Health Education Degree
Prepare for a Health Education Career
If your goal is to become a personal trainer, health and fitness instructor, exercise leader or health educator, the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with an Emphasis in Health Education program was designed with you in mind. This health education degree program, offered through Grand Canyon University's (GCU) College of Science, Engineering and Technology, can lead to eligibility for certification in several areas with the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing.
Degree Outcomes
Learn to Teach Health Education to Groups
Through the curriculum for the health education degree, you explore fitness, examine how to evaluate an individual's fitness needs and gain guidance for developing customized fitness and health education programs. If you want to become a certified health education specialist, this program prepares you with the skills necessary to teach health education to groups.
In this BS in exercise science degree program, you study nutrition theory while also focusing on food components, exercise and weight control. You also investigate the principles of sports medicine, including the care and treatment of student-athletes.
What You Will Learn
Study a Curriculum Designed with You in Mind
Course topics include:
- Personal wellness and fitness
- Fitness training
- Cardiovascular fitness
- Anatomy and physiology
- Health risk appraisal
- Weight control and management
- Exercise testing and prescription
- Nutrition
- Methods of teaching health and measuring in exercise science
- Physiology of exercise
- Health promotion
- Health assessment
- Global health issues
- Health management and administration
- Health planning and implementation
- Epidemiological issues
Career Outcomes
Position Yourself for Success in a Health Education Career
GCU's Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with an Emphasis in Health Education degree provides competency in personal and group health instruction designed to prepare you to become a health and wellness educator. If you are enthusiastic about working directly with clients in the areas of disease prevention and physical fitness, as well as wellness and health enhancement, this degree will set you on the right career path.
You may also choose to continue your education by earning a post-graduate degree in a field like athletic training, physical therapy, medicine, occupational therapy, kinesiology, education and public health.
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General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-112, Success in Science, Engineering and Technology & Lab: 4
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
- UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
- PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4
- BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, crosscultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Program Core Courses
Course Description
This is an introductory course in exercise and wellness. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of knowledge regarding what fitness entails, self-evaluation of each student’s present fitness needs, and development of personalized fitness programs. A special emphasis is placed on a review of nutritional principles and producing a personalized nutrition plan. Students also receive instruction and practice opportunities in the theoretical and practical aspects of flexibility, stretching, and weight training activities. This includes lesson planning, teaching techniques, evaluation, and proficiency in skills by means of lecture, demonstration, and participation.
Course Description
This is a course that introduces the principles and techniques of strength training. This includes exercise physiology, injury prevention, sport and activity specific program design, and implementation. Students will gain a complete foundation of the practical application of resistance training exercise. Knowledge gained in this course will contribute to student preparation for professional certification in the field. Co-requisite: EXS-200L.
Course Description
This is a course of field and laboratory experiences designed to reinforce the practical application of strength training techniques, with an emphasis on injury prevention strategies. Co-requisite: EXS-200.
Course Description
This course introduces the principles and techniques of cardiovascular activities and training. This includes exercise physiology, injury prevention, sport and activity specific program design, and implementation. Topics will include pathophysiology on and for a variety of conditions. Knowledge gained in this course will contribute to student preparation for professional certification in the field. Co-Requisite: EXS-202L.
Course Description
This is a course of field and laboratory experiences designed to reinforce the practical application of cardiovascular training techniques, injury prevention strategies, program design, and implementation. Co-requisite: EXS-202.
Course Description
This course examines the principles and processes of small groups and the development of skills for participation and leadership in small group settings, as well as practice in problem solving, decision making, critical reasoning, and information sharing.
Course Description
A study of the basic structure and function of the major systems of the human body, this course focuses on an in-depth exploration of the musculoskeletal and neurological systems for athletic training, health, and exercise science majors. This course also compares normal and abnormal function for more comprehensive understanding of the human body. Co-requisite: BIO-155L.
Course Description
This lab is designed to complement and support the principles taught in BIO-155. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to identify and describe functions, structures, and classifications of the skeletal, muscular, and organ systems along with related disorders. Co-requisite: BIO-155.
Course Description
This course incorporates professional guidelines for health risk appraisal, assessment and stratification for a variety of health conditions for the general population. This also includes principles and guidelines for safe and effective physical activity and weight loss management. Knowledge gained in this course will contribute to student preparation for professional certification in the field.
Course Description
This course incorporates the principles of assessment and program design for health and sport-specific analysis, static and functional exercise testing, and prescription of appropriate exercises. This includes exercise prescription for populations with various diseases and disabilities. Knowledge gained in this course will contribute to student preparation for professional certification in the field.
