Physical activity and health promotion explores how individuals and families can increase physical activity and improve healthy lifestyles to help prevent disease and/or the progression of chronic disease. Coursework and applied experiences are focused on how to collect and analyze data to plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate programs designed to encourage physical activity and healthy lifestyles. The major prepares you for careers in health coaching, worksite wellness, physical activity adherence, corporate fitness and other health promotion-related fields.
Graduates will have the knowledge and skills to utilize scientific findings to understand the effect of physical activity and healthy lifestyles on improving individual and community health.
Why study physical activity and health promotion at the University of Minnesota?
The physical activity and health promotion program at the University of Minnesota is:
Dr. Daheia Barr-Anderson’s research focuses on obesity across the lifespan, physical activity epidemiology, sedentary behavior, and health disparities.
Dr. Emily Kringle’s research focuses on health promotion among adults with disabilities and neurological disorders.
Dr. Beth Lewis’s research focuses on physical activity promotion, behavioral interventions for physical activity, exercise and mental health.
The purpose of the core courses is to provide students with a broad and diverse understanding of the study of physical activity and health promotion. Students will have the opportunity to engage in an in-depth study within contexts such as exercise, health, physiology, nutrition, and wellbeing.
See the University catalog for information on the current core courses and their descriptions.
The purpose of the focus elective credits is to enhance the core courses in the major and provide a greater understanding of topics of interest that tie in with students’ professional and educational goals. Students are required to take six (6) credits.
See the University catalog for information on the current approved focused electives.
Students of physical activity and health promotion are required to participate in the courses that promote movement, physical activity, and sport. Students are required to earn a total of three (3) credits.
See the University catalog for information on the current approved physical activity courses and their descriptions.
In order to apply to enter into the physical activity and health promotion major, students must complete specific prerequisites and have a total of 30 college level credits completed (see the University catalog for specific information). Current CEHD students should contact their Student Services Advisor. Students who are either U of M students in a different college or transferring from outside the U of M should review the transfer credit information below.
In order to declare a physical activity and health promotion major, students must be enrolled in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). The following resources are for all transfer students, including both current U of M students who need to transfer colleges and non-U of M students who need more information regarding how their non-U of M credits will transfer.
Contact the University Admissions Office
CEHD Transfer Admissions
cehdtrfr@umn.edu
Application to transfer from within the U of M system
cehdtrfr@umn.edu
Call or email CEHD Student Services to schedule an appointment with your student services advisor.
Phone: 612-625-3339
Email: cehdinfo@umn.edu
Physical activity and health promotion BS Majors
Major advisor: Tracey Hammell
Email: thammel@umn.edu
Physical activity and health promotion professionals are trained to collect and analyze data to plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate programs designed to encourage physical activity and healthy lifestyles.
Students are strongly encouraged to meet with a career counselor in CEHD Career Services to work on developing their marketing materials (resume and cover letter) and their preparedness to find jobs and experiences:
All of our physical activity and health promotion students graduate with applicable field experience as part of their professional development and degree requirements.
The Learning Abroad Center offers a variety of international learning opportunities that support our students.
To learn more, visit the Learning Abroad Center website.
Students are encouraged to explore the vast array of student engagement opportunities on campus, including the following student organizations.
To learn more, visit the Office of Student Affairs Student Organization website.