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Certificate, Program Planning in Public Health and Physical Activity

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About

Congruent with objectives from the “Healthy People” initiatives, this certificate provides an introduction to the practice of integrating evidence-based practices in health promotion into community health-based programming grounded in physical activity.  Students will be able to distinguish key theories, research, and critical issues in public health and physical activity to guide needs-based program planning initiatives.

Perfect for...

  • Health and Wellness Specialists looking to expand Public Health services impact 
  • Public Health Professionals seeking career advancement 
  • Professionals interested in deepening expertise in program planning for Public Health and physical activity settings

Career Paths

  • Corporate Wellness Director
  • School system Health and Wellness Specialist
  • Health Educator (K-12 and college/university level) or Community Health advisor
  • Wellness Coach
  • Public Health Services Program Manager/Coordinator

 

Program Overview

This Online Certificate of Professional Studies for Program Planning in Public Health and Physical Activity is a 13 credit program meant to introduce concepts in Public Health and Kinesiology that examine the role of physical activity programming and wellness initiatives. The certificate is perfect for individuals who wish to expand on existing public health and wellness knowledge or who are interested in acquiring another level of public health and physical activity program planning expertise. It focuses on applying these skills to real world situations that can be immediately implemented in a variety of public health settings.  

The Certificate in Program Planning in Public Health and Physical Activity will be awarded to students who successfully complete the following courses. Students can complete the program in as little as one year.  Courses begin during the first summer session. 

  • SPHL601 Core Concepts in Public Health
  • KNES600 Kinesiology in Public Health
  • KNES601 Epidemiology of Physical Activity
  • KNES602 Physical Activity Program Planning and Evaluation
  • KNES643 Public Health & Physical Activity in the Classroom

Summer 1

KNES600 Kinesiology in Public Health 3 Credits

Description: A broad introduction to public health within the context of the discipline of kinesiology, focusing on furthering the understanding of the ways kinesiology contributes toward achieving the goals of public health.

Summer 2

KNES601 Epidemiology of Physical Activity 3 Credits

Description: An exploration of basic epidemiological study design, methods, and health outcomes in the field of physical activity.

Fall

SPHL601 Core Concepts in Public Health 1 Credit

Description: Introduces students to the history, functions, systems, policies, and models of public health practice in the United States and globally. The course offers seminars, interactive activities, and assessments aimed at establishing a baseline understanding of public health necessary for higher level and integrative learning in subsequent public health courses.

Winter

KNES643 Public Health & Physical Activity in the Classroom 3 Credits

Description: The purpose of the course is to engage students in developing curriculum that blends movement activity with courses such as math, science, social studies, literature, writing, art, and music to teach traditional classroom courses as an instrument of public health.

Spring

KNES602 Physical Activity Program Planning and Evaluation 3 Credits

Description: An in-depth analysis of the planning, implementation, and evaluation of physical activity interventions and programs intended to achieve physical activity and public health goals.