Department Mission

McPherson College students in the Department of Health and Sport Studies will develop an understanding of the multiple dimensions associated with the human body, which encompass physical, psychological, social, environmental, emotional, spiritual, and occupational realms.

By embracing this multi-dimensional approach, the department captures the essence of a liberal arts education: developing the whole person. Furthermore, the department will contribute to the fulfillment of the college’s mission as follows:

• Scholarship – Achieving academic excellence by elevating the scholastic expectations of our students and exceeding the accreditation standards of the allied health and sport professions. The department will offer strategically designed, career-oriented degree programs to prepare students for a future beyond the McPherson College campus.
• Participation – Utilizing the Enterprising McPherson College Student model to provide students the opportunity to explore, experience, and engage all the facets associated with our degree programs. In addition to the academic preparation, students will interact with, and be mentored by, experts in the allied health and sport professions.
• Service – Promoting and emphasizing the importance of serving others. Instilling this altruistic nature will contribute to the development of the whole person and prepare our students to be positive, active, and responsible members of society. They will be ready to embrace inclusivity, equality, and equity to encourage diversity in the allied health and sport professions and society.

Department Goals

1. Scholarship – Ensure students will gain the necessary content knowledge, application competence, and communication aptitude to excel in the allied health and sport professions.
2. Practice – Connect students with pertinent and fruitful experiential learning opportunities to gain occupational skills from experts within the allied health and sport professions.
3. Critical Thinking – Provide the techniques and skills to question, evaluate, and create positive and progressive solutions for challenging obstacles within the allied health and sport professions.
4. Diversity – Increase students’ awareness of the value of a diverse society, the essentials to promoting a diverse community, and enhance their abilities to function in diverse allied health and sport occupational environments.
5. Service – Develop leadership skills and sympathetic character traits to be active leaders in their allied health, sport, and personal communities.

B.S. in Health Science (71 credit hours)

Requirements 

G-BI 111 College Biology I (4 credit hours)
G-CH 111 College Chemistry I (5 credit hours)
BI 112 College Biology II (4 credit hours)
CH 112 College Chemistry II (5 credit hours)
G-PE 150 Concepts in Holistic Health (3 credit hours)
HS 175 Health Systems (3 credit hours)
G-HS/PE 190 Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health (3 credit hours)
HS 200 Public and Community Health (3 credit hours)
PY 204 Child & Adolescent Development (3 credit hours)
HS 207 Medical Terminology (2 credit hours)
G-BI 210 Principles of Nutrition (3 credit hours)
G-CM 218 Business and Professional Communication (3 credit hours)
BI 225 Human Anatomy (4 credit hours)
HS 275 Career Exploration in Health Science/Healthcare Management (2 credit hours)
HS 290 Health Policy (3 credit hours)
BI 315 Human Physiology (4 credit hours)
HS 325 Healthcare Finance (3 credit hours)
PE 330 Physiology of Exercise (3 credit hours)
HS 375 Junior Seminar in Health Science/Healthcare Management (2 credit hours)
HS 395 Healthcare Administration, Leadership, and Management (3 credit hours)
HS 475 Senior Capstone in Health Science/Healthcare Management (6 credit hours)

B.S. in Healthcare Management ( 66 credit hours)

Since this degree in Healthcare Management was introduced in the 2020-21 academic year, some of the courses required for graduation will not be offered until the 2022-2023 academic year 2022-23. Thus, this program is open to students who intend to graduate, at the earliest, in Spring 2024. As such, transfers desiring to enter this program in Fall 2021 should expect no fewer than three years to complete the program.

Requirements

G-BI 101 Principles of Biology (4 credit hours)
G-CH 101 Principles of Chemistry (4 credit hours)
G-BA 130 Principles of Business Management (3 credit hours)
G-PE 150 Concepts in Holistic Health (3 credit hours)
HS 175 Health Systems (3 credit hours)
G-HS/PE 190 Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health (3 credit hours)
HS 200 Public and Community Health (3 credit hours)
EC 202 Survey of Economics (3 credit hours)
AC 205 Financial Accounting (3 credit hours)
AC 206 Managerial Accounting (3 credit hours)
G-CM 218 Business and Professional Communication (3 credit hours)
BA 221 Marketing (3 credit hours)
HS 275 Career Exploration in Health Science/Healthcare Management (2 credit hours)
HS 290 Health Policy (3 credit hours)
BA 315 Business Law (3 credit hours)
HS 325 Healthcare Finance (3 credit hours)
BA 325 Financial Management (3 credit hours)
BA 339 Human Resource Management (3 credit hours)
HS 375 Junior Seminar in Health Science/Healthcare Management (2 credit hours)
HS 395 Healthcare Administration, Leadership, and Management (3 credit hours)
HS 475 Senior Capstone in Health Science/Healthcare Management (6 credit hours)

