BS - Fitness and Human Performance

The undergraduate plan in Fitness and Human Performance leads to the bachelor of science (BS) degree. Students in this course of study will prepare for a career in personal training, fitness management, corporate wellness, exercise testing / physiology, exercise prescription or exercise direction. etc.   Along with HSH requirements, and core FHP courses, students may select from one of three subplans: exercise science, health promotions, or pre-clinical.  Subplans include courses specific to the students’ academic and career goals.   Although no specific prerequisite must be met prior to admission to the plan, a background in biology, chemistry, physics and social sciences is strongly recommended. Students interested in the FHP Pre-Clinical Sub-Plan must possess or acquire specific course requirements not available at UHCL.  The courses are specific to the admission requirements for physical and occupational therapy, physician’s assistant, or chiropractic college.  When meeting with the students’ academic advisor, these courses will be written in to the student’s candidate plan of studies to ensure adequate preparation for graduate school study.

State of Texas Upper Level Requriments

In order to earn a bachelors degree in the state of Texas, students must complete at least 120 semester hours of credit.  Additionally, 60 of the 120 required hours must be at the Junior and Senior level.     

HSH Requirements (9 Hours)

WRIT 3037  Advanced Writing

Choose one course from the following (3 hours):
HUMN 3031  Basic Texts in Western Tradition I
HUMN 3033  Basic Texts in Western Tradition II
HUMN 3035  Basic Texts III: Non-Western Tradition

Choose one course from the following (3 hours):
ARTS 3831  Western Art: Prehistory through the Middle Ages
ARTS 3832  Western Art: Renaissance to Contemporary Art
HUMN 3031  Basic Texts in Western Tradition I
HUMN 3033  Basic Texts in Western Tradition II
HUMN 3035  Basic Texts III: Non-Western Tradition
LITR 3334  Mythology
PHIL 3331  Ethics
PHIL 3433  Philosophy and Knowledge
PHIL 4134  The Great Philosophers I
PHIL 4135  The Great Philosophers II

FHP-Core Requirements (33hours)

HLTH 3031  Health, Emergency Care and First Aid (Fall, Spring, Summer)
HLTH 3135  Health Promotion Programs (Fall, Spring)
HLTH 3739  Undergraduate Practicum (Fall, Spring, Summer)
HLTH 4031  Physiology of Exercise (Fall)
HLTH 4032  Biomechanics (Spring)
HLTH 4033  Nutrition, Fitness and Weight Control (Fall, Spring, Summer)
HLTH 4034  Principles of Physical Fitness (Fall, Spring, Summer)
HLTH 4035  Seminar in Sports Medicine (Spring)
HLTH 4037  Peak Performance (Summer)
HLTH 4038  Resistive Exercise: Theory and Practice (Fall, Spring, Summer)
HLTH 4738 Capstone in Fitness and Human Performance (Fall, Spring, Summer)

HLTH 4739 Internship (Fall, Spring, Summer)

FHP Sub-Plans

1. Exercise Science (9 hours): The UHCL-FHP program offers a curricular track in exercise science.  Students selecting this sub-plan will choose upper level credits from a list of directed courses in health, biology, and biological aspects of psychology.  This sub-plan is intended for undergraduate students with interest in strength and conditioning, personal training, exercise physiology, or who may decide to pursue graduate degrees in science.  For a list of courses that fulfill this curricular track, students should set an appointment with their academic advisor and complete a candidate plan of studies (CPS).
2. Health Promotion (9 hours): The UHCL-FHP program offers a curricular track in health promotions.  Students selecting this sub-plan will choose upper level credits from a list of directed courses in health and behavioral psychology.  This sub-plan is intended for undergraduate students with interest in cooperate wellness, corporate fitness, gym management, etc.  For a list of courses that fulfill this curricular track, students should set an appointment with their academic advisor and complete a candidate plan of studies (CPS).   
3. Pre-Clinical

• Pre-Physical Therapy:  Physical therapy is a growing and rewarding career path.  With the established "Vision 2020" goals of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the growing elderly populaion the for physical therapist is likely to increase.  The UHCL-FHP program has an articulation agreement with the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) physical therapy program.  When students complete this sub-plan and meet the articulation agreement requirements, they have the opportunity to apply for early evaluation for physical therapy school entrance at UTMB. Students interested in the FHP Pre-Physical Therapy Sub-Plan must possess or acquire specific course requirements not available at UHCL. Please contact Dr. Dupler for more information.  
• Pre-Occupational Therapy:  Occupational therapy is a growing allied health science discipline with career opportunities in hospitals, private clinics, and school districts.  The UHCL-FHP program has strong relationships with local occupational therapy clinics and many students have successfully applied for and been accepted into occupational therapy schools after completing their FHP degrees.  Students interested in the FHP Pre-OT sub-plan will receive a degree plan with specific courses necessary for acceptance to occupational therapy school.  Moreover, they will be connected with local therapist for volunteer, observation, and or internship opportunities.  Please contact your academic advisor for more information. 
• Pre-Chiroparactic: The UHCL-FHP program has a strong working relationship with the Texas Chiropractic College (TCC).  When students select this sub-plan, a degree plan will be written to ensure the student fulfills the entry requirements to TCC.  Moreover, the students will be connected early with an advisor from TCC who will assist students with any future admissions questions and will assist the students in identifying potential scholarship opportunities in the event they apply for and are admitted to TCC.  For more information on the pre-chiropractic sub-plan, please contact Dr. Amonette.   
• Pre-Physicians Assistant: Physicians Assistants are one of the in-demand occupations in the allied health science disciplines.  Future growth of the aging population and changes to the health care system are likely to increase the need for licensed physician assistant.   Recognizing the need, UHCL-FHP developed a pre-PA sub-plan to assist students in obtaining the necessary credits to apply for physician assistant programs upon completion of your BS degree.  Please contact your academic advisor for more information.