Health & Exercise Sciences including
Athletic Training * Exercise Science * Health & Physical Education * Health Behavior Science * Sport Management

The number of students in the Department of Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences has increased dramatically since the mid 1980's; this growth is due to the fact that society has recognized the importance of physical fitness. The Department offers a Bachelor of Science Degree featuring five undergraduate majors: Health and Physical Education, Health Behavior Science, Sport Management, Athletic Training, and Exercise Science. In the Exercise Science major, two concentrations are offered: Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology. Within the Health Behavior Science major, students can select from among two concentrations: Leisure Science Management and Fitness Management. Minors in Coaching Science, Figure Skating Coaching, and Strength and Conditioning are also available. Each curriculum features a liberal arts base and opportunities for in-depth study in a specialty field. Internships, practicums, and clinical experiences are available in each degree option.

The major of Exercise Science meets the need of students who are interested in the scientific aspects of exercise and sports. Students can specialize in one of the following areas of concentration: Biomechanics: This program prepares students for entry level positions in gait analysis or for pursuing graduate study in fields such as Physical Therapy or Biomechanics. Exercise Physiology: This program is challenging and is designed to prepare students for careers in sports medicine or for pursuing graduate study in fields such as Physical Therapy or Exercise Physiology or professional opportunities in the Sports Medicine/Sports Sciences field.

The major of Health Behavior Science is offered for students who are interested in the management and administration of health/fitness and recreation programs. The concentration of Leisure Service Management prepares students for careers in the recreation and leisure service industry, as well as in management and administration in these areas. Students completing this program will be exposed to courses in developing programs, and leadership abilities as well as the organization and administration of recreation and leisure services. The concentration of Fitness Management encompasses professional background preparation in the exercise sciences, fitness programming/leadership, health promotion, and fitness/health principles. Both concentrations require a nine-credit internship.

The Sport Management major is designed for students who have an interest in the administration and marketing of sports programs. Students learn the management and supervisory philosophies of sport management including scheduling, supervision of personnel, planning budgeting, and the legal aspects of sports management. A nine-credit internship is also required

Students in the Athletic Training major learn injury prevention techniques and the rehabilitation of athletes, and work closely with the various intercollegiate sports teams at the University. A degree in this area provides career opportunities in a variety of settings, including sports medicine clinics, high schools, colleges/universities, professional sports organizations, physical therapy clinics, and others. This degree also allows students to pursue advanced degrees in sports medicine, the allied health sciences (e.g. Physical Therapy), and the exercise sciences.

The Health and Physical Education major is primarily designed to prepare students for careers in teaching physical education and/or health education. Students who complete the University of Delaware approved Health and Physical Education Teacher Education program receive an institutional recommendation for teacher certification. Graduates are employed as elementary, middle, and high school physical education specialists, health educators, coaches, athletic directors, school and district-level administrators, college and university coaches and professors.

The Minor in Coaching Science is offered to help students develop a sound understanding of the underlying scientific bases affecting the dynamics, safely and efficiency of dynamic human performance in sport and will help students develop a personal coaching philosophy and a variety of team responsibilities. A practicum or field experience will be required in the student's chosen sport in order to further enhance the development of coaching skills and philosophy. The Minor in Strength and Conditioning: prepares students for working with athletes in a strength and weight training/conditioning setting. These settings may include opportunities in high schools, colleges/universities, and at the professional level. Students will be involved in developing strength and conditioning programs with athletes here at the University of Delaware. The Minor in Figure Skating Coaching is targeted for students who have achieved a high level of proficiency in their own skating program and have plans to pursue a career as a figure skating coach or teacher.

For additional information contact Gail Mattix, call (302) 831-2252 or (302) 831-4261.

Sample Job Titles

Check the Dictionary of Occupational Titles under section 187 for additional related careers.

Enhancing Employability

Some Employers of Health & Exercise Science Majors

*schools                 	
*state/federal government	
*hospitals/schools
*tourism agencies        	
*parks & recreation offices	
*churches      
*campgrounds                  	
*travel agencies	
*community organizations
*fitness clubs/resorts/spas  	
*business and industry 
*professional and semi-professional sports teams
*business and industry 

Other Sources of Information

American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAPHERD)
www.aahperd.org/

American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation
www.aahperd.org/aapar/

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
www.acsm.org 

American Hiking Society
www.americanhiking.org/infocenter/index.html

AthleticTrainer.com
www.athletictrainer.com

ExerciseJobs.com
www.exercisejobs.com   

Human Kinetics
www.humankinetics.com/

National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA)
www.nata.org 

National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NRSA)
www.iatf.org/nirsa.htm

National Recreation & Park Association (NRPA)
www.nrpa.org/

National Wellness Institute (NWI)
www.nationalwellness.org/

NCAA Job Opportunities
http://www.ncaa.org

Related HNES Web Links
www.udel.edu/HNES/car-opp.htm

Resources for Teachers
www.udel.edu/CSC/teachers.html 

Special Olympics
www.specialolympics.org

Sports Medicine Jobs
www.sportsmedicinejobs.com

Therapeutic Recreation Directory
www.recreationtherapy.com

The Riley Guide
www.rileyguide.com

Wellness Connection
www.wellnessconnection.com

Resources for Finding Employment

• Developing a Lifelong Contract in the Sports Marketplace (CSD 239)
• The Sports Business Directory (CSD 242)
• Job Opportunities - Health & Science (CSD 248)
• The Hospital Phone Book (CSD 253)
• Career Opportunities in the Nonprofit Sector (CSD 414)
• Health Care Job Explosion! (CSE 289)
• Opportunities in Chiropractic Careers (CSE 290)
• Career Opportunities in the Sports Industry (CSE 346)
• Developing Your Career in the Golf Industry (CSE 354)
• Careers in Focus - Sports (CSE 355)
• Opportunities in Recreation and Leisure Careers (CSE 359)
• Opportunities in Sports and Fitness Careers (CSE 360)
• Careers in Focus - Coaches & Fitness Professionals (CSE 361)
• Careers for Health Nuts & Others Who Like to Stay Fit (CSE 362)
• Athlete's Guide to Career Planning (CSE 363)
• Careers for Sports Nuts & Other Athletic Types (CSE 365)
• Great Jobs for Physical Education Majors (CSE 366)
• Sunshine Jobs (CSE 485)
• How to Get a Teaching Job (ED 38)
• Job Search Handbook for Educators (ED 40)
• www.udel.edu/CSC/netresources.html CSC's Internet Resources

Further information including: Skills to Develop, Strategies for Contacting Employers, Graduate School Information, and where to get assistance is available in the CAREER RESOURCE CENTER located at 401 Academy Street.

Last updated: November 13, 2007 (CH)