B.S. in Sport Studies (46 credit hours)

This degree in Sport Studies is new in the 2021-2022 academic catalog. As such, some of the courses required for graduation will not be offered until the 2023-2024 academic year. Thus, this program is open only to first-time freshmen or to transfers intending to graduate in Spring 2024 or later. Transfers desiring to graduate by Spring 2023 may want to consider the B.S. in Physical Education and Health as presented in the 2020-2021 academic catalog.

Requirements

PE 100 Introduction to Physical Education and Sport (3 credit hours)
G-BI 101 Principles of Biology (4 credit hours)
PE 105 Introduction to Sport Management (3 credit hours)
G-PE 150 Concepts in Holistic Health (3 credit hours)
G-BI 210 Principles of Nutrition (3 credit hours)
PE 220 Human Anatomy and Physiology (3 credit hours)
CI 220 Principles and Strategies of Teaching (3 credit hours)
PE 244 Sport and Society (3 credit hours)
PE 289 Sport and Exercise Psychology (3 credit hours)
PE 301 Human Growth and Motor Behavior (3 credit hours)
PE 304 Theories, Principles, and Leadership of Coaching (3 credit hours)
PE 330 Exercise Physiology (3 credit hours)
PE 385 Care and Treatment of Athletic Injuries (3 credit hours)
PE 400 Skill Development, Physical Training, and Tactics in Coaching (3 credit hours)
PE 475 Senior Capstone (3 credit hours)

Additional Requirements for Teacher Education Majors, PK-12 (46 credit  hours)

G-PY 101 Introduction to Psychology (3 credit hours)
G-CI 150 Introduction to Education (3 credit hours)
PY 204 Child and Adolescent Development (3 credit hours)
SE 210 Introduction to Infant, Child, Youth with Special Needs (3 credit hours)
CI 232 Educational Technology (2 credit hours)
CI 251 Introduction to Education Practicum (1 credit hour)
CI 315 Reading in the Content Field (2 credit hours)
CI 333  Intercultural Education (2 credit hours)
CI 351 Secondary Education Practicum (1 credit hour)
EE 375 Elementary Education Practicum (1 credit hour)
PE 409/CI 409 Methods for Teaching Physical Education and Health in Elementary Schools (4 credit hours)
PE 410/CI 410 Methods for Teaching Physical Education and Health in Secondary Schools (4 credit hours)
CI 455 The Teaching-Learning Process (3 credit hours)
EE 465 Student Teaching in the Elementary School (6 credit hours)
CI 475 Student Teaching in the Secondary School (6 credit hours)
CI 476 Professional Seminar in Education (2 credit hours)

B.S. in Sport Management (58 credit hours)

This degree in Sport Management is new in the 2021-2022 academic catalog. As such, some of the courses required for graduation will not be offered until the 2023-2024 academic year. Thus, this program is open only to first-time freshmen or to transfers intending to graduate in Spring 2024 or later. Transfers desiring to graduate by Spring 2023 may want to consider the B.S. in Physical Education and Health with Sport Management Emphasis as presented in the 2020-2021 academic catalog.

Requirements

PE 100 Introduction to Physical Education and Sport (3 credit hours)
PE 105 Introduction to Sport Management (3 credit hours)
G-BA 130 Principles in Business Management (3 credit hours)
EC 202 Survey of Economics (3 credit hours)
AC 202 Survey in Accounting (3 credit hours)
G-CM 218 Business and Personal Communication (3 credit hours)
G-BA 220 Business Applied Statistics or G-MA 221, Elementary Applied Statistics (4 credit hours)
BA 221 Marketing (3 credit hours)
PE 244 Sport and Society (3 credit hours)
PE 289 Sport and Exercise Psychology (3 credit hours)
BA 315 Business Law (3 credit hours)
BA 324 Organizational Behavior (3 credit hours)
BA 325 Financial Management (3 credit hours)
BA 339 Human Resource Management (3 credit hours)
PE 415 Sport Management (3 credit hours)
PE 420 Sport Marketing (3 credit hours)
PE 425 Sport Finance (3 credit hours)
PE 430 Governance and Policy in Sport (3 credit hours)
PE 475 Senior Capstone (3 credit hours)

