Apr 25, 2024  
2012-2013 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2012-2013 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

School of Human Performance and Recreation


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Rick Green, Director
Trent Gould, Assistant Director, Graduate Studies
Scott Piland, Assistant Director, Undergraduate Studies
Laurie Neelis, Undergraduate Student Services Coordinator
118 College Drive, Box 5142
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
601.266.5386
www.usm.edu/hpr

Drane, Gearity, Gould, Green, Hall, Hudson, Kay, Krebs, Murray, Neelis, Phillips, Piland, Purvis, Speed, Webster

The School of Human Performance and Recreation (HPR) prepares professionals concerned with the improvement of the quality of life of individuals by addressing issues related to health, leisure, exercise and sport. Those issues are many and diverse and include rehabilitation (both physical and psychosocial), sport and leisure service systems, and helping individuals attain their maximum human performance potential. There are five majors, five emphasis areas, and one dual degree program within the school:

The following School of HPR curricular programs are currently accredited or approved by professional boards or agencies: athletic training by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE); kinesiotherapy by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP); physical education by the K-12 Teaching Speciality Accreditation – National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)/National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE); recreation by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT); sport coaching education by the National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education (NCACE); and sport management by NASPE and the North American Society of Sport Management (NASSM).

Additionally, courses are offered within the various degree programs that facilitate professional certification in athletic training by the Board of Certification (BOC); kinesiotherapy registration by the Council on Professional Standards for Kinesiotherapy (COPSKT registration); health fitness specialist certification by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM); teacher licensure-K-12 physical education by the Mississippi State Department of Education; therapeutic recreation specialist by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC); and certified park and recreation professional by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).

Offerings for Non-Majors

A number of courses offered within the School of HPR do not have prerequisites and are excellent choices for electives: HPR 200 - Leisure and Recreation in Society ; HPR 201 - Leisure Skills Development ; HPR 202 - Introduction to Exercise Science ; HPR 203 - Introduction to Sport Management ; HPR 204 - Introduction to Sport Coaching/Technology ; HPR 220 - Introduction to Human Performance ; HPR 305 - Adventure Training  ; HPR 109 - First Aid ; HPR 344 - Introduction to Public and Private Recreation ; HPR 350 - Introduction to Therapeutic Recreation ; HPR 351 - Inclusive Recreation and Sport for a Diverse Society ; HPR 411 - Adapted Activities and Techniques for Therapeutic Recreation ; and THY 411 - Introduction to Kinesiotherapy .

Several certification programs are also available through the School of HPR for nonmajors. Students seeking an add-on driver education teaching endorsement to a Mississippi teaching license may take several courses offered within the School of HPR curricula. A variety of American Red Cross certifications are available in first aid and aquatics areas (see specific description of areas and corresponding courses of study for further detail).

  • Driver Education Certification 
  • American National Red Cross Certification 
  • Aquatics Specialization 
  • HPR Lifetime Fitness and Activity Instructional Program
    The School of HPR offers a variety of 100-300-level activity-based academic courses. Students have the opportunity to learn basic skills of lifetime sports, fitness and leisure activities, which may be applied to on-campus or off-campus leisure time. The upper-level service courses offered are designed to provide in-depth skill development in a particular area of interest. These are available to all students and are offered for a grade or on a pass/fail basis.

Special Program Requirements

Students should follow the program outline in their specific major or emphasis. High school graduates and transfer students from community/junior colleges or other four-year colleges may be admitted to the School of HPR in their chosen degree programs upon admission to the university. Students desiring to transfer from other schools or colleges within the university must be in good academic standing and possess a minimum GPA of 2.0 in order to be admitted to a degree program.

A number of programs within the School of HPR must meet criteria of accrediting agencies and therefore may have additional admission and retention requirements above those of the university for formal admission. Accreditation requirements supersede the program requirements listed in this Bulletin. Mandated changes in program requirements will be communicated through the student’s assigned academic adviser. It is School of HPR policy to place all majors under the Bulletin year corresponding to the date the student declares his or her final HPR major.

Students who wish to enter or are admitted to the School of HPR must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on all Southern Miss hours. Students whose GPAs fall below the minimum are placed on program probation. Policies governing academic probation are available from the school director.

Students must demonstrate proficiency (grade of C or better) in each HPR course required by their major or minor. Any major who earns a grade lower than a C must repeat the HPR course until proficiency is established. Specific program specialization areas may also have proficiency requirements above and beyond those previously discussed.

