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Physical Activity, Nutrition and Human Performance

(formerly Nutrition and Fitness)

student holding bannerThe Physical Activity, Nutrition and Human Performance emphasis prepares graduates of this program for employment in fitness and community nutrition or to continue in graduate studies in a variety of areas, including exercise science. Many students move into the health professions fields from this degree or seek out additional certifications. This is a rapidly expanding area with opportunities in corporate and commercial industries, government and non-profit sectors. Typical employment responsibilities include fitness assessment, lifestyle intervention education, health and wellness, exercise supervision and program administration. Students also use this degree as a base to apply to programs in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physicians Assistant or Graduate School. The curriculum provides a foundation in nutrition and exercise sciences with electives to allow focus in one or more of these areas. Students will also be prepared for graduate study in Exercise Physiology or related fields.

Our graduates are also qualified to sit for the following certifications without any additional courses beyond our core requirements: ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM EP-C), ACSM Certified Personal Trainer (ACSM CPT), ACSM Certified Group Exercise Instructor (ACSM GEI), NSCA Certified Personal Trainer, NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