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[DRAFT] 2026-27 Undergraduate Catalog
Health and Physical Activity Leadership, B.S.
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Program Description
The Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Activity Leadership (HPAL) is a dynamic, interdisciplinary program designed to prepare transformative leaders in health, wellness, and movement sciences. Through three distinct concentrations, Health and Physical Education Teacher Preparation, Coaching, and Interdisciplinary Health and Physical Activity Leadership, students can customize their academic path to align with their unique career goals.
HPAL blends rigorous academic coursework with immersive, real-world learning experiences, empowering students to develop critical knowledge, practical skills, and leadership competencies needed to address complex health challenges and promote well-being across various communities. The program emphasizes innovation, inclusivity, and social responsibility, empowering graduates to design and implement impactful health and physical activity initiatives.
Whether leading in schools, athletic organizations, community agencies, nonprofit sectors, or corporate wellness settings, HPAL graduates are prepared to inspire change, shape policy, and foster lifelong engagement in physical activity. Many also pursue advanced degrees in education, public health, kinesiology, or related fields. Ultimately, HPAL cultivates visionary professionals who are ready to lead with purpose, advocate for equity in health and movement, and make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
Graduates of the HPAL program pursue a wide range of professional pathways, including:
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Graduate and Professional Study -supporting pathways to advanced study in health and physical education pedagogy, kinesiology, wellness leadership, and therapeutic or instructional careers.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this program will be able to:
- Describe the physiological, psychological, and sociological benefits of health-related behaviors and physical activity.
- Design programs of instruction, training, conditioning, and recovery that utilize evidence-informed resources to effectively address health and physical activity outcomes.
- Develop effective evaluation and assessment strategies to measure individual skill development and group performance in various health and physical education contexts.
- Utilize technology to enhance educational and assessment practices across a variety of instructional settings regarding health and physical education.
- Demonstrate effective health and physical activity instruction and leadership that reflects sensitivity to various individual abilities, experiences, skills, and cultural contexts.
- Demonstrate the ability to reinforce responsible and professional personal, social, and ethical behavior in a variety of health and physical activity settings.
 This program is a part of the Wellstar College of Health and Human Services .
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education (HPE) is fully approved by Georgia’s Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) for P-12 teacher certification.
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Admissions, Enrollment, and Graduation Criteria
Admissions Criteria
There are no additional Admissions requirements for the Coaching Concentration or the Interdisciplinary Health and Activity Leadership Concentration.
The Health and Physical Education Teacher Certification Concentration requires majors to apply for program admission in order to begin coursework in the professional education sequence.
In order to be admitted to the Health and Physical Education (P-12) program, majors must apply to both the Bagwell College Teacher Preparation Program and to the Department of Health Promotion and Physical Education. It is recommended that majors arrange to meet with a HPE Faculty Advisor each semester to assure that are on track to apply for program admission.
Teacher Education Admission, Retention, and Graduation Requirements
Admission to teacher education is separate from admission to Kennesaw State University. Students must meet the admission, retention, and graduation requirements outlined in the Teacher Education Admissions, Enrollment, and Graduation Criteria catalog page to pursue this degree program.
Health and Physical Education (P-12) Eligibility Requirements
In addition to the criteria for Admission to Teacher Education, the Health and Physical Education (P-12) program requires that the following criteria also be met:
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Received a minimum letter grade of “C” in any required HPAL major courses
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Submitted two acceptable faculty recommendations and an advisor recommendation
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Submitted current completed Course Checksheet. This will be provided by your ESS advisor.
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Exhibited responsible professional behavior in classes, field experiences, and interactions with peers and faculty
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Demonstrated interest in the field through participation in and contribution to majors’ clubs and/or other professional activities
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Expressed a desire to enter teacher certification through a well-written personal narrative emphasizing experiences relevant to teaching
Application
After formal review of all program application materials, students will be notified of their admission status. Questions regarding Health and Physical Education Teacher Certification Concentration admission may be directed to the coordinator
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS - PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:
Enrollment Criteria
This program does not have specific enrollment criteria; however, students are expected to meet the requirements of Academic Policy 4.0 ACADEMIC STANDING, DISMISSAL, & REINSTATEMENT .
Graduation Criteria
Each student is expected to meet the requirements outlined in Academic Policy 5.0 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS & GRADUATION .
