Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Science
This department offers students an opportunity to develop skills and knowledge that are vital in developing personal, lifetime wellness and to serve as teachers, leaders, and administrators of health, physical education, recreation, athletic training (see online graduate catalog), and dietetics programs. Majors are available in Dietetics, Health Education, Exercise Science, Physical Education, and Sport and Recreation Leadership. A minor is offered in Health Education.
Dietetics Major
There are two options within the Dietetics major: (a) Dietitian Education Program and (b) Didactic Program. Both programs include all didactic courses required for membership in The American Dietetic Association.
Students with a major in Dietetics are employed in many settings such as hospitals, clinics, community health programs, businesses, industries, school food services, and as consultants in homes for the elderly and other service institutions. Research and development opportunities are available in industry, government, and universities; in regulation of food quality through government agencies; and within companies as communication specialists.
Note: Transfer credits in dietetics or food and nutrition from other institutions must have grades of 'C' or better to be accepted for the Dietetics program at NDSU.
Dietitian Education Program (DEP) Option
This option prepares professional dietetic practitioners for work in entry-level positions in hospitals, nursing homes, out-patient clinics, businesses, and community agencies. Students in the Dietitian Education Program will complete 1,200 supervised practice hours as part of the undergraduate curriculum allowing them to take the registration examination upon graduation.
Acceptance into the Dietitian Education Program is competitive and enrollment is limited. Students who have completed the prerequisite courses apply for admission in February. The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics accredits the program option. Graduates are eligible to take the registration exam for dietitians upon completion of the program.
Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Option
This option meets the requirements for entrance into an accredited dietetic internship and prepares graduates for internships in hospitals, as well as in health care related organizations. The American Dietetic Association/Council of Accreditation/Approval approves the DPD, a specialized body recognized by the United States.
Exercise Science Major
The Exercise Science major is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and endorsed by the American College of Sports Medicine. This curriculum covers the knowledge, skills, and abilities expected of an ACSM Health/Fitness Instructor®.
The Exercise Science major is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in any of four health fitness settings: commercial, community, corporate, and clinical. Completion of the major will also act as a stepping stone to prepare the exceptional student for graduate education in exercise physiology/science, cardiac rehabilitation, physical therapy, sports nutrition, sports medicine, biomechanics, and other allied health professions.
The Exercise Science program includes everything from the study of physical activity and the associated acute and chronic physiological adaptations and responses to it, to health-fitness business management principles found in facilities worldwide. Majors are encouraged to select a minor in business, health, or other areas depending on their interests. Field experiences and a semester-long internship experience completed at the end of the Exercise Science major afford the student an opportunity to select an area of specialization in the field from sites available throughout the country.
Students are encouraged to pursue appropriate professional certification from the American College of Sports Medicine, The National Strength and Conditioning Association, or The American Council on Exercise.
Pre-Professional/Professional Emphasis
Students are admitted to the Pre-Professional emphasis in Exercise Science when declaring the major. The Pre-Professional emphasis encompasses the freshman year and fall semester of the sophomore year; transfer students are also placed in the Pre-Professional emphasis upon acceptance to the university. Entrance into the Professional Emphasis occurs for freshman during the third semester of attendance; for transfer students, entrance occurs during the first semester of attendance.
The following requirements must be met before beginning the professional course (sophomore, junior and senior level courses with prefix HNES) of study:
- Successful completion of HNES 170 with a grade of 'B' or better
- Successful completion of BIOL 220/220L with a grade of 'B' or better
- Successful completion of MATH 103/104 or higher with a grade of 'B' or better
- Minimum NDSU GPA of 3.0 or higher
Application guidelines are provided during HNES 170 and during advising sessions with freshmen, as well as on the Exercise Science web site.
Retention Standards
Students must meet all of the retention standards (per semester) in order to maintain their status in the Exercise Science professional phase.
- No more than 2 'C' grades may be earned in HNES Exercise Science curriculum classes.
- Maintain an overall GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
Exercise Science Major/Master of Athletic Training Program
Students who wish to attend NDSU for athletic training are advised to pursue this five-year program. The students will major in Exercise Science for their undergraduate degree and apply to the Master of Athletic Training (MATrg) graduate program to complete this program. Upon completion, the graduates will be able to take the Board of Certification (BOC) exam, earn the A.T.C. credential and pursue employment as an athletic trainer.
Physical Education Major
The Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) program provides opportunities for students to become critical thinkers, creative planners, and effective practitioners.