Athletic Training

Overview of Major

The Bachelor of Science degree program in athletic training is designed to provide students with a firm foundational base in the professional preparation for a career in athletic training. The Athletic Training Education Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). All athletic training majors must complete the 89- to 90-semester hour degree core as well as the university core requirements. Students who wish to pursue athletic training certification by the Board of Certification (BOC) and Mississippi Athletic Training Licensure should complete courses in the athletic training major.

Career Opportunities

Upon successful completion of the academic degree in athletic training, the student is eligible to sit for the BOC exam. Students who pass the BOC exam may be employed at various settings such as high schools, clinic outreach programs, clinics, colleges and universities, professional sports and industrial wellness centers.

Laboratories, Field Experiences, Internships, Practica

Clinical experiences are divided into five clinical courses (HPR 354L , HPR 355L , HPR 454L HPR 455L  and HPR 456L ). Students must complete one field experience course (HPR 472L ). Students must accumulate a minimum number of  hours of supervised clinical experience in laboratory and clinical courses each semester. These requirements are identified in the syllabus for each clinical or field experience course.

Additional Costs

There are additional costs (above tuition/fees and costs of textbooks) for course materials, lab fees and expenses related to travel to the clinical sites or conferences/workshops. Costs may include but are not limited to (a) professional liability insurance, (b) physical examination and immunizations, (c) professional state and national association fees and educational workshops and conferences and (d) transportation to all off-campus clinical sites. Each student has a minimum of two off-campus rotations during the curriculum. Students may contact the Athletic Training Education Program director for a complete list of expenses.

Special Program Requirements

All athletic training majors are subject to the admission procedures and standards of the university. Admission to The University of Southern Mississippi as an athletic training major does not ensure consideration for admission to the Athletic Training Education Program. All athletic training majors must complete prerequisites for consideration for admission to the Athletic Training Education Program. Prerequisites for admission to the Athletic Training Education Program include the following:

HPR 218 - Athletic Training and Therapeutic Terminology 
HPR 219 - Introduction to Athletic Training  (100 hours of supervised observations by BOC-certified athletic trainer)
PSY 110 - General Psychology 
BSC 250 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I  (with BSC 250L  taken concurrently)
BSC 251 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II  (with BSC 251L  taken concurrently)
CSC 100 - Introduction to Computing 
MAT 101 - College Algebra 

Students must achieve a grade of “B” or better on all prerequisites. Students who have completed the prerequisites and observational requirements for admission to the athletic training education program must also complete an application that can be obtained from the Athletic Training Education Program Web site. Application to the ATEP is made during the spring semester. The deadline for returning completed applications is April 1.

Progression to the upper division athletic training courses is reserved for (a) students admitted to the Athletic Training Education Program and (b) upper-division students who receive instructor’s permission. The following are required for admission and progression to the Athletic Training Education Program:

Completed application form and three letters of recommendation

Cumulative collegiate GPA of 2.80

Minimum grade of “B” in each of the required prerequisite course work, as previously noted

Observation and evaluation by HPR 219  clinical instructors (supervised observational experiences)

Submission of a complete physical examination by a physician or nurse practitioner, a TB skin test (or chest X-ray if positive), a current tetanus immunization (within 10 years) and verification of Hepatitis B vaccination

All students admitted to the Athletic Training Education Program are required to acquire liability insurance through The University of Southern Mississippi. Once in the ATEP, all students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.80 with no less than a “C” in any major class, with the exception of AT clinical and field experience classes which require a “B” or better. Students are required to complete a minimum of five athletic training clinical courses and one field experience course. Students are not allowed to complete two AT clinical courses in any one semester. Athletic training clinical courses have a minimum hour requirement designated in the syllabus for each class.

Admission to the Athletic Training Education Program

A final decision on a student’s application status is made after the formal interview, any pending grades are confirmed, and completion of prerequisites in the semester of application. Applications are due on April 1, and decisions are made on or before June 1. Candidates for the Athletic Training Education Program whose GPA or prerequisite course work does not meet the regular admission criteria may be granted conditional entry status for the first semester in the program. Decisions on this are made on a case-by-case basis and at the discretion of the ATEP admission committee. At the end of the first semester in the ATEP, the conditional student’s performance, GPA and grades are reviewed, and a final decision is made regarding the student’s continued progress in the ATEP. Any student not admitted to the ATEP through regular admission or provisional admission may reapply the next application period or may pursue an academic degree in another major in the School of Human Performance and Recreation.