Health Science Course Descriptions

HS 175 Health Systems

3 hours
This course provides an overview of how healthcare is organized and how healthcare services are delivered in the U.S.  It explores issues such as healthcare access, cost, and quality. It will cover the roles of government, patients, health professionals, hospitals, insurers and pharmaceutical companies, as well as the interactions of these stakeholders. The course aims to provide skills in critical and analytical thinking and decision-making related to the U.S. healthcare system and the people in it. (Fall)

G-HS/PE 190 Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health

3 hours
This course considers health and health behaviors within the context of social, cultural, and environmental influences on individual behaviors. Students explore the ways social factors affect individual health and well-being, including high-risk behaviors and health inequities. Health behavior programs and interventions and theories of health promotion, health behavioral change, and health education will be examined. (Spring)

HS 200 Public and Community Health

3 hours
This course offers a basic introduction to the issues of public health, major public health problems, and public health systems. The class examines core principles of public health, focusing on a community perspective. Student learn about public health approaches to health assessment, health promotion, disease prevention, and the outcomes of public health initiatives at the local, state, and national levels. Prerequisites: G-PE 150 and HS 175. (Fall)

HS 207 Medical Terminology

2 hours
An introduction to the study of medical terms that brings to life the language of medicine. This course will help students develop an understanding of how to communicate fluently in a healthcare setting. This course will explain medical terms in the context of the anatomy and physiology of different body systems as well as how the body works in health and disease. This course does not include a laboratory. (Interterm, even years) 

HS 275 Career Exploration in Health Science/Healthcare Management

2 hours
This course educates students about the wide range of careers available in the healthcare industry. A minimum of 20 total hours of observation in one or more healthcare settings is required. The desired student outcome is enhanced clarity about career directions through deeper understanding of personal strengths, values, aptitude, and interest. G-BI 101 or G-BI 111 and BI 112, G-EN 110, G-EN 111, and HS 175. (Spring)

HS 290 Health Policy

3 hours
Students explore key health policy concepts in the U.S. health care system. They examine governmental and non-governmental policy-making processes and learn to analyze policies and evaluate policy outcomes. Students will learn how U.S. policy-making processes interact with the structure of the U.S. healthcare system and the implications of changes to these processes and the system. The effect of health policy on the health of rural communities, in particular, is analyzed along with the intersection of U.S. health policy with infectious diseases, bioethics, and globalization. Prerequisites: G-EN 110, G-EN 111, HS 175 and HS 190. (Spring)

HS 325 Healthcare Finance

3 hours
This course focuses on the critical issues in financing healthcare in the U.S., from supply costs to third-party reimbursement. The course addresses determinants of demand for healthcare, such as population demographics and health status, insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs, and public expectations of health professionals and technology. The course will explore the role of health professionals in guiding and shaping the allocation of resources in healthcare markets and the roles of competition in U.S. healthcare. A focus of the course is how healthcare managers use financial data to manage their organizations and inform decision-making processes. The course also introduces students to the basic principles and tools of budget and resource management. Prerequisites: HS 290. (Fall)

HS 375 Junior Seminar in Health Science/Healthcare Management

2 hours
This course builds on the foundation of personal development and career exploration achieved in HS 275 Career Exploration in Health Science/Healthcare Management. Students will work with experienced healthcare practitioners a minimum of 40 hours. The course also takes students through the steps of developing, writing, and submitting the proposal for their senior capstone project. Capstone proposals are reviewed by the appropriate health science/healthcare management faculty and must be approved before capstone experiences begin. Prerequisites: G-CM 218, HS 207, and HS 275. (Interterm)

HS 395 Healthcare Administration, Leadership, and Management

3 hours
This course connects an overview of healthcare delivery systems with in-depth explorations of organizational theory and traditional managerial and executive leadership roles found in healthcare facilities. Leadership competencies and skills are developed through the examination of topics such as team building, strategic planning, compliance with professional standards and governmental regulations, management and development of human resources, managerial problem solving, and organizational communication, among others. Prerequisites: HS 200 and HS 325. (Spring)

