Physical Education & Recreation (HPER)

The Associate of Science (AS) in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) will enable students to focus studies on health-related issues and interests. The program is designed to introduce students to conduct one on one, or group, fitness training from a coaching perspective. The importance of gaining a public health perspective is also emphasized regarding the need for increased physical activity, healthy eating habits, and healthy lifestyles.

American Indians (AI), when compared with their national counterparts, continue to experience health disparities such as lower life expectancy and higher chronic disease rates. AI populations are recognizing the critical impact that smoking cessation, diminished alcohol use, healthy eating, and increased physical activity can have on decreasing or delaying chronic disease among their nations. The AS in HPER provides a sound educational foundation for those interesting in coaching, personal training, or transfer to a four-year program.