Department of Health and Human Performance
Transforming Lives Through Health and Performance
By earning a health and human performance degree, you can gain the knowledge and real-world experience you need in a variety of careers promoting of health, physical activity, and overall human well-being.
Promote Health. STRENGTHEN Communities.
We strive to prepare the next generation of leaders in health, kinesiology and sport management. Our faculty and students produce and disseminate quality research that is current and relevant to communities of learners in our academic, professional and global environments.
We offer undergraduate and graduate programs in health with teacher certification, public health, kinesiology with teacher certification, human performance and sports and recreation management.
Our accomplished faculty and small class sizes produce an inviting atmosphere for learning and scholarship.
Welcome from the Department Head
Welcome to the Department of Health and Human Performance at East Texas A&M University. Our mission is simple yet powerful—to promote health and strengthen communities through education, research, and service. We are dedicated to preparing the next generation of leaders in kinesiology, public health, nutrition, and sport and recreation management. Our programs emphasize both academic rigor and hands-on experience, empowering students to translate classroom knowledge into real-world impact. With accomplished faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and small class sizes that foster collaboration and mentorship, we take pride in cultivating an environment where students thrive as scholars, professionals and engaged citizens.
Explore Our Programs
Kinesiology and Sports Studies (BS) Allied Health Emphasis
The bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and sports studies with an emphasis in allied health provides you a background in kinesiology that prepares you for an allied health graduate program. Take prerequisite courses for allied health programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training and other allied health professions. Select support courses based on the prerequisites for specific professional school programs.
Kinesiology and Sports Studies (BS) Exercise Science Emphasis
A bachelor's degree in kinesiology and sports studies with a Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) concentration, you will be prepared to teach K-12 students. Our program emphasizes engagement and hands-on experience in the field.
Kinesiology and Sports Studies (BS) General Kinesiology Emphasis
The bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and sports studies prepares students for employment in a wide variety of settings in the fitness industry, in the sports and allied health field, rehabilitation clinics, sports teams, and more. The general kinesiology track is designed to prepare individuals for graduate school (e.g. kinesiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy).
Kinesiology and Sports Studies (BS) Strength and Conditioning Concentration
The strength and conditioning concentration at East Texas A&M helps you become a skilled performance coach by combining hands-on experience with a deep understanding of sports science. You’ll prepare for advanced certifications and gain the tools to succeed as a strength and conditioning coach and optimize your clients’ performance and outcomes.
Nutrition (BS)
Discover the science of nutrition, learn methods of nutrition assessment and therapy, gain nutrition education and counseling techniques and practice food-service management skills.
Public Health (BSPH)
Public health is designed to prepare students for the CHES exam and careers in biostatistics, epidemiology and environmental health.
Sport and Recreation Management (BS)
Sport and recreation management is designed to prepare future administrators, event coordinators and marketers for a career in the sport and recreation industry.
Health, Kinesiology & Sports Studies (MS) Athletic Administration Emphasis
This 30-credit hour program will prepare you for a career in athletic administration and can be completed within a year. You have the option of completing an internship to gain real-world experience as you complete your degree work.
Health, Kinesiology & Sports Studies (MS) Exercise Science Emphasis
Prepare for a rewarding career in athletic administration, exercise science, health promotion or sport and recreation management with a Master of Science in Health, Kinesiology and Sports Studies. With two concentrations offered 100% online, our affordable, convenient and practical degree programs are an ideal solution for working professionals like you to enhance your career.
Health, Kinesiology & Sports Studies (MS) Sport Management Emphasis
Health, Kinesiology & Sports Studies (MS) Sports Coaching Emphasis
Our 30-credit hour master's program is designed for you. It addresses the needs and goals of both pre-service and veteran coaches. You will enhance your skills and knowledge within the four essential areas of coaching which are tactical, technical, psychological and physical.
Nutrition (MS)
Pursue a career in health promotion and disease prevention by promoting nutritional education and positive behavioral change. The Master of Science in Nutrition provides knowledge and skills relevant to careers in dietetics, public health, and private practice.
Public Health (MPH)
The masters of Public Health program provides advanced studies in public health (health behavior, epidemiology, policy and management, environmental health and biostatistics).
Health and Human Performance Minors
The Department of Health and Human Performance offers multiple minor options, including athletic training, health, human performance, and nutrition.
Upcoming Department Events
We look forward to seeing you at one of our next departmental events!
Scholarships
Graduate with Less Debt
As a health and human performance student, you have access to a wide range of scholarships specific to your degree.
The Delmer Brown Athletic Trainer Endowment is awarded to deserving students in the athletic trainer program.
Awards are made to designated individuals chosen by a committee as determined by the Athletic Director.
The Jesse Hawthorne Endowment is available for graduate students majoring in health and human performance.
The Jency and Kent Holbert HHP Scholarship is available for full-time students majoring in health and human performance who are experiencing financial hardship. You must be accepted into the field-based student teaching program or its successor.
Faculty Spotlight
Vipa Bernhardt, Ph.D., OLY
Sandy Kimbrough, Ph.D.
Hussien Jabai
Brandy Runyan, Ph.D.
Elizabeth Wachira, Ph.D.
Michael Oldham, Ph.D.
Student Organizations
Phi Pi Delta
Majors Club
The organization for health and human performance majors, Phi Pi Delta (Majors Club), provides many advantages for its members. We encourage all health and human performance majors to stop by the Field House office 100 and sign-up. Membership dues are only $25.00 per year.
- Meet new people that share common interests
- Network with important people in your field of study
- Financial assistance for attending Professional Conventions
- Social involvement with faculty and other students
(school activities, homecoming, Rangers games and much more) - Gain valuable experience that will help your professional career
News Spotlights
Alumnus Earns 500th Career Win as Texas High School Basketball Coach
East Texas A&M University alumnus Hosea D. Lee, a 1993 graduate with a bachelor's degree in kinesiology and applied anatomy, has reached a major milestone in his coaching career. Lee earned his 500th win on Nov.
A&M System Leaders Experience ETAMU's Expanding Research Impact
East Texas A&M hosted the Texas A&M System's Chief Research Officers fall meeting, highlighting groundbreaking research in gamebird conservation, cancer treatment, agriculture, astronomy, and human performance.
ETAMU Researchers Advance Athlete and Tactical Readiness at ROARHP Lab
The Department of Health and Human Performance at East Texas A&M is home to one of the most versatile and innovative facilities in the region: the ROARHP Lab.
Meet our Department
Contact Us
- Department of Health and Human Performance
- 903.886.5549
- P.O. Box 3011
- Commerce, TX 75429-3011