Mar 29, 2024  
2018-2019 Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Health and Human Development


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Introduction

The Department of Health and Human Development offers degree programs for students interested in professions related to kinesiology, P-12 physical education and health, community health education, and recreation.

Faculty

KEITH C. RUSSELL (2008) Chair and Professor. BS, Lewis and Clark College; MS, PhD, University of Idaho.
JESSYCA ARTHUR-CAMESELLE (2015) Assistant Professor. BS, College of William and Mary; MEd, PhD, Boston University.
STEVE BENNETT (2018) Assistant Professor. BFA- Texas State University, MSPH- Tulane University, PhD- University of Minnesota.
LORRAINE BRILLA (1985) Professor. BS, Pennsylvania State University; MS, Pennsylvania State University; PhD, University of Oregon.
RANDALL T. BURTZ (2003) Associate Professor. BA, MA, Washington State University; PhD, Colorado State University.
HARSH HARISH BUDDHADEV (2015) Assistant Professor. BPhty, Gujarat University; MS, University of North Texas.
GORDON CHALMERS (1996) Professor. BS, Simon Fraser University; MS, PhD, University of California-Los Angeles.
MELISSA D’ELOIA (2015) Associate Professor. BS, Ohio University; MS, PhD, University of Utah.
HILLARY FRANKS (2018) Assistant Professor, BS, MS, Central Washington University; PhD, University of Northern Colorado
JASMINE GOODNOW (2013) Associate Professor. BS, Brigham Young University; MS, University of Utah; PhD, University of Utah.
KARI JO HILGENDORF (2016) Assistant Professor. BS, Washington State University; PhD, Washington State University.
LINDA A. KEELER (2012) Assistant Professor. BA, Colgate University; MA, University of Maryland; EdD, West Virginia University.
YING LI (2006) Professor. BMEd, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University; MS, Zhejiang University; MEd, University of Cincinnati; PhD, University of Florida.
BERNARDO SAN JUAN JR. (2013) Assistant Professor. BS, University of Philippines; MA, San Diego State University; PhD, University of Oregon.
DAVID N. SUPRAK (2008) Professor. BS, Eastern Washington University; MS, Western Washington University; PhD, University of Oregon.
NICK WASHBURN (2017) Assistant Professor. BS, MS, Cortland State University; PhD, University of Alabama.

Affiliated Teaching Faculty

LINDSAY POYNTER (2010) Instructor. BA, Western Washington University; MA, Naropa University.

Facilities

For students in the kinesiology and physical education programs, exercise physiology and biomechanics laboratories in the new state-of-the-art Carver Academic Facility afford students an opportunity for in-depth study in the exercise sciences and health assessment as applied to health and sports science. Considerable practical experience using laboratory and computerized equipment enables students to develop skills in cardiorespiratory, anthropometric, strength and movement analysis, and health appraisals. 

In the Community Health and Recreation Programs, our laboratories are our shared common spaces in the Carver Academic Facility, dedicated classrooms, and the communities with which we work. Through a variety of service learning opportunities, retreats, field experiences, and internships, students are provided hands-on experiences with qualified professionals and leading organizations in the recreation and allied health field to help solve real world problems and develop critical professional skills. 

Major Programs

Kinesiology and Physical Education

The major programs are varied and include undergraduate student preparation for careers as professional physical and health educators, and undergraduate and graduate kinesiology options. Kinesiology degree completion prepares students for clinical or research graduate school programs or for careers as health fitness instructors in agencies, schools, industries, hospitals and health care facilities. Students are expected to perform community service in all programs. The specializations offered include the following:

Graduate Programs
Major application and declaration policy

WWU students with at least 75 credits completed and a GPA of at least 2.5 may apply to enter one of the five specializations in the Kinesiology major. For application process or above links to specific major programs for instructions on how to apply: chss.wwu.edu/hhd/major-application-and-declaration-procedures.

