Department of Health and Physical Education
Welcome
Monmouth University’s health programs provide an interdisciplinary approach to information about health.
Mission Statement
The mission of the HPE Department in the Marjorie K. Unterberg School of Nursing and Health Studies is to empower students to become leaders within the health professions, driving change within the fields of health sciences, fitness and wellness, public health, and health and physical education teacher education, in order to advance the holistic health and well-being of the community in an increasingly global society.
Philosophy and Characteristics
The Department of Health and Physical Education faculty:
- are a team of invested professionals from diverse disciplines with a passion for empowering students to develop into future leaders by combining didactic instruction with practical experiences to support transfer and application of knowledge, skills, and competencies to a variety of professional fields.
- implement activity-based and problem-based learning strategies to engage students and supervise capstone experiential education internship opportunities to promote professional development.
- are scholars who value the importance of scientific inquiry and conduct research projects to inform our fields and maintain best teaching practices.
- provide informed, empathetic advising and empower students to make decisions regarding academic progress, career development, and personal growth.
- value equity, inclusion, and diversity. We appreciate varied experiences and backgrounds and view individual differences as a collective strength.
The Department of Health and Physical Education promotes inclusivity, group belongingness, cohesive collaboration and welcomes conversation that represents diverse viewpoints as a reflective means to innovate.
Health Studies
With clusters in Health Science or Exercise Science.
Health Studies offers two clusters, Health Science and Exercise Science, that prepare students for a wide variety of graduate programs in the fields of healthcare and movement science. The curriculum features a rigorous sequence of science courses, critical training on the research process and implications, holistic approach to the dimensions of health/movement science, internship experiences in applied settings, and free elective credits to complete graduate program prerequisites in four years.
Health Promotion
With clusters in Fitness and Wellness or Public Health.
Health Promotion offers two clusters, Public Health and Fitness and Wellness, that prepare students to be change agents that improve quality of life for individuals in diverse communities. The curriculum features a comprehensive sequence of health education and health policy courses, critical training on the research process and implications, holistic approach to the determinants of health, internship experiences in real world settings, and free elective credits to complete a minor and/or earn a professional certification in four years.
Health/Physical Education/Education (K–12 endorsement)
Health and Physical Education Teacher Education majors impact the overall health and well-being of community members by increasing feelings of competence and confidence to be physically active and maintain a healthy lifestyle in a variety of settings. The program’s primary objectives include preparing future teachers to gain employment in a K12 health and physical education school setting or pursue an advanced degree in a related field. The curriculum is designed and delivered with the intent of developing knowledge, skills, competencies, and dispositions in the domains of: physical literacy (cognitive, psychomotor, affective), health literacy, and professional disposition. Future Health and Physical Education teachers develop instructional competencies via clinical experiences working with diverse students in a variety of traditional and non-traditional K-12 settings.
*The health and physical education baccalaureate major K-12 education endorsement offers core health studies and physical education aligned with both the State of New Jersey certification requirements and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Minors
Health Studies
This minor is available to Monmouth University undergraduate students who wish to enhance their knowledge about health and health-related issues for personal development or to complement their major area of study.
Bachelor’s + Master’s Programs
Health Studies with Occupational Therapy, OTD (3+3)
Health Studies with Physician’s Assistant, MS (3+ 3)
Careers in Health & Physical Education
Monmouth health program graduates will be prepared to serve as leaders in fields that integrate health, wellness, and education; working with individuals, groups, and families in healthcare organizations and services, corporate health programs, education and at the local, state, federal or international level.
Career paths include working in healthcare agencies, managing sports or wellness centers, working in community health departments, teaching, and working in global nonprofit agencies or other public and private healthcare sectors.
Students can further their education by pursuing graduate degrees in areas such as medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, health and physical education, healthcare administration, public health and many others. Students intending to pursue careers as physicians or other healthcare professionals are encourage to explore the mentorship available through Pre-Health Advising