Health and Human Performance

What Can I Do With A Major In Health and Human Performance?

The Health & Human Performance (HHP) Department emphasizes all dimensions of health and human movement to enhance the longevity and quality of life. A major in HHP may choose from one of the Athletic Training major or the following options: Applied Health Science, Exercise Science, or Health Enhancement.

The goal of the Athletic Training Major is to prepare competent entry-level athletic trainers for employment in educational and clinical settings or post-graduate study. The Athletic Training curriculum is designed to help students develop proficiency in the acute care of injuries/illnesses, risk management and injury prevention, psychosocial intervention and referral, therapeutic exercise, pharmacology, pathology of injuries/illnesses, health care administration, general medical conditions and disabilities, assessment and evaluation, professional development and responsibilities, and nutritional aspects. Successful graduates should possess the knowledge and skills to qualify for the National Athletic Trainer's Association Board of Certification.

The Applied Health Science option prepares students for professional certification and employment in two areas: exercise and fitness and/or community health education. Successful graduates of this option should possess the knowledge and skills to qualify for: 1) American College of Sports Medicine Health/Fitness Instructor's Certification; 2) National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification, or equivalent; and/or 3) Certification as a Health Education Specialist. Students should be prepared to assess health needs, plan, implement and evaluate health promotion activities in a variety of settings. The Exercise Science option is designed to provide students with an in-depth biological and social science background and prepares students for post-baccalaureate study in exercise physiology and related sciences.

The Health Enhancement option prepares students to teach health behaviors and to facilitate their adoption in the school or community. Students successfully completing the Health Enhancement emphasis should meet state certification standards for teaching Health Enhancement in K-12 environments.

A Sample of Related Occupations

HHP provides a base for these occupations. Many require advanced education or specialization beyond an undergraduate degree in HHP.

Types of Employers

Related Web Links

• The University of Montana Department of Health and Human Performance
• Montana Grizzlies Athletics
• Medical/Health Related Jobs Page: NationJob
• Health Care and Medical Employment Resources
• Indian Health Service
• Health/Fitness Resources: Yahoo
• American Hospital Directory
• Hospital Jobs Online
• Aging Research Center
• Centers for Disease Control
• The Food and Drug Administration
• Directory of Salary Surveys on the Web

Professional Associations

• American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (AAHPERD)
• American College of Sports Medicine
• American Society of Exercise Physiologists
• National Federation of Professional Trainers
• National Athletic Trainer's Association
• Canadian Athletic Therapists Association
• American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
• National Strength and Conditioning Association
• National Council of Strength and Fitness
• National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity
• American Medical Association
• American Physical Therapy Association
• National Education Association
• American Association for Health Education
• American Public Health Association

For additional career information, see the Occupational Outlook Handbook