Health and Physical Education
Marvin Denney, Chair; Curtis Kuhlman, Shirley Wilson-Anderson, Rodd Strobel.
Walla Walla University is one of the church's pioneers in the field of health and physical education. In 1949, this department was the first to graduate a physical education major from an Adventist institution. Since then its graduates have made significant contributions as teachers, researchers, youth leaders, health educators, physicians, dentists and other health professionals.
The department offers majors in Health Promotion, Health Science and Physical Education. Minors are available in Athletic Coaching, Health, and Physical Education. These programs seek to develop the leadership and professional skills which will enable graduates to promote a healthy Christian lifestyle for others.
The majors in Health Promotion and Health Science will help prepare students to meet the increasing demands for health professionals trained in promoting wellness. The major in Health Promotion is designed for students desiring to pursue graduate work and careers in the areas of health education, community health, school health, health promotion, employee wellness, and other areas of public health. The major in Health Science provides a program for students wishing to pursue graduate studies and careers in research, medicine, dentistry, environmental health, nutrition, and other disciplines in the health sciences.
The programs in physical education help prepare professionals who will promote activities that stimulate habits of regular exercise and develop skills and interests for participation throughout life. The curriculum includes two concentrations: Preparation for Teaching and Fitness Management.
The Associate of Science majors offered in the Health and Physical Education Department include Pre-Dental Hygiene, Pre-Nutrition and Dietetics, and Pre-Physical Therapy. Each of these majors reflects the admission requirements for Loma Linda University. Requirements for admission to professional programs vary among schools and are subject to change. Students should request information about current admission requirements for the professional school they plan to attend. All programs should be planned in consultation with and approved by the academic advisor. Completion of the Associate of Science degree does not assure acceptance into the professional school of your choice.