The Department of Health and Human Performance

Bachelor of Science Degree
Major in Health and Human Performance - Health Promotion Option

According to the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention, fifty-five percent of all cases of poor health, and nearly half of all premature deaths in this country are caused by lifestyle related problems.  Health Promotion is defined as the combination of educational and environmental supports for actions and conditions of living conducive to health.  Health promotion professionals motivate and lead other people to develop regular exercise routines, eat nutritious foods, avoid tobacco and other harmful substances, manage stress, achieve healthy weights, and make the most of their social networks.  The Health Promotion Option equips students with the skills they need to successfully enter the field of health promotion.  The health promotion curriculum will prepare students to:  develop a strong background in human behavior and behavior modification; effectively plan, implement, and evaluate health promotion programs; increase leadership skills; and become familiar with the latest research and developments within the field.  Students have access to local, regional and national internship opportunities that qualify them for employment across the nation.  Health promotion graduates will find employment opportunities as community health educators, health promotion coordinators, health promotion consultants, health and fitness club directors, personal trainers, prevention specialists (drugs, AIDS, safety, etc.), sexuality education, stress management consultants, substance abuse education, and worksite health promotion specialist.  A grade of “C” or higher is mandatory in all health and human performance courses satisfying the major requirements.

Admission Requirements for Health and Human Performance – Health Promotion Option

All students desiring admission to the Health Promotion Option are required to file an application for admission.  Approval of this application by all appropriate individuals is necessary prior to registration for courses at the 300 and 400 levels.  Due to the competitive nature of the admissions process, application to this option does not constitute admission.

1. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.65 is required in all courses completed.

2. All applicants must complete a minimum of 30 hours from the Academic Foundations Category Requirements at Montana State University Billings, or at another regionally accredited institution of higher education, earning a minimum grade point average of 2.65.  For Academic Foundations Requirements (see page 70).  Courses taken on a pass/no pass or credit/noncredit basis will not be accepted to fulfill the requirements.  Students should consult with their academic advisor.

3. Each applicant must receive recommendations from the faculty advisor; Health and Human Performance Department Chairperson; and approval from the Dean of the College of Allied Health Professions.

4. Applications for admission to the Health Promotion Option can be obtained from the Department of Health and Human Performance Office in the Physical Education Building, Room 120.  The application should be submitted to the faculty advisor for review and approval, signed by the advisor and the Department Chairperson.  A current working copy of the transcript will be attached to the application form.

5. Due to the competitive nature of admission to the Health Promotion Option and the fact that only a limited number of students are admitted each year, applications must be completed and received in the Health and Human Performance Office by January 15 of each calendar year.  Students not accepted are encouraged to apply for admission during the next application period.  It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that a completed application is submitted by the deadline.  It is suggested that applications be submitted at least three (3) weeks prior to the deadline.

6. Applicants will be notified of the status of their application within forty-five (45) days of the application deadline (January 15).

7. If admission to the Health Promotion Option is denied, the applicant may appeal the decision to the Health Promotion Committee of the Department.  The Department Chairperson serves as chair of the appeals committee.

8. No student will be allowed to register for restricted upper division courses in Health and Human Performance without formal admission to the Health Promotion Option.

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