Community College and Other Four-Year College/University Transfer Students

Students who have attended a community college or other four-year college or university and have met all the necessary prerequisite course work, observation and admission requirements qualify to apply to the Athletic Training Education Program. Transfer students who have not completed prerequisites prior to enrollment at Southern Miss must complete course work and observation admission requirements prior to application. Transfer students should note that additional semesters may be needed to complete the Athletic Training Education Program, course work in teacher education or a dual major. For additional information, transfer students should contact the Athletic Training Education Program director in the fall semester prior to transferring. Review of official transcripts and junior or community college course syllabi is required prior to consideration for application to the ATEP.

Transfer Students from Another ATEP

Students who were enrolled in another ATEP and wish to transfer to Southern Miss are considered for admission to the ATEP provided there is space available. In addition to all ATEP application requirements, transfer students are considered based on the following criteria:

  1. Official college/university transcripts are evaluated on an individual basis for credit toward ATEP requirements. To be considered for credit toward ATEP requirements, each course must meet at least the minimum grade requirement for the class in which credit is requested. Transcript courses at the 100 and 200-level are generally not accepted as a 300 or 400-level equivalent.
  2. One of the three letters of recommendation must be from the student’s previous ATEP director.
  3. Prospective transfer students must provide course syllabi of all relevant coursework. The level at which the student may be placed depends on the evaluation of the course syllabi and available space in the ATEP.
  4. Prospective transfer students must be eligible to return to the college/university they last attended. Any applicant who is under suspension is not considered for admission until the terms of the suspension are met.

Technical Standards for Admission

The Athletic Training Education Program at The University of Southern Mississippi is a demanding and concentrated program that places detailed and specific requirements on the students enrolled in the program. An objective of this program is to prepare graduates for entrylevel employment in a variety of employment settings and to render care to a wide spectrum of individuals engaged in physical activity. The technical standards set forth by the Athletic Training Education Program establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to this program to achieve the knowledge, skills and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer, as well as meet the expectations of the program’s accrediting agency (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education [CAATE]). The following abilities and expectations must be met (with or without reasonable accommodations) by all students admitted to the Athletic Training Education Program. ATEP technical standards are available on the Southern Miss ATEP Web site.

Compliance with the technical standards does not guarantee students’ eligibility for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam.

Candidates for selection to the Southern Mississippi Athletic Training Education Program must demonstrate:

  1. The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm
  2. Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques.
  3. The ability to clearly and accurately record physical examination results and a treatment plan
  4. Accurately, safely and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients
  5. The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and colleagues, including individuals from different cultural and social backgrounds; this includes, but is not limited to, the ability to establish rapport with patients and communicate judgments and treatment information effectively. Students must be able to understand and speak the English language at a level consistent with competent professional practice.
  6. The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress
  7. The perseverance, diligence and commitment to complete the athletic training education program as outlined and sequenced
  8. Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations
  9. Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care

Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training Education Program are required to verify they understand and meet these technical standards or that they believe that, with reasonable accommodations, they can meet the standards.

Academic Probation/Dismissal

All students admitted to the Athletic Training Education Program must adhere to the program retention policies as stated in the Southern Miss Athletic Training Policies & Procedures Manual and the Athletic Training Room Duties and Ethical Principles.

The following policies apply to all students admitted to the professional phase of the Athletic Training Education Program:

A student may repeat any required course one time, but may only repeat two required courses during his/her enrollment in the ATEP.

Any student who drops below a cumulative 2.80 GPA or receives a grade lower than what is acceptable according to ATEP requirements is placed on probation in the program for one semester. If the student does not obtain a cumulative 2.80 GPA during the probation semester, he/she is dismissed from the program. The Athletic Training Education Program director notifies the student of his or her dismissal from the program.

Clinical settings and rotations require that students conduct themselves in a professional manner, including a strict professional dress code as established by the clinical site. Lack of attendance, excessive tardiness, the inability to fulfill technical standards, or function safely in a clinical setting is cause for dismissal from the program (see “Athletic Training Room Duties and Ethical Principles” & Athletic Training Policies & Procedures Manual).

Students who violate policies on established clinical site requirements or codes of moral and ethical conduct are subject to dismissal from the Athletic Training Education Program (see current policies in the Southern Miss Athletic Training Policies & Procedures Manual and Code of Ethics of the National Athletic Trainers Association).

Any student who is on probation or who has been dismissed from the program will not be given permission to sit for the Board of Certification exam.