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Program Course Requirements
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Core IMPACTS Curriculum (42 Credit Hours)
KSU’s General Education Core IMPACTS Curriculum Core Field of Study (18 Credit Hours)
Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in these courses. Required Courses (12 Credit Hours)
Elective Courses (6 Credit Hours)
Select 6 credit hours of 1000-2000 level coursework, excluding 1000 level HPAL courses, that align with the desired concentration; it is recommended to meet with an advisor to discuss options. Students in the Teacher Preparation Concentration must take HPE 2050 and EDUC 2130 . Major Requirements (21 Credit Hours)
Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in these courses. Major Concentrations (39 Credit Hours)
Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in these courses. Health and Physical Education Teacher Preparation Concentration
This concentration prepares students for careers as certified Health and Physical Education teachers in P-12 school settings. Through engaging academic study, practicum fieldwork, and student teaching experiences, candidates build the knowledge, instructional skills, and professional competencies needed to foster health literacy and physical activity among students of all backgrounds and abilities. Completion of this program leads to eligibility for a state teaching license and prepares graduates to deliver comprehensive, standards-based instruction in both health and physical education. Graduates of the Health and Physical Education Teacher Preparation Concentration are equipped to: Design and implement standards-based health and physical education curricula Apply evidence-based practices to improve motor development, physical fitness, health behaviors, and overall wellness Utilize technology and assessment tools to enhance instruction and monitor student learning outcomes Create safe and engaging environments that promote healthy lifestyles and physical activity for learners Career Opportunities: Certified health and physical education teacher (K-12), athletic coach; health educator; fitness instructor; recreation specialist; or graduate study in kinesiology, exercise science, health promotion, or related disciplines. Required Courses (39 Credit Hours)
Coaching Concentration
The Coaching concentration prepares students to become impactful coaches, sport leaders, and mentors across all levels of competition. With youth sports representing the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. sport industry, families investing $30 to $40 billion annually, this program equips graduates to meet the rising demand for skilled and ethical coaching professionals. Students build a strong foundation in sport science, pedagogy, and leadership through coursework in human anatomy and physiology, sport psychology, motor learning, strength and conditioning, and injury prevention. They also develop essential coaching competencies in communication, ethics, team management, and strategic leadership. Hands-on learning is central to the program, with skill-based courses, field experiences, practicum placements, and internships in athletic programs, recreational leagues, and community sport organizations. Graduates of the Coaching Concentration are equipped to: Design, implement, and evaluate effective training programs while fostering positive athlete development and team success Apply evidence-based training principles to enhance athletic performance and reduce injury risk Incorporate sport psychology and motivation strategies to foster athlete development Demonstrate effective leadership, ethical decision-making, and communication skills Design comprehensive, developmentally appropriate coaching plans for various populations and sports Career Opportunities: Athletic coaching in school settings (e.g., private K-12 or collegiate sport) or private sports organizations (e.g., clubs, academies, or performance enhancement entities); strength and conditioning specialist; sport program director; or advanced study in coaching, sport management, or kinesiology; or graduate study in coaching, kinesiology, exercise science, health promotion, or related disciplines. Required Courses (21 Credit Hours)
Advanced Coaching Methods (9 Credit Hours)
Select 9 credit hours from the following list of courses: Upper-Division Electives (9 Credit Hours)
Select 9 credit hours of 3000-4000 level coursework from the University Catalog. Interdisciplinary Health and Physical Activity Leadership Concentration
The Interdisciplinary Health and Physical Activity Leadership concentration offers a flexible and personalized academic experience for students eager to shape their own path in health, wellness, and movement-related professions. Designed to accommodate transfer credits and encourage cross-disciplinary exploration, this concentration fosters a comprehensive understanding of health and physical activity in multiple contexts. Emphasizing both theoretical foundations and experiential learning, the program includes a practicum and capstone experience that challenges students to apply their knowledge in impactful, real-world contexts. Whether pursuing graduate education or stepping directly into the workforce, graduates are equipped with the leadership skills, critical insight, and adaptability needed to advance health and physical activity initiatives across a broad spectrum of community and professional environments. Graduates of the Interdisciplinary Health and Physical Activity Leadership Concentration are equipped to: Demonstrate effective leadership, collaboration, and communication in health and physical activity settings Integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines to address complex health and wellness challenges Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to promote physical activity and community well-being Engage in professional practices that reflect ethical standards and cultural competence Translate academic learning into practical impact through experiential learning opportunities Career Opportunities: Recreation and fitness management; health coaching; corporate wellness and employee health initiatives, youth development leadership; physical activity specialist; sport coaching; nonprofit health advocacy and outreach; or graduate studies in coaching education, public health, allied health, or education Required Courses (9 Credit Hours)
Elective Courses (30 Credit Hours)
Students are encouraged to earn a minor or certificate to align with their carreer goals recommendations include: Leadership Studies Minor, Public Health Minor, Psychology Minor, Organizational & Professional Communication Minor, Gerontology Minor, Diversity and Community Engagement Certificate, Sports Events and Entertainment Marketing Minor, Entrepreneurship Minor, or Learning Design and Technology Minor. Directed electives include HPAL 3050 , HPAL 3250 , and HPE 3625 . Upper-Division Electives (12 Credit Hours)
Select 12 credit hours of 3000-4000 level coursework from the University Catalog. Free Electives (18 Credit Hours)
Select 18 credit hours of 1000-4000 level coursework from the University Catalog. Program Total (120 Credit Hours)
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