be completed in nine semesters if students average 15 hours per semester.



Physical Education - Bachelor of Arts

This program is intended for students seeking careers in recreation or sport related commercial fields. The Bachelor of Arts degree does not offer teacher licensure. For teacher licensure information please see the Physical Education - BS in Education section. Application forms and other information for formal admission to the Department of Human Performance and Exercise Science may be obtained in the department office, Room 307, Beeghly Center. This program can be completed in eight semesters if students average 16 hours per semester. For individual semester advisement, including general education and minor requirements, see assigned departmental advisor.



Elective / Required Courses

Students who entered the university for the first time beginning Fall Semester 2000, are not required to take any activity classes; however, these classes are counted as electives by the university.

Students beginning course work under the quarter system but finishing under the semester system are required to have completed 2 activity classes, or 2 quarter or semester hours of activity credit, prior to graduation. Some activity classes are offered for more than 1 semester hour of credit. The form of activity is chosen by the student; however, it is strongly recommended that students select courses which promote lifetime wellness and / or the improvement of motor performance. Activity courses are listed in each semester's Schedule of Classes.

It is suggested that all students confer with their physician prior to enrolling in activity classes. Students with physical disabilities are urged to see their physician, or the nurse in the Student Health Services office, to review activities which might be appropriate. Most activity classes can be adapted to one's personal abilities and students are encouraged to discuss this with the instructor. Students with disabilities are encouraged to focus on their physical abilities and consider the social and physical benefits that accrue from physical activity. If a disabled student finds only one appropriate activity class, permission may be requested from the department chair (Beeghly Center 307) to take the same class twice for credit. Veterans who have served at least one full year can receive physical education credit for service. This is detailed under the heading "Veterans" in the Undergraduate Bulletin. Members of YSU men's or women's varsity teams may receive physical activity credit through enrollment in HPES 1549, varsity competition. This class may be repeated one time per year for each sport in which an athlete is participating.