HS 475 Senior Capstone in Health Science/Healthcare Management

6 hours
Students will complete their capstone hours over their final two semesters at McPherson College. Students will develop, write and submit their capstone proposal in consultation with a proctoring faculty member. Capstones are designed based on unique personal and professional goals. Students will record their experience and observations and reflect on their personal and professional growth throughout their capstone experience and, in their final semester, present their capstone portfolio in a pubic presentation. Prerequisites: HS 375 and HS 395. (Fall, Spring)

 

Sport Studies Course Descriptions

PE 100 Introduction to Physical Education and Sport

3 hours
Students will explore the historical and philosophical origins of physical education and sport, which have influenced the development of these institutions in American society. Antirequisite: PE 380. (Fall, Spring)

PE 105 Introduction to Sport Management

3 hours
Students will be introduced to the intricate nature of the sport industry. This course will provide an overview of the historical aspects, managing and leading techniques, various sporting environments, functions, and challenges related to sport management. Antirequisite: PE 450. (Fall, Spring)

G-PE 150 Concepts in Holistic Health

3 hours
This course is designed to present the student with health and wellness principles and offer suggestions for their application. These principles will be examined using a traditional approach with a variety of cultural influences. Major areas of study include mind-body interrelatedness and control, stress management, individual fitness, health and health related topics, and lifestyle management. (Fall, Spring)

PE 220 Human Anatomy and Physiology

3 hours
This course is designed to introduce the student to the science of the body structure and function. Content is presented in a simple to complex pattern which includes the design and function of cells, body systems, and the interdependence of systems. Prerequisites: PE 100, G-BI 101, G-PE 150, and a minimum of Sophomore standing. (Fall)

PE 244 Sport and Society

3 hours
This course will provide students with an opportunity to learn about the sociological and cultural aspects of sport. Students will acquire a broad understanding of social settings and cultural issues as they relate to sport and physical activity. Prerequisite: PE 100 and a minimum of Sophomore standing. Antirequisite: PE 288. (Fall)

PE 289 Sport and Exercise Psychology

3 hours
This course will provide insight into the theories, subject matter, and latest empirical research concerning the cognitive processes and emotional states that regulate and influence performance in sport, exercise, and other physical activities. Prerequisite: PE 100 and a minimum of Sophomore standing. Antirequisite: PE 288. (Spring)

PE 301 Human Growth and Motor Behavior

3 hours
Students will examine how the human body grows and develops and the relationships with motor control, learning, and development. Prerequisites: G-BI 210, PE 220, and a minimum of Junior standing. (Fall)

PE 304 Theories, Principles, and Leadership of Coaching

3 hours (Language Intensive)
This course will provide students the knowledge and tools to develop a philosophical and practical foundation to their coaching styles. Students will learn how to make sound decisions that will lead to success in the coaching profession. Prerequisites: PE 105, CI 220, PE 244, PE 289, and a minimum of Junior standing. (Fall)

PE 330 Exercise Physiology

3 hours
Students will study the relationship between exercise and human physiology. Prerequisites: PE 100, G-BI 210, PE 220, and a minimum of Junior standing. (Fall)

PE 385 Care and Treatment of Athletic Injuries

3 hours
The purpose of this course is to provide students with a wide spectrum of information on the care and treatment of athletes and their injuries. It is designed to provide an overview of emergency procedures and immediate assessment of injured athletes. The importance of preventative measures and an overview of the responsibilities of an athletic trainer and coach will be addressed. Prerequisites: PE 301, PE 330, and a minimum of Junior standing. (Spring)

PE 400 Skill Development, Physical Training, and Tactics in Coaching

3 hours
Students will learn the proper teaching and analytical techniques and methods to develop healthy and successful athletes and teams. Some of the topics covered include athlete performance assessment and evaluation, skill acquisition, athletic conditioning techniques, development, practice and conditioning programming, and the social-psychological aspects of training and coaching. Prerequisites: PE 304, PE 385, and Senior standing. (Fall)

PE 409/CI 409 Methods for Teaching Physical Education and Health in Elementary Schools