Readmission

Students who have previously enrolled in ATEP courses, have a break in attendance of one or more terms, and leave in good standing may reapply. Applicants are invited to file an application for readmission to the ATEP. The deadlines for return of completed applications are March 1 for fall term and October 1 for spring term readmission.

The following are considered when an application for readmission is received by the ATEP director:

  1. Student’s standing in both academic and clinical courses prior to withdrawal
  2. Student’s GPA
  3. No grade lower than the minimum requirement
  4. Availability of space in the ATEP
  5. School resources

Any student requesting readmission to the Athletic Training Education Program must follow the appeal process as outlined in the Athletic Training Education Program Policies and Procedure Manual.

Human Performance

Overview of the Major

The Bachelor of Science degree program in human performance is designed to provide students with a foundational theory based in the movement sciences. The program offers professional preparation in three areas of human performance: exercise science, kinesiotherapy and physical education (K-12 teacher licensure). Majors must select one of the three specializations and complete course requirements specific to the emphasis or specialization selected.

Exercise Science

Career Opportunities

The exercise science emphasis prepares students who are seeking careers as health or fitness specialists in corporate and clinical settings. The specialization is frequently used by students wishing to pursue post-graduate education in fields such as exercise science, occupational therapy, physical therapy or medicine. Any student wishing to pursue graduate studies in areas other than exercise science should work closely with his or her adviser to ensure all graduate school prerequisites are met for the selected discipline.

Laboratory/Practicum and Internship

All exercise science students are required to complete three hours of practicum experience and nine to 12 hours of a supervised internship. A 2.5 cumulative USM GPA is required to participate in a practicum or internship experience.

Program Progression Standards

The following progression policies apply to all students admitted to the Bachelor of Science in human performance exercise science emphasis:

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 must be maintained.

A grade of C or better must be achieved in all General Education, HPR core, and specialization courses.

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required as a prerequisite for enrollment in HPR 304 , HPR 310 , HPR 402 HPR 420  and HPR 496 .

Academic Probation/Dismissal

The following policies apply to all students admitted to the Bachelor of Science in human performance exercise science emphasis:

A student not maintaining a cumulative USM GPA of 2.5 will be placed on program probation for one semester.

A student earning a grade of less than C in a HPR core or specialization course will be placed on program probation for one semester.

A student on program probation earning a grade of less than C in a HPR core or specialization course that is being repeated will be dismissed from the program.

A student earning a grade of less than a C in two HPR core or specialization courses will be dismissed from the exercise science program.

A student on program probation who fails to achieve a cumulative USM GPA of 2.5 will be dismissed from the exercise science program.

A student may be on program probation only two times (non-consecutive semesters) after which the student will be dismissed from the program.

A student on program probation will not be allowed to enroll in HPR 420 - Practicum , HPR 310 - Pre-Internship in Exercise Science  or HPR 496 - Internship in Exercise Science .

A student who violates university/professional codes of moral/ethical conduct will be dismissed from the exercise science program.

K-12 Physical Education Licensure

Career Opportunities

Traditionally, the teaching specialty of physical education has been practiced by physical educators working with school-aged children in school-based settings or with adults in postsecondary institutional settings. Physical education teaching specialists are now applying pedagogical skills in nontraditional instructional settings such as sport-specific, community-based or residential institutions, correctional facilities, sport camps and other youth organizations.

Laboratories, Field Experiences, Internships, Practica

The K-12 physical education emphasis provides professional education undergraduates with practicum and laboratory experiences through HPR 210  and HPR 462L , respectively. The practicum/laboratory experiences are designed to progressively guide candidates toward becoming competent practitioners. HPR 490 /HPR 491  provide each teacher candidate with experience at two levels: elementary and middle/high school. Before a student is allowed to enroll in teacher candidacy, he/she must have a minimum degree GPA of 2.5 (students must also have a C or better in all HPR major and professional education course requirements), have completed all other course work required in the degree plan, and be in good academic standing. Students enrolling in teacher candidacy must also meet the requirements set forth by the Mississippi Department of Education.

Special Program Requirements

Students interested in pursuing careers in the instruction of physical education in both school and non-school settings should select the physical education emphasis within the degree program. All students in this emphasis must complete the selected courses to meet the requirements of either teacher licensure or kinesiotherapy registration. Those students who wish to seek standard Mississippi K-12 physical education teacher licensure must follow prescribed courses listed in the K-12 teaching specialization. Students who successfully complete the degree requirements as specified under Teacher Education Requirements and Programs (refer to College of Education and Psychology ) and pass the PRAXIS II content and PLT exams will meet all requirements necessary for application for a standard Mississippi teacher license and will be immediately eligible to teach elementary and secondary-level physical education in schools within Mississippi and in many other states throughout the United States.

