School of Professional Studies
Health & Sports Science Education
The Health and Sports Science program currently offers three different degree majors and a minor for a Bachelor's of Science Degree. Those degrees are: Health and Physical Education Teaching degree (grades K-12); Non-teaching Health and Sports Science degree (major or minor); and a Health and Fitness Management degree (major & minor).
Northwestern has a long and rich tradition with National Accreditation in the teacher education profession. The Health and Sports Science department prides itself on individual student attention and assistance. Our students become part of the department family and not simply an enrollment number. We pledge to do our best to ensure that every student receives the assistance and attention to graduate and be a proud alumnus of Northwestern Oklahoma State University.
The Health and Sports Science Education department's mission is to prepare the students with the skills and knowledge necessary to enable them to contribute to healthy lifestyles. The department further envisions its graduates will gain employment in a variety of settings in which knowledge of kinesiology, anatomy, and physiology can be applied to contexts including the design of individual, dual, and team activities with youth, adult, and special populations. The department believes that attitude plays a major role in the development of a healthful lifestyle and, therefore, strives to instill the knowledge of factors involved in the development of an appreciation of such lifestyles. The department also strives to allow students the opportunity to experience and participate in an environment where positive health practices are exhibited.
Contact:
Mr. Shane Hansen
Chair, Health and Sports Science Education
Instructor of Health and Sports Science
Faculty Athletic Representative
Health and Sports Science 134
Northwestern-Alva
(580) 327-8628
schansen@nwosu.edu
Dr. Mark Zadorozny
Assistant Professor of Health and Sports Science Education
Health and Sports Science 150
Northwestern-Alva
(580) 327-8624
mazadorozny@nwosu.edu
Clubs:
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes
- Student Athlete Advisory Committee
- Oklahoma Aspiring Educators Association
- Racquet Club (pickleball, racquetball, tennis)
- Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Society
Student Spotlight
Emilie Brown, Jetmore, Kansas, Senior
Health and Sports Science, Option 1
“As a Ranger I have learned so much through the Health and Sports Science Department at NWOSU. The facility members are enthusiastic, approachable, and caring. The willingness of the professors to do anything to watch you succeed, helped me choose my desired degree path of Health and Sports Science Option 1. The small class sizes make a great atmosphere for hands-on learning and getting to know your professors on a personal level. This helped me tremendously throughout my academic career. The Health and Sports Science Department at NWOSU has helped me prepare for my future of becoming a Physical Therapist.”
Degrees Offered
Health and Sports Science Education (BS Ed.)
Health and Sports Science (Option 1)
Health and Fitness Management (Option 2)
General Education
For a detailed look at the course requirements and descriptions for these degrees, please see the Undergraduate Catalog.
Careers for Degree
Health and Sports Science Education (BS Ed.)
- Certified physical education & health teacher
- Coach and certified teacher
Health and Sports Science (Option 1)
- Physical therapist
- Occupational therapist
- Chiropractor
- Coach and alternatively certified teacher
- Sports psychologist
Health and Fitness Management (Option 2)
- Fitness facility director (Wellness Center, YMCA)
- Recreational complex director
- Nutritionist
- Personal trainer
- Strength & conditioning coach
- Performance coach
- Sports management
NWOSU Career Services: www.nwosu.edu/student-services/office-of-career-services
Degree Planning Resources
Departmental Program Highlights
100% job placement for teacher education program for physical education- Merit based scholarships available only to Health and Sports Science majors
- Receive individual student attention and assistance
- 3 degree options: Health and Physical Education Teaching degree (grades Pre-K-12); Non-teaching Health and Sports Science degree (major or minor); and Health and Fitness Management degree
- We prepare students with the skills and knowledge necessary to enable them to contribute to healthy lifestyles
- Career path options include becoming a teacher, coach, personal trainer, fitness professional, physical therapist, and more
Scholarships
Scholarship opportunities are available for students in this department.
Current Students
- HSSE Departmental Scholarships
- Deadline is February 15 for Health and Sports Science Education Department Scholarship Application
- Deadline is March 15 for Continuing Student Scholarship Application
- Visit https://ournorthwestern.org/make-an-investment/scholarships to see departmental scholarships in HSSE and other departments
Incoming Students
Students also should complete the FAFSA form at www.studentaid.gov.
For more information, please visit Scholarships.
Student Learning Outcomes
Option One: Health and Sports Science
Students will illustrate knowledge in the area of science of human movement human including body mechanics and its functions in relation to exercise and sports.
Students will examine leadership styles and theories associated with youth/adult recreational programs. In addition, they will outline techniques involved in adapted physical education as a means of devising a sport/recreational program for an individual with special needs.
Students will be knowledgeable in conducting and developing intramural programs.
Students will illustrate knowledge of the benefits of exercise, including how much physical activity is expected and its application in maintaining an acceptable level of physical fitness.
Students will understand and apply legal terminology and the basic principles that govern the legal ramifications of his/her responsibilities in the field of health and sports science.
Option Two: Health and Fitness Management
Students will be skilled and knowledgeable of Wellness Center equipment that will prepare them for employment in a variety of settings.
Students will be knowledgeable in the area of Kinesiology with a focus on the mechanics of human movement in the areas of osteology, syndesmology, and myology as it relates to developing a fitness program.
Students will demonstrate competence and skills of Wellness Center management, operations, and resources that can be utilized in working with clients. Students will create an Internship portfolio, composed of elements in endurance, cardiovascular health, strength, and flexibility training that can be used and/or shared with clients when assisting them.
Students will be knowledgeable in the basic physiological theory and application principles for physical fitness assessment, screening, programming, and exercise prescription. In addition students will be knowledgeable in the physiological changes which occur within the body as a result of exercise.
Students will be knowledgeable of techniques involved in adapted physical education as a means of devising a Wellness program for an individual with special needs.