Health and Human Performance
The Department of Health and Human Performance provides the opportunity to pursue one major, two minors, and one specialization. The department is focused on understanding human health and performance by studying physiology, metabolism, anatomy, and movement. The Exercise Science major covers the fundamental physiological, biomechanical, and metabolic traits necessary for a healthy life while providing students with the opportunity to engage with and critically evaluate the scientific literature that supports the importance of various physical activity and nutritional strategies. Core classes include research methods, physiology of exercise, mechanical analysis of sport, health and human wellness, and anatomy and physiology. After completing the core, students can take 9 units of electives tailored to their interests. Students also must complete a research project or internship intended to put their knowledge to use and take a capstone class as a culminating experience to complete the major. The department also offers minors in Human Performance and Health Promotion, as well as a specialization in Coaching. These minors consist of some classes required for the major, but also allow for maximal flexibility with a generous selection of electives to fit student interests and needs. The department also houses all of the physical activity classes (HHPA prefix), which provide students the opportunity to learn various activities such as rock climbing, fly fishing, scuba, kayaking, tennis, swimming, archery, dance, and more.
Why study Health and Human Performance at The College of Idaho?
The College of Idaho has a longstanding tradition and outstanding reputation for preparing students for successful careers in the health professions. Students taking classes in the Department of Health and Human Performance work closely with C of I professors, engaging in hands-on active learning and laboratory research, all with human health and performance as the focus. Examples include working with cadavers in the Human A&P courses, classroom and independent research experiences in the exercise science laboratory, designing exercise and nutrition programs, analysis of movement skills, internship opportunities (with physical therapists, sports medicine doctors, strength and conditioning specialists, nurses, and many other fields), and off-campus study. The entirety of the curriculum provides students in the Department of Health and Human Performance with a liberal arts-grounded preparation for a variety of careers in health professions and the areas of health promotion, wellness, nutrition, coaching, and fitness.
Career Opportunities for C of I Health and Human Performance Students
Graduates from the Department of Health and Human Performance will be prepared for graduate programs in health professions such as physical and occupational therapy, nursing, athletic training, physician's assistant (PA) studies, and medicine. Students are also prepared for non-clinical graduate work in a variety of specialties such as kinesiology, exercise science/physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, health sciences, and health promotion. Other opportunities not requiring graduate degrees include careers in teaching, coaching, nutrition, health promotion, exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation, fitness, sport psychology, and motor development and learning.