All students seeking K-12 physical education emphasis must request formal application to the Professional Education Program through the dean’s office, College of Education and Psychology. The following criteria must be met before formal application to Professional Education:

A student must have a 2.65 GPA on 44 specified hours of the university core curriculum with an average grade of C or better in freshman English courses.

A student must meet minimum score criterion set by the Mississippi State Department of Education on the PRAXIS I examination or the ACT.

A student must meet minimum score criterion on the Basic Technology Literacy Examination.

Having met the above requirements, students are admitted to the Professional Education Program in the College of Education and Psychology and are allowed to register for CIE 302  or CIS 302 , HPR 462 , HPR 462L , HPR 463 , REF 400 REF 469  and SPE 400 .

K-12 Physical Education Licensure/Sport Coaching Education Dual Degree

Career Opportunities and Program Requirements

This dual degree plan provides a teacher licensure program to students who are interested in teaching physical education and coaching in a K-12 school. Coursework includes physical education methodology, human performance classes, coaching methodology, and teacher education. Students in this major are subject to all teacher education requirements as set forth by The University of Southern Mississippi and the Mississippi Department of Education. Students who successfully complete the degree requirements as specified under Teacher Education Requirements and Programs (refer to College of Education and Psychology ) and pass the PRAXIS II content and PLT exams will meet all requirements necessary for application for a standard Mississippi teacher license and will be immediately eligible to teach elementary and secondary-level physical education in schools within Mississippi and in many other states throughout the United States.

Kinesiotherapy

Career Opportunities

Current employment settings and duties of program graduates for registered kinesiotherapists are in Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, public and private hospitals, medical fitness facilities, rehabilitation facilities, learning disability centers, schools, colleges and universities, private practice and as exercise consultants. The types of treatments carried out by kinesiotherapists focus on, but are not limited to, therapeutic exercise, ambulation training, geriatric rehabilitation, aquatic therapy, prosthetic/orthotic rehabilitation, psychiatric rehabilitation and driver training.

Laboratories, Field Experiences, Internships, Practica

Upon completion of all course requirements, students must complete two semesters (THY 460  and THY 470 ) of clinical internships in a clinical setting. Students must register for THY 421  concurrently with each internship. At least one semester of internship must be completed at a Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Special Program Requirements

Students seeking careers in adaptive physical education or rehabilitation settings (public and private) should complete courses in the kinesiotherapy emphasis. Upon successful completion of course work, these graduates are eligible for the Kinesiotherapy Registration Examination administered by the Council on Professional Standards for Kinesiotherapy (COPSKT).

All students seeking kinesiotherapy emphasis must meet all admission requirements for the university and the School of HPR. Second-level admission to the kinesiotherapy emphasis will be required in order for students to enroll in upper-level specialization requirements and complete all internships. Initially, students are admitted to the pre-kinesiotherapy emphasis. Admission to the pre-kinesiotherapy emphasis, however, does not ensure progression to the kinesiotherapy emphasis. An application to second-level admission into the kinesiotherapy emphasis may be submitted when a student has successfully completed the following:

Certification in CPR/AED is required prior to clinical internships.

BSC 250 BSC 250L  and BSC 251 BSC 251L  with a minimum of C in each course

Minimum grade of B in THY 412 , THY 413 , THY 421 , THY 451 , THY 460 , THY 470 , HPR 301 , and a minimum grade of C in all remaining classes

A minimum culmulative GPA of 2.5 or above

The number of students admitted each semester will vary according to the resources available. Academic credit for life and previous work experiences will not be granted in lieu of internships or any other required kinesiotherapy course.

The following progression policies apply to all students admitted to the kinesiotherapy emphasis:

A minimum grade of B in all THY courses (except THY 411 ) and in HPR 301 , a minimum grade of C in all PSY, BSC and other major core and specialization required courses and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above

Students will be given one opportunity to repeat a course in which they failed to achieve the required grade. Students failing to achieve the required grade in a required course on the second attempt will be dismissed from the program.

A student dismissed from the program may submit a written petition to the director of kinesiotherapy for consideration for readmission to the program.

Students must complete all required courses before beginning internships. Students must also possess a current GPA of 2.5 or better before beginning internship.

