This degree is perfect for those individuals who would like to be involved in designing and facilitating fitness programs in a variety of recreational, nonprofit, corporate, and health club settings. At the end of the degree program, students will be prepared to sit for a nationally accredited certification; ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C) which is a requirement for many employment opportunities in the fitness profession.
The Fitness Wellness program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 US Highway 19 North, Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 210-2350
(www.caahep.org)
This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
It is no wonder that the need for fitness and wellness professionals is growing, as a healthy lifestyle improves the quality and length of your life. If you are interested in helping others stay fit and healthy, you should consider the Fitness Wellness BS.
The Fitness Wellness degree prepares students to safely and effectively work with clients to move toward achieving their health and fitness goals. One of the unique things about our particular program is the incorporation of health coaching, stress management, and behavior change skills in addition to courses in health risk appraisal, fitness assessment, applied movement analysis, and exercise program design.
Students who graduate from our program are prepared to work in fitness and health club facilities, collegiate and professional sports performance, health/medical facilities, spa/resort fitness, worksite wellness departments, corporate fitness, independent contracting, and personal training businesses among many other outlets for the promotion of fitness and wellness.
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Please note that students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Students may transfer up to 75 units of credit from an accredited community college. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Major GPA | 2.0 |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 114 |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Required |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan | Optional |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
The purpose of the B.S. degree in Health Sciences Fitness Wellness degree program is to provide focused educational and practical experiences to those interested in a career in the emerging fitness/health/wellness industry. Students will be able to design and facilitate fitness programs in a variety of recreational, nonprofit, corporate, and health club settings. The Fitness Wellness program is a combination of general education and core coursework to prepare competent entry-level exercise professionals with the knowledge and skills to assist individuals across the lifespan in adopting and maintaining healthy behaviors that lead to increased fitness, wellness, and optimal health. Students engage in a variety of labs, simulations, and other course work and application activities that prepare them to design and implement exercise programs; understand biomechanics and motor development in the physical domain; develop health and wellness programs in the workplace setting; facilitate independent lasting healthy behavior change; teach and demonstrate exercises; and conduct fitness assessment and health screenings. As a culminating experience, students engage in an immersive and hands-on internship in the field of fitness and wellness.
The Fitness Wellness Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences.
Student Learning Outcomes
Outcomes align with Standards from the American College of Sports Medicine
Students may transfer up to 75 units of credit from an accredited community college.
This major requires 67 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 67 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each course:
Health Sciences Foundations Coursework (23 units)
Content Knowledge in Fitness Wellness (44 units)
*FW 408: Students must sign-up, pay-for, and take a nationally accredited certification; ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C). (Please Note: a department approved CPR/First Aid course is required prior to taking this course. The student must locate, take and obtain verification of current certification to be cleared for internship/fieldwork.) In addition, students choosing to double major in Fitness Wellness and Physical Education may substitute PE 495C for the HS 408 Internship course.
BIO 181 and CHM 151 are not required for this degree, but are prerequisites for other courses which are required for this degree. (You may be able to count these prerequisites toward your liberal studies or general elective credit).
This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan wherein a student may start a master's degree while simultaneously completing their bachelor's degree.
Students enrolled at the Flagstaff campus for both their undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible to complete the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences - Fitness Wellness and start a Master of Science in Athletic Training at NAU.
Students accepted into the Accelerated Program should complete the following requirements:
Major Requirements
This major requires 93 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 93 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each course:
Health Sciences Foundations Coursework (41 units)
**MAT 125 is the highest math required for the Accelerated Health Science - Fitness Wellness BS/Athletic Training MS.
*FW 408: Students must sign-up, pay-for, and take a nationally accredited certification; ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C). (Please Note: a department approved CPR/First Aid course is required prior to taking this course. The student must locate, take and obtain verification of current certification to be cleared for internship/fieldwork.) In addition, students choosing to double major in Fitness Wellness and Physical Education may substitute PE 495C for the HS 408 Internship course.
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.