Health and Sport Studies Program

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

Students seeking a degree in Health Science will complete the core requirements and choose from one of the three emphases: Movement Science, Allied Health, or Public and Community Health.

Core Requirements (38 hours)

G-BI 111 College Biology I (4 hours)
BI 112 College Biology II (4 hours)
HS 175 Health Systems (3 hours)
HS 275 Career Exploration in Health Science/Healthcare Management (2 hours)
G-HS/PE 190 Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health (3 hours)
G-PY 101 Introduction to Psychology (3 hours)
G-CM 218 Business and Professional Communication (3 hours)
G-MA 221 Elementary Applied Statistics (4 hours)
PE 330 Physiology of Exercise (3 hours)
HS 375 Junior Seminar in Health Science/Healthcare Management (3 hours)
HS 395 Healthcare Administration, Leadership, and Management (3 hours)
HS 475 Senior Capstone in Health Science/Healthcare Management (3 hours)

Movement Emphasis Requirements (32 hours)

G-CH 111College Chemistry I (5 hours)
CH 112
College Chemistry II (5 hours)
G-BI 210 Principles of Nutrition (3 hours)
G-PH 215 General Physics I (4 hours)
PH 216 General Physics II (4 hours)
BI 225 Human Anatomy (4 hours)
BI 315 Human Physiology (4 hours)
PE 411 Kinesiology (3 hours)

Major Total: 70 hours

Recommended Courses

PY 204 Child and Adolescent Development (3 hours)
G-PR 104 Ethics (3 hours)
HS 207 Medical Terminology (2 hours)
PE 301 Human Growth and Motor Development (3 hours)
PY 305 Abnormal Psychology (3 hours)
PE 385 Care and Treatment of Athletic Injury (3 hours)
HS 388 Internship (1-4 hours)

Orthotics and Prosthetics Specific Course:

BI 310 Statistical Data Analysis (4 hours)

 

Allied Health Emphasis Requirements (29-30 hours)

G-CH 105 Chemistry for Life (4 hours) or G-CH 111 College Chemistry I (5 hours)
PY 204 
Child and Adolescent Development (3 hours)
PY 305 Abnormal Psychology (3 hours)
BI 225 Human Anatomy (4 hours)
BI 315 Human Physiology (4 hours)
HS 207 Medical Terminology (2 hours)
G-SO 101 Introduction to Sociology (3 hours)
G-PR 104 Ethics (3 hours)
PE 301 Human Growth and Motor Development (3 hours)

Major Total: 67-68 hours

Recommended Courses

G-PH 215 General Physics I (4 hours)
PE 411 Kinesiology (3 hours)
HS 388 Internship (1-4 hours)

Nursing School Preparation Specific Courses:

G-BI 210 Principles of Nutrition (3 hours)
BI 234 Microbiology (5 hours)
BI 283 Genetics (4 hours)

 

Public and Community Health Emphasis Requirements (27-28 hours)

G-CH 105 Chemistry for Life (4 hours) or G-CH 111 College Chemistry I (5 hours)
G-SO 101 
Introduction to Sociology (3 hours)
G-MA 111 Calculus (4 hours)
HS 200 Public and Community Health (3 hours)
G-BI 210 Principles of Nutrition (3 hours)
HS 290 Health Policy (3 hours)
BI 325 Human Ecology, Epidemiology, and Public Health (4 hours)
PY 305 Abnormal Psychology (3 hours)

Major Total: 65-66 hours

Recommended Courses

G-PR 104 Ethics (3 hours)
G-NS 141 Environmental Science (4 hours)
HS 207 Medical Terminology (2 hours)
HS 388 Internship (1-4 hours)

 

B.S. in Healthcare Management

Requirements

G-BI 101 Principles of Biology (4 hours)
G-CH 101 Principles of Chemistry (4 hours) or G-CH 105 Chemistry for Life (4 hours)
G-BA 130 Principles of Business Management (3 hours)
G-PE 150 Concepts in Holistic Health (3 hours)
HS 175 Health Systems (3 hours)
G-HS/PE 190 Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health (3 hours)
HS 200 Public and Community Health (3 hours)
EC 202 Survey of Economics (3 hours)
AC 205 Financial Accounting (3 hours)
AC 206 Managerial Accounting (3 hours)
G-CM 218 Business and Professional Communication (3 hours)
BA 221 Marketing (3 hours)
HS 275 Career Exploration in Health Science/Healthcare Management (2 hours)
HS 290 Health Policy (3 hours)
BA 215 Business Law (3 hours)
HS 325 Healthcare Finance (3 hours)
BA 325 Financial Management (3 hours)
BA 339 Human Resource Management (3 hours)
HS 375 Junior Seminar in Health Science/Healthcare Management (3 hours)
HS 395 Healthcare Administration, Leadership, and Management (3 hours)
HS 475 Senior Capstone in Health Science/Healthcare Management (3 hours)