Kinesiology and Physical Education Mid-Program Checkpoint

Students seeking to complete a BAE degree in teacher education P-12 physical education and health or a BS in kinesiology within a four-year time span should have completed the following courses by the start of their junior year:

NOTE: The teacher education P-12 option requires a 4½-year commitment, which includes a one-semester student teaching internship. Students must meet the minimum entry requirements of the Woodring College of Education before being considered for admission to the P-12 physical education and health program. Students should first declare a pre-major in this specialization in order to register for required pre-major classes and then apply for entry into the P-12 physical education and health program during the fall quarter of their junior year while they are enrolled in pre-major courses. Students who do not meet the minimum qualifications of the Woodring College of Education cannot apply to be considered for entry into the P-12 physical education and health program.

NOTE: The Kinesiology major requires careful planning if students are to complete the degree in a four-year period. If you are interested in this major consult with the Kinesiology web page for advice on classes to take before becoming a major. 

Health Education

Community Health is a discipline within Public Health with roots in the behavioral sciences of psychology, sociology, social psychology, and anthropology; the biological sciences; education; and public health. Students graduate from the program thoroughly versed and practiced as health education specialists and are prepared to succeed on the Certified Health Education Specialist qualifying exam (www.nchec.org/).

The community health major is a good fit for students who want to work in community, public, population, and global health, as well as health communication, or for governmental and non-profit agencies and organizations, in medical care settings, worksite wellness programs, and college and university student service health programs. It can also serve as a preparatory program for graduate or post-baccalaureate training in health promotion/education, public health, and related areas.

Degree Information

There are two steps to becoming a Community Health major:

Step 1, Pre-Major Application:
Students interested in applying to the major should first pre-major in Community Health. This allows students access to entry-level courses.

Step 2, Major Application:
Pre-majors must apply for admission to the major by mid-April or October.

See Applying to the Program for more information on signing up as a pre-major and applying to the major.

Please note: As a Community Health major, you must maintain a 2.50 GPA in all major courses to enroll in the required full-time internship at the end of the program of study.  

Recreation

The curriculum in Recreation offers generalist preparation for a wide range of career entry-level positions including:

  • Community Recreation
  • Therapeutic Recreation
  • Outdoor Recreation
  • Ecotourism 
The Phase

In addition to its philosophy of professional study based in principles of liberal education, the Recreation Program features an innovative phased curriculum. “The Phase” is a four-part sequence of courses which students typically enter in the spring of their sophomore year and finish the fall of their senior year. Approximately 60 students enter and complete the four blocks of phases together as a community of learners. This arrangement has many advantages, especially:

  • A supportive community of fellow students, faculty, and alumni.
  • A variety of learning environments such as overnight retreats, field experiences, and professional conferences.
  • Greater access to faculty and comprehensive advising.
  • A growing alumni network throughout the state, region, and nation.
Degree Information

Students seeking to complete a BA degree in Recreation within a four-year time span should have made normal progress toward the GUR requirements and should apply for admission to the program during fall quarter of their sophomore year. Students should inquire directly to the Recreation Program office in Carver 209 for current information on admission procedures, or please see Applying to the Program for more information on the Phase System and Applying to the Program. 

Junior and senior level students are also welcome to apply. Interested students are encouraged to contact the Recreation Program faculty advisors as early as possible to insure timely academic progress. 

The Recreation Program is nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism.

Programs

    Undergraduate MajorUndergraduate MinorGraduate

    Courses

      Coaching Development

      Courses numbered X37; X97; 300, 400 are described in the University Academic Policies  section of this catalog.

      Health Education

      Courses numbered X37; X97; 300, 400 are described in the University Academic Policies  section of this catalog.

      Kinesiology

      Courses numbered X37; X97; 300, 400, 500 are described in the University Academic Policies  section of this catalog.

      Physical Education

      Courses numbered X37; X97; 300, 400 are described in the University Academic Policies  section of this catalog.

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