UF adds two new online bachelor degree programs in health areas

September 1, 2010

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida College of Health and Human Performance will be offering two additional online bachelor degree programs, with courses starting in January.

The programs in applied physiology and kinesiology and health education and behavior are for students who earn an associate degree from any State of Florida college.

The new 2+2 online programs, along with the existing sport management online program, will allow qualified, time- and location-bound students to receive a high quality education from UF. Online classes will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The new programs will allow students to fit classes around their busy schedules, said Don Chaney, assistant dean for distance education and outreach.

“These programs allow for greater flexibility than the traditional on campus programs,” Chaney said.
The applied physiology and kinesiology curriculum emphasizes the short- and long-term effects of exercise in health and disease. Students are taught the physiological bases of exercise in disease prevention and the role of exercise in rehabilitation from disease. Graduates are prepared for employment in corporate or private exercise facilities, hospital-based rehabilitation facilities, and as personal trainers.

The health education curriculum prepares students with a foundation in the social and biological sciences, and focuses on health information and theory application. Students learn techniques to promote healthy lifestyle choices in individual and group settings, with special attention given to diversity and culturally appropriate health education methodologies. The undergraduate curriculum also provides an excellent foundation for health education and related graduate programs, as well as professional health programs such as nursing, medical school, physician assistant, occupational therapy and physical therapy.

These new UF programs will require a 2.0 minimum overall grade point average and a 2.8 minimum grade point average in the prerequisite courses. State of Florida college and community college graduates will need to attain an Associate of Arts degree prior to admission.

Admission deadline for both new programs is Nov. 1 for the spring 2011 semester, March 1 for the summer semester and June 1 for the fall semester.

“We are working steadfast to open new doors and present new opportunities for students to become a part of the University of Florida College of Health and Human Performance without sacrificing the quality and experience that our traditional on-campus students already enjoy,” Chaney said.

For more information about these online programs: onlineinfo@hhp.ufl.edu.