Total: 64 hours

 

B.S. in Sport Studies

Requirements

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

Total: 43 hours

 

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

G-PY 101 Introduction to Psychology (3 hours)
G-CI 150 Introduction to Education (3 hours)
PY 204 Child and Adolescent Development (3 hours)
SE 210 Introduction to Infant, Child, Youth with Special Needs (3 hours)
CI 220 Principles and Strategies of Teaching (3 hours)
CI 232 Educational Technology (2 hours)
CI 251 Introduction to Education Practicum (1 hour)
CI 315 Reading in the Content Field (2 hours)
CI 333  Intercultural Education (2 hours)
CI 351 Secondary Education Practicum (1 hour)
EE 375 
Elementary Education Practicum (1 hour)
PE 409/CI 409
Methods for Teaching Physical Education and Health in Elementary Schools (4 hours)
PE 410/CI 410 Methods for Teaching Physical Education and Health in Secondary Schools (4 hours)
CI 455 The Teaching-Learning Process (3 hours)
EE 465 Student Teaching in the Elementary School (6 hours)
CI 475 Student Teaching in the Secondary School (6 hours)
CI 476 Professional Seminar in Education (2   hours)

Total: 92 hours

 

B.S. in Sport Management

Requirements

PE 100 Introduction to Physical Education and Sport (3 hours)
PE 105 Introduction to Sport Management (3 hours)
G-BA 130 Principles in Business Management (3 hours)
EC 202 Survey of Economics (3 hours)
AC 202 Survey in Accounting (3 hours)
G-CM 218 Business and Personal Communication (3 hours)
G-BA 220 Business Applied Statistics or G-MA 221, Elementary Applied Statistics (4 hours)
BA 221 Marketing (3 hours)
PE 244 Sport and Society (3 hours)
PE 289 Sport and Exercise Psychology (3 hours)
BA 215 Business Law (3 hours)
BA 324 Organizational Behavior (3 hours)
BA 325 Financial Management (3 hours)
BA 339 Human Resource Management (3 hours)
PE 415 Sport Management (3 hours)
PE 420 Sport Marketing (3 hours)
PE 425 Sport Finance (3 hours)
PE 430 Governance and Policy in Sport (3 hours)
PE 475 Senior Capstone (3 hours)

Total: 58 hours

Coaching Minor

Required Courses (12 hours)

PE 100 Introduction to Physical Education and Sport (3 hours)
PE 220 Human Anatomy and Physiology (3 hours)
PE 304 Theories, Principles, and Leadership of Coaching (3 hours)
PE 400 Skill Development, Physical Training, and Tactics in Coaching (3 hours)

Elective Courses – Pick two (6 hours)

PE 244 Sport and Society (3 hours)
PE 289 Sport and Exercise Psychology (3 hours)
PE 301 Human Growth and Motor Behavior (3 hours)
PE 330 
Exercise Physiology (3 hours)
PE 385
Care and Treatment of Athletic Injuries (3 hours)

Total: 18 hours




Health and Sport Studies Course Descriptions

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, Spring)

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. The course will also explore motivation and self-esteem theories. Health behavior programs related to communities and athletics. Theories of health promotion, health behavior change, and health education will be explored. (Fall, 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. (Spring) 

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 a hospital setting is required. Outcomes of this course include enhanced clarity about career directions through deeper understanding of personal strengths, values, aptitude, and interest. Prerequisites: 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 G-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

2-3 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 20 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: Junior Standing.  (Fall, Spring)

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: Junior Standing. (Spring)

HS 475 Senior Capstone in Health Science/Healthcare Management

3 hours
Students will complete their capstone hours over their final two semesters at McPherson College. Students will finalize 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. In the final semester, students will present their capstone portfolio in a public presentation. Prerequisites: HS 375. (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. (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. (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. (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 or PE105, and a minimum of Sophomore standing. (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 or PE105, and a minimum of Sophomore standing. (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: PE220 and a minimum of Sophomore 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 220 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 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 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, and Junior standing. (Spring)

PE 409/EE 305 Methods for Teaching Physical Education and Health in Elementary Schools

2 or 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. Elementary Education majors will take EE 305 for 2 credit hours. Sport Studies Licensure majors will take PE 409 for 3 credit hours. Prerequisites for Sport Studies majors: G-CI 150, CI 220. (Spring)

PE 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, 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, BA 324, BA 339, and a minimum of Junior standing. (Spring)

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, BA 324, and a minimum of Junior standing. (Fall)

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, BA 325 and a minimum of Junior standing. (Fall)

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, BA 215, 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. Prerequisite: Senior Standing. Prerequisites: 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)