To be successful in the field, a physical education student must like to work with people, be adequately skilled in physical activities, have a commitment to fitness, and be interested in the physical, biological and social sciences.
The PETE program emphasizes teaching and provides students with skills and techniques necessary to begin a successful career in K-12 physical education. The program is aligned with the National Association for Sport and Physical Education's (NASPE) PETE Standards. The courses are strategically structured to be sequential in nature.
Students initially take courses through the Department of Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences (HNES) and complete their degree requirements through the School of Education. Application and interviews to the School of Education will occur during the student's junior year. Completion of the degree requirements for a physical education major in the School of Education certifies a graduate to teach physical education from kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12).
The student majoring in physical education will be studying the art and science of human movement, which includes classes in elementary, middle, and high school activities; motor learning, physiology and psychology of human movement; the art of teaching and motivating students; and performance-based assessment.
Students will successfully complete all HNES 100-level core courses before advancing to the HNES 200-level core courses, etc. The courses provide a firm scientific foundation, while providing substantial experience in practice teaching. Students must earn a grade of 'B' or better in all core physical education courses and must maintain a minimum 2.75 cumulative grade-point average to stay in full standing in the program.
A graduate leaves prepared to teach in a professional manner, while demonstrating exemplary ethical behavior and displaying current "best practices". Graduates are expected to be positive role models for K-12 students in the area of physical education, physical activity, and sports.
Double Major
It is strongly recommended that physical education students double major in health education and pursue a coaching certificate.
School Health Education Major: For further information about school health education, please refer to the Health Education curriculum guide or contact the department advisor.
Coaching: Many individuals with a physical education major also coach. To earn the coaching certificate, students must successfully complete a 1-credit course (HNES 211) and pass an exam. Upon successful completion of this coaching certificate students are considered a legal coach. This certificate is recognized by most K-12 districts.
Health Education Major
The Health Education major emphasizes comprehensive health education and is designed to prepare students for careers in the field of community health education and/or school health education through the development of dispositions, knowledge and skills.
Community Health Education Option
This non-teaching major is offered for students interested in pursuing community health, health promotion or work-site careers in the public sector.
School Health Education Teaching Option
This professional teaching preparation program is designed primarily to meet the needs of those interested in a teaching career.
Teaching — School of Education
Completing the degree requirements for a health education degree in the School of Education certifies a graduate to teach health education at the secondary level. Students may choose to enrich their background by selecting a major in physical education. It is recommended that students apply to the School of Education in the spring semester of their third year in the program.
Double Major
It is strongly recommended that health education teaching majors double major in physical education.
Physical Education Major: For further information about the physical education teaching option, please refer to the Physical Education curriculum guide or contact the department adviser.
Health Education Minor
Students who have earned a Health Education minor as a complement to their major have been in the following curricula:
- Human Development and Family Science
- Dietetics
- Exercise Science
- Health Communications
- Nursing
- Sport and Recreation Leadership
Sport and Recreation Leadership Major
The Sport and Recreation Leadership major is designed to prepare students for careers in sport and recreation organizations. The capstone course (HNES 429) is a 12 credit Internship most often completed during the summer prior to the senior year as an internship at an approved local, state, regional, national or international level sport and/or recreation organization. To enhance employment prospects, undergraduate candidates in the Sport and Recreation Leadership major are encouraged to consider completion of a supporting minor, such as business or communication.
Students are also encouraged to participate in the Sport and Recreation Leadership Association. This student organization meets bi-weekly to organize and conduct professional and service events.
Pre-Professional/Professional Emphasis
Students are admitted to the Pre-Professional emphasis in Sport and Recreation Leadership when declaring the major. The Pre-Professional emphasis encompasses the freshman year; transfer students are also placed in the Pre-Professional emphasis upon acceptance to the university. Entrance into the Professional Emphasis occurs for freshman during the second semester of attendance; for transfer students, application occurs during the first semester of attendance.
The following requirements must be met before beginning the professional course (sophomore, junior and senior level courses with prefix HNES) of study:
- Successful completion of HNES 190 with a grade of 'B' or better
- Successful completion of HNES 100 with a grade of 'B' or better
- Minimum NDSU GPA of 2.50 or higher
Application guidelines are provided during HNES 190 and during advising sessions with freshmen.
Retention Standards
Students must meet all of the retention standards (per semester) in order to maintain their status in the Sport and Recreation Leadership professional phase.
- Must receive a 'C' or higher in all HNES Sport and Recreation Leadership curriculum courses. Maintain an overall GPA of 2.50 on a 4.0 scale.