Recreation

Overview of the Major

The Bachelor of Science degree program in recreation offers professional preparation in two distinct areas of recreation: recreation administration and therapeutic recreation. All recreation majors must complete a 39- to 42-hour degree core as well as the university General Education Curriculum requirements. Majors must also select one of the two emphases and complete course requirements specific to the emphasis.

Career Opportunities

The recreation administration emphasis is designed to prepare students for professional employment in a variety of recreational settings, including community-based recreation, campus recreation, church recreation, commercial recreation or outdoor recreation and park management. Students graduating from this program are immediately eligible to take the Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) examination and apply for certification.

The therapeutic recreation emphasis is designed to prepare students for professional positions as therapeutic recreation specialists in a variety of settings. Therapeutic recreation specialists may work with individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional or social limitations in clinical, residential or community-based settings. The Bachelor of Science degree in recreation with an emphasis in therapeutic recreation prepares students to sit for the national Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) exam offered by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

Laboratories, Field Experiences, Internships and Practica

All students in recreation (recreation administration and therapeutic recreation) are required to enroll in three hours of HPR 210 - Practicum  and nine to 12 hours of HPR 495 (Internship). The practica are taken on three occasions over three separate semesters for one credit hour each. The third and final practicum must be taken in the semester immediately prior to Internship. The practicum is a 40-hour-per-semester field experience that provides the student the opportunity to learn through observation, practice new skills, and develop an appreciation for the profession. The internship is the culminating experience for all students in recreation, and is taken after all course work has been completed. The internship is a 10 to 12-week (minimum) full-time field work experience in which students are provided the opportunity to apply theory to practice and begin the process of developing and shaping their skills.

Special Program Requirements

2.0 cumulative GPA for admission

Students must have a 2.2 cumulative GPA or a 2.5 GPA in major requirements (including BSC 250 /BSC 250L , BSC 251 /BSC 251L  and PSY 110  for therapeutic recreation emphasis) and all other course work completed to begin internship.

Sport Coaching Education

Overview of Major

The Bachelor of Science degree program in sport coaching education (SCE) offers professional preparation to those who aspire to coach in a variety of athletic, sports, and business settings. The program offers a variety of courses in coaching methodology, sports psychology, and human performance, but does not lead to teacher certification. (See Special Program Requirements)

Career Opportunities

Coaches normally occupy positions as either head or assistant coaches in public or independent schools or in the private sector as business owners and consultants. They also have opportunities in nonprofit settings such as the YMCA and Boys and Girls Clubs.

Laboratory and Field Experiences

All students in SCE are required to complete six hours of HPR 419 - Practicum in Coaching Education  over two semesters that provide hands-on professional field experience in a variety of coaching settings.

Special Program Requirements

Students who wish to coach and teach in a Mississippi public school must possess a Mississippi teaching license. Therefore, all SCE students must choose ONE of the following options:

  1. Declare and complete a second major in a teacher education program. Students interested in completing a standard licensure program should consult the College of Education and Psychology for programs and licensure requirements.
  2. In preparation for alternate route certification, complete a minor in a PRAXIS II specialty subject area. Students interested in alternate route certification should contact the Mississippi Department of Education for current licensure requirements.
  3. Pursue a dual degree in K-12 Physical Education Licensure and Sport Coaching Education. Students interested in pursuing the dual degree program should consult the K-12 Physical Education Licensure program requirements in this narrative.
  • A minimum grade of C in all major core requirements.
  • A minimum grade of C in BSC 250  and BSC 250L .
  • Student must take ENG 333  prior to HPR 474  and make a minimum grade of C in each course.

Sport Management

Overview of Major

The Bachelor of Science degree program in sport management offers professional preparation in sport management. In addition to completing the university General Education Curriculum, the student must complete a 45-semester-hour degree core and the specialization courses in sport management and business.

Students majoring in sport management are required to achieve a grade of C or higher in all HPR courses.

Career Opportunities

The sport management degree program is designed to prepare students who seek careers in sport programming in private enterprise, municipal sport administration, professional athletic office operations, college athletic administration or interscholastic athletic administration. The program will also prepare students for graduate study.

Practicum and Internship Experience

All students in the major are required to complete six hours of HPR 441 - Practicum in Sport Administration  that provides hands-on professional field experience. Practicum (part-time) and internship (full-time) experience in the sport industry is critical for success in this career field.

Programs

    Bachelor of ScienceNon-degreeCertificate

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