4 hours
This course is designed to introduce prospective elementary school physical education, health, and classroom teachers to the fundamentals, principles, and practices of physical education and health at the elementary school level. Movement exploration and methods, including adaptive physical education, will be learned in the variety of play and sport activities. Further, the methods and modalities for teaching school health will be explored while examining the potential health problems of the individual school child associated with school and home environments. This course includes a practical laboratory component. Prerequisites for Elementary Education majors: G-PE 150 and CI 220. Prerequisites for Sport Science majors: G-CI 150, CI 220, and PE 304. Corequisite for Sport Science Majors: PE 385. (Spring)

PE 410/CI 410 Methods for Teaching Physical Education and Health in Secondary Schools

4 hours
This course is designed to acquaint the student with a variety of teaching techniques, methods, and modalities for teaching physical education and health at the secondary school level. Proper movement skills and development, and healthy habits will be stressed to encourage lifelong physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. Adaptive physical education and the impact of sociocultural and socioeconomic factors will be integrated in the course. There is a practical laboratory component. Prerequisites: G-CI 150, CI 220, PE 304, and PE 385. (Fall)

PE 415 Sport Management

3 hours
Students will develop an advanced understanding of the planning, organizing, leading, and controlling aspects of a sport organization. Prerequisites: PE 105, G-CM 218, PE 244, PE 289, BA 324, BA 339, and a minimum of Junior standing. (Fall)

PE 420 Sport Marketing

3 hours
Students will explore the historical, contemporary, and future issues and trends in sport marketing. Further, students will learn and apply the marketing concepts and strategies utilized in the sport industry. Prerequisites: PE 105, G-CM 218, BA 221, PE 244, PE 289, BA 324, and a minimum of Junior standing. (Spring)

PE 425 Sport Finance

3 hours
Students will extend their financial management knowledge within the sport realm by focusing on topics such as time value of money, debt and equity financing, capital budgeting and spending earnings in the sport industry. Prerequisites: PE 105, G-BA 130, G-BA 220 or G-MA 221, PE 244, BA 325 and a minimum of Junior standing. (Spring)

PE 430 Governance and Policy in Sport

3 hours
Students will explore governance structures and processes related to policy within public, private, not-for-profit, and non-profit sport sectors in the United States. Through this examination, students will learn effective governance systems and the challenges and obstacles encountered by sport organizations. Further, it will be highlighted how sports issues revolved around specific topics such as ethnicity, national identity, sex, gender, diversity, disability, violence, deviance, health and event hosting can impact policy and governance structures. Prerequisites: PE 105, PE 244, BA 315, BA 324, and a minimum of Junior standing. (Spring)

PE 475 Senior Capstone

3 hours
This is the culminating or “capstone” course for Sport Science and Sport Management majors who do not participate in student teaching. Students are paired with a mentor in their chosen field to gain practical experience that will enhance their understanding of a potential career in the sport industry. Prerequisites for Sport Studies majors: PE 304, PE 385, and Senior standing. Prerequisites for Sport Management majors: PE 425, at least one of PE 420 or PE 430, and Senior standing. (Fall, Spring)

Special Course Options

PE 295/PE 495 Field Experience (1-4 credit hours for each course)
PE 297 Study Abroad (12-16 credit hours)
PE 299/PE 499 Independent Study (1-4 credit hours for each course)
PE 388 Career Connections (3-10 credit hours)
PE 445 Readings and Research (1 credit hour–Language Intensive)

Intercollegiate Competition Credit Hours

After completing one year of intercollegiate athletic competition, students may enroll in intercollegiate competition (PE 211-21 and PE 311-21) for 1 credit hour; however, a maximum of 2 credit hours for intercollegiate competition will count toward graduation. Students who transfer credits are limited to 2 credit hours for intercollegiate competition.

PE 209/PE 309 Intercollegiate Cheerleading (1 credit hour each)
PE 211/PE 311 Intercollegiate Softball–Women (1 credit hour each)
PE 212/PE 312 Intercollegiate Tennis (1 credit hour each)
PE 213/PE 313 Intercollegiate Football–Men (1 credit hour each)
PE 214/PE 314 Intercollegiate Basketball (1 credit hour each)
PE 215/PE 315 Intercollegiate Cross Country (1 credit hour each)
PE 216/PE 316 Intercollegiate Track and Field (1 credit hour each)
PE 217/PE 317 Intercollegiate Volleyball–Women (1 credit hour each)
PE 219/PE 319 Intercollegiate Soccer (1 credit hour each)
PE 221/PE 321 Intercollegiate Baseball (1 credit hour each)