Program
The health and fitness management major is one of the most popular majors in the health and sport sciences department. This major is designed to prepare students who wish to enter immediately into the world of personal wellness and corporate fitness.
This program officially was recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) in 2004. Students completing this degree will be eligible to sit for several national certification exams, including the NSCA's Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist exam and the American College of Sports Medicine's (ACSM) Health and Fitness Instructor exam. In addition, students will complete the requirements for a minor in business management.
Students take course work that includes:
- Accounting
- Anatomy and physiology
- Chemistry
- Economics
- Exercise prescription
- Exercise physiology
- Informational technology
- Marketing
- Personal health and principles of strength training and conditioning
Junior health and fitness management majors are required to complete an on-campus practicum for experience working one-on-one with individuals/clients. They learn to assess fitness levels, establish reasonable fitness goals and work with experienced faculty members to design and monitor the progress of strength and conditioning programs for these individuals.
Senior health and fitness management majors are required to complete a senior seminar class where they learn to synthesize their undergraduate experiences as they prepare to graduate. Emphasis is placed on the development of presentation and interview skills, the development of educational programs and preparation for various certification exams.
Health and fitness management majors also are required to complete an internship experience. The Columbus metropolitan and suburban areas afford a vast array of resources for our students. One can find Capital University student interns in many local health and wellness clubs, country clubs and corporate fitness facilities. This internship experience provides each senior with an opportunity to refine their fitness and interpersonal skills and provides the student opportunities to network in the area of health and wellness.
Approach
Through classroom, laboratory and clinical experiences, the health and fitness management major is designed to give students the skills and knowledge necessary to serve as fitness professionals.
Careers and Placement
Capital University graduates have found employment as personal trainers and fitness directors in a variety of settings. They utilize their skills in corporate fitness settings, as well as private and professional settings. Their strong scientific and practical foundation in the fitness profession coupled with the business management skills are very attractive to future employers. Those selecting additional certifications have built an impressive résumé upon graduation.
Faculty
Faculty members from a variety of disciplines teach the major courses. Several faculty members are NSCA-certified strength and conditioning specialists. The department recognizes the importance of these professionals teaching strength training, as well as exercise prescription. They have the latest information and teach the most current and commonly used techniques.
Facilities
The program is housed on the main campus in The Capital Center, a 126,000-square-foot health, education, recreation and athletic facility. The state-of-the-art complex houses a 2,200-seat performance arena, indoor track, multipurpose forum, tennis courts, a variety of athletic fields, a fitness center and technology-equipped classrooms and labs for health and sport sciences students.