Health and Fitness

Discover innovative ways to help people stay physically fit.

The Health & Fitness emphasis will teach you how to develop and execute workout routines for clients in private gyms or patients in rehabilitation centers. The curriculum is a dynamic balance between coursework in science, exercise physiology, anatomy, nutrition and psychology with technical classes in facilities management and fitness instruction.

To start building your resume, you can conduct research in our state-of-the-art High Altitude Performance Lab and help develop exercise programming for clinical populations in the Wellness Elevated program. If graduate school is on your radar, you can get a head start by collaborating on research projects with students in the Applied Exercise Science and Performance master’s program.

Health and Fitness Requirements

Emphasis

A major emphasis dives deeper into a specific interest within your major. It allows you to focus on a particular area of study, replacing the need for a separate minor. By tailoring your coursework, a major emphasis equips you with specialized knowledge and skills to better prepare you for career opportunities or advanced studies in your chosen field.

Program Requirements Degree Plan

Scholarships

Scholarships by Department

The Western Colorado University Foundation offers scholarships for this program. Explore eligibility requirements and funding opportunities.

Explore Scholarships

General Western Scholarships

Western Colorado University offers merit—and need-based scholarships, recognizing achievement, financial need, and special talents.

Explore Scholarships

1

Top Skills

Exercise Physiology
Fitness Assessment
Health Promotion
Program Design
Rehabilitation
Sports Psychology

2

Career Pathways

Athletic Trainer
Coach & Scout
Exercise Physiologist
Exercise Trainer
Fitness & Wellness Coordinator
Sports Medicine Physician

Latest News

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  Shaping the Future of Physical Education and Sport: Kanae Haneishi’s Mission of Inclusion and Wellness

  Sports and athletics have always been an important part of Kanae Haneishi’s identity. As a girl growing up in Japan, like any adolescent searching for…

  Read More
• 

  Western Colorado University study shows big benefit from AI-guided workouts

  Western professor, students show us we can do more with less We get an added month of longevity for each workout, which is pretty remarkable…

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• 

  Western, Palmer College of Chiropractic partner to offer headstart on graduate degree

  “We are thrilled to give our students this unique opportunity to support career progress” GUNNISON, Colorado: Western Colorado University is pleased to announce a new…

  Read More
• 

  Western Hosts West African Dance and Drummers

  Mark Gibson, a Western Recreation and Outdoor Education professor, used his Alternative Programming Class to invite the Kissidugu Foundation to Western Colorado University’s campus. The…

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• 

  Clinical Trial Adds Rigor to Exercise and Sports Science

  To finish her PhD., Exercise and Sports Science (ESS) major Erin Smith decided to go above and beyond with her research requirement. For her research…

  Read More
• 

  Western Research Proves CAROL Bike May Be the Wave of the Future

  Getting Fitter Faster It’s the dream of every busy person trying to get in shape or maintain their fitness levels —intense work outs in less…

  Read More

Faculty & Staff

Bryant Byrd, MS

Lecturer, Exercise & Sport Science

Michelle Conway, PhD

Associate Professor, Exercise & Sport Science

Angela Dalleck, MA

Lecturer, Exercise & Sport Science

Lance Dalleck, PhD

Professor, Exercise & Sport Science; Director, Applied Exercise Science and Performance Graduate Program; Director, Wellness Elevated

Donovan McMahill, MS

Lecturer, Exercise & Sport Science

Erin Smith, MS

Lecturer, Exercise & Sport Science

Crystal Southall, PhD

Professor, Exercise & Sport Science, Sport & Fitness Management

Terri Stinson

Administrative Assistant II

Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science Department

Department Chairperson

• Gary P. Van Guilder, PhD.

• Professor, Exercise & Sport Science; Faculty, Applied Exercise Science and Performance Graduate Program; Chair, Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science

Administrative Assistant

• Terri Stinson

• Administrative Assistant II

AESP Graduate Program Director

• Christina Buchanan

• Professor, Exercise & Sport Science; Faculty, Applied Exercise Science and Performance Graduate Program

Contact Information

970.943.7129

970.943.7125

Contact Location

Western Colorado University
Paul Wright Gym 209
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231