Fitness & Health Promotion includes studying the application of human physiology and movement science. Fitness & Health Promotion majors can work in college and university settings, private and public sector gyms, health departments, and businesses that offer employee wellness programming. CMU Fitness & Health Promotion students commonly go into the fields of strength and conditioning, personal training, employee wellness, and community health. Others go on to graduate programs in areas such as occupational therapy, public health, and sport performance. Fitness & Health Promotion majors should have a strong desire to model healthy behaviors to assist people of varying ages and abilities to become healthier through exercise and lifestyle modifications.
Fitness & Health Promotion majors at CMU will begin with studies in human anatomy & physiology, human nutrition, and statistics. Continued studies will include courses such as exercise physiology, anatomical kinesiology, methods of group exercise instruction, physical activity and aging, sports nutrition and restricted electives. Students can expand their learning opportunities in the Monfort Family Human Performance Laboratory where advanced physiological and biomechanical performance and wellness testing and services are provided to students and the community, or in the Varsity Athletic Weight Room where advanced strength and conditioning is designed for optimal performance for each of the 26 varsity athletic programs.
• Aquatic Director
• Coach
• Community Health Educator
• Corporate Fitness Program Coordinator
• Employee Assistance Program Wellness Coordinator
• Family Life Educator
• Fitness/Health Club Manager
• Fitness Coach
• Fitness Directors/Instructors in public/private settings, spa and resort centers
• Fitness Equipment Salesperson
• Fitness Instructors and Supervisors at the state, regional, and national levels in sports and athletic programs including sports psychology, sports biomechanics, and nutritional consultation
• Group Exercise Instructor
• Health & Wellness Coordinator
• Health Promotion Programmer
• Intramural Director
• Nutritionist
• Occupational Therapist
• Personal Trainer
• Recreation Manager
• Recreational Therapist
• Rehabilitation Counselor
• Professor
• Sport/Fitness Salesperson
• Strength & Conditioning Coach for high school, collegiate, tactical, or private sector
• Supervisors of specialized health, fitness, wellness, or lifestyle programs in correctional services, police, fire, and emergency response organizations
• Wellness Program Manager
Note: Some of the occupations listed above may require additional education, experience, or training beyond a Bachelor’s Degree. To research these occupations use the Career Research Resources links below.
• Monitor performance of individuals, make recommendations for improving fitness or health, and maintain records of participation
• Promote wellness and educate various community groups, patients, or athletes about health and fitness concerns through marketing campaigns, presentations, or individual counseling
• Oversee fitness/wellness staff like fitness instructors or health educators
• Manage a recreational or fitness-related organization or facility
• Teach others how to properly use equipment or instruct classes on a range of topics
• Coordinate special events like blood drives, Relay for Life, or first aid training
• Design year-round programming to optimize athletic performance
• Assess the wellness needs, abilities, and interests of individuals or communities and create programs to fit those criteria
• Daycare centers
• Community and civic organizations
• Corporate settings
• Correctional facilities
• Exercise equipment manufacturers
• Fitness centers and health clubs
• Government agencies
• Hospitals
• Middle and high schools
• Non-profit organizations
• Nursing homes
• Performance training center
• Recreational organizations
• Resorts
• Sport facilities
• Sport teams
• Sporting goods companies
Skills Needed by Fitness & Health Promotion majors:
• Customer service skills
• Ability to teach others
• Coordination
• Interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Ability to perform physical activities
• Flexibility
• Public speaking skills
• Interest in coaching/motivating others
• Monitor/assess performance
• Creativity
• Explain ideas clearly
Other Fitness & Health Promotion resources
Reach out to CMU Career Services for resources and guidance on reaching your career goals. Career Services takes an active role in providing career exploration, workshops, events and on-campus employer visits to encourage students to investigate and gain information while creating their career path.
You can also use these sites to research information about specific occupations such as nature of the work, training or qualifications, employment or job outlook, projections, earnings and wages.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Use the A-Z index to select the occupation you are researching.
- Fitness Trainers
- Health Educators/Community Health Workers
- Occupational Therapist Aides
The U.S. Department of Labor
- In the occupational search box type in key words, job titles, or occupational codes to research various careers.
My Future.com: https://myfuture.com/
The Department of Defense
- This site compiles information from departments of Commerce, Education and Labor.
- SHAPE America
- American College of Sports Medicine
- National Strength and Conditioning Association
- Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association
- National Association for Health and Fitness
- American Council on Exercise
- Aerobics & Fitness Association of America
- International Health, Racquet, and Sportsclub Association
- Association for Applied Sport Psychology
- Medical Fitness Association
- American Public Health Association
- Society for Public Health Education
- World Health Organization