Exercise and Sports Science (ESS) has four programs that include the Athletic Training major, Health and Fitness Management major, Exercise Science major, and the Personal Fitness and Wellness program of course offerings. Additionally, ESS has a degree in Health and Wellness Promotion. Our Department of HPER has certified more physical education and health public school teachers than any other college in Texas. We currently have over 1400 students majoring in undergraduate and graduate level programs in HPER. As one of the leading HPER institutions in the State of Texas we are represented by a vast amount of talented faculty who has received awards and accolades at the State, National and International levels.

TXSTATE ranks as one of the top universities in the state of Texas in enrollments in Health, Physical Education and Recreation. We feel we are meeting the need for public school teachers in the State of Texas in the face of shortages. Additionally, the HPER program recently developed a Coaching of Athletics Minor for students who majoring in a field of Education other than Physical Education.

The purpose of the ESS program is to provide the highest quality educational experiences and opportunities to undergraduates preparing for professional careers in a variety of physical education settings. The Department also promotes the physical, mental and emotional well being of the university community by providing opportunities to participate in unique movement and leisure pursuits thereby contributing to the enhancement of the university community’s quality of life. The Physical Education program is currently undergoing a review to meet compliance with the guidelines established by the Southern Association of College and Schools (SACS) accreditation review

The Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science prepares students for careers as teachers in elementary and secondary schools and as athletic coaches. A student receives all level (Pre K-12) certification. Students who are admitted to teacher education are expected to meet specified non-academic standards that are necessary to be competent teachers. The intent is to ensure that the students recommended for teacher certification are able to effectively and independently carry out the duties for which they are being prepared to teach. The fitness criteria include physical characteristics, personality characteristics, responsibility characteristics, communication skills, social relationships, personal responsibilities, and commitment to the teaching profession.

The Health and Fitness Management program is available under the BESS degree and prepares students to direct fitness, wellness or health awareness programs in commercial, corporate, and institutional settings. Areas of study include fitness programming, stress management, smoking cessation, diet/nutrition, health-risk appraisal, and employee assistance programming. The curriculum also allows students to acquire the academic and clinical prerequisites needed to earn professional certifications or entrance to graduate schools. Graduates work as fitness leaders, exercise testing technicians, cardiac rehabilitation specialists, or rehabilitation therapists. Others are employed as salespersons, administrators, or managers of sports or fitness facilities.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions concerning our undergraduate program in ESS.

Dr. Bob Pankey, ESS Coordinator
Texas State University-San Marcos
601 University Drive – Jowers A172
San Marcos, TX   78666

rp20@txstate.edu

512-245-2958