Students can declare Healthful Living and Fitness Education after completion of 24 credit hours and a 2.0 or higher UNCW GPA.
Students must choose from one of two concentration options when declaring:
Hands-on training is a central theme in this specialty area, and practicum experiences are embedded into seven courses throughout the program.
Teacher Licensure students complete their program of study with a 12-hour internship where they are placed into a local school for 15 weeks. Another noteworthy practicum experience in this specialty area is PED 387, wherein UNCW Physical Education faculty collaborate with the Isaac Bear Early College High School (IBECHS) to assist PED 387 students in offering physical education to the IBECHS students.
Note: Students who already hold a non-teaching bachelor’s degree and are seeking initial teaching certification in physical education and health can pursue the online Master of Arts in Teaching degree.
Schedule an appointment with a Student Success advisor.
The Lifetime Fitness and Health Specialty is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the health, wellness, and fitness industries. This a broad specialty allowing for a holistic understanding of these career fields as well as an introduction to entrepreneurship to aid in building a business in health and wellness.
Schedule an appointment with a Student Success advisor.
Healthful Living & Fitness Education majors are provided with on-campus practicum experiences that prepare them for their internship semester.
Additionally, the UNCW Fitness Clinic provides opportunities for HFE students enrolled in core major course PED 415: Adapted Physical Education to actively work with students with disabilities. Activities in this course include: adapted aquatics, fitness and physical activity, health, and leisure activities.
Students in PED 415 are assigned to a younger student with a disability for one-on-one interaction where they conduct assessments in physical fitness, motor skills, health knowledge, and social behavior. Additionally, PED 415 students create and implement an individual educational program (IEP) tailored to meet the needs of their student partner.
A big part of an well-rounded, successful and fun college experience happens outside the classroom. Participating in student organizations gives you the chance to get to know your classmates, explore new interests and discover who you are.
Amelia (Kit) Huelskamp, Ph.D., M.A. | Program Coordinator & Associate Professor
For questions regarding admissions, advising, transfers and program of study, please contact the CHHS Student Success Center at (910) 962-3208 or chhs@uncw.edu.