Course Description
This course provides a foundation of basic nutrition theory, with a focus on assessment, food components, exercise, nutrition, weight control, community programs, and resources. Application of these aspects is used to promote health and prevent illness.
Course Description
This course is a study of the methods and procedures of teaching health. Resources, aids, and agencies are studied in an attempt to determine how they may best assist the teacher. Practice teaching is included. Tests and measurements in health, physical education, and exercise science are presented. Emphasis is placed on producing valid and reliable tests, data analysis techniques for test evaluation, test construction assessment, and interpretation of test results. Prerequisites: BIO-155 and BIO-155L.
Course Description
This writing intensive course is a study of the effects of exercise on the body. Topics include nutrition as the basis for physical activity; how energy is produced and utilized during physical activity; the energy delivery and vital functions of the respiratory, cardiovascular, muscular, and nervous systems during exercise; how these systems can be enhanced through training; the impact of ergogenic aids and environmental stress on performance; and the effect of exercise on body composition, weight control, aging, and disease prevention. The body’s responses and adaptations to exercise at the systemic, as well as the subcellular level, are also discussed. Prerequisites: BIO-155 and BIO-155L, or BIO-201 and BIO-201L, or BIO-210 and BIO-210L. Co-Requisite: EXS-340L.
Course Description
This is a course of field and laboratory experiences designed to reinforce the basic principles learned in the lecture course. Skills of measurement and evaluation, including computerized methods employed to facilitate testing, are applied to physiological and systemic principles of exercise. Prerequisites: BIO-155 and BIO-155L, or BIO-201 and BIO-201L, or BIO-210 and BIO-210L. Co-Requisite: EXS-340.
Course Description
This course introduces analysis of special populations to assist in designing health education and physical fitness programs.
Course Description
This writing intensive course is designed to provide the foundation of healthy behavior change in relation to influential factors. Content includes motivation for physical activity and healthy choices, as well as an introduction to the psychology of sports.
Course Description
This course is an analysis of human movement, integrating knowledge of the skeletal, muscular, and neurological systems with the effects that gravity, friction, internal and external forces, and the laws of motion have on their functions. Topics presented include biomechanics of human bone, joint, and skeletal muscle; structure and function of the upper extremity, lower extremity, and spine; concepts of linear and angular kinematics and kinetics as applied to human motion; equilibrium and stability on land; and motion through a fluid medium of air or water. Included is the application of these factors to various types of physical skills. Prerequisites: BIO-155 and BIO-155L, or BIO-201 and BIO-201L, or BIO-210 and BIO-210L. Co-Requisite: EXS-335L.
Course Description
This laboratory course is designed to apply the anatomical, kinesiological, and biomechanical principles learned in the lecture course to human body movement. Movement of all of the major joints of the body is analyzed by relative and absolute joint position and muscle action, and biomechanical terms - such as linear and angular kinematics, friction, work, power, energy, and torque - are applied to human motion. Prerequisites: BIO-155 and BIO-155L, or BIO-201 and BIO-201L, or BIO-210 and BIO-210L. Co-Requisite: EXS-335.
Course Description
This course will include assessment of needs, assets, and capacity for Health Education programs. This course provides an overview of accessing information, collecting data, examining factors related to enhancement or compromise of health, and determining needs based on findings.
Course Description
This course introduces global health and health-related challenges of developing and resource-limited nations and explores the social, behavioral, economic, biomedical and environmental determinants of health. This course will examine the global epidemiology of major diseases and threats to the populations of the world, and the current organizational structures that have been established to respond. Topics include communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, unintentional injury and violence, health romotion, reproductive health, maternal and child health, and disaster preparedness. Students will gain an understanding of the diverse determinants associated with these diseases and issues, such as poverty, education, gender imbalance, culture, and poor environmental conditions. Global health involves many disciplines within and beyond the health sciences and promotes inter-disciplinary collaboration. This course will use a wide variety of perspectives from disciplines such as epidemiology, biology, environment, human rights, nursing, psychology, public policy, technology and economics. Students will acquire an understanding of the nter-relationships between socio-cultural-economic development and health, and the impact of policy and health care delivery systems.
Course Description
This course focuses on business principles and procedures including fiscal resources, human resources, leadership skills, strategic planning, and facilitating partnerships with an emphasis in professionalism and an adherence to a code of ethics.
Course Description
This course will focus on planning, developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating health programs to meet the needs of an organization or population. An emphasis will be communication with all stakeholders throughout the process. Prerequisite: EXS-431.
Course Description
In this course, students learn to develop a research plan, collect, analyze, and interpret data, and apply findings. Conceptualization of the problem, development of the hypothesis, and literature review are emphasized.
Program Locations
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
On-campus program disclosures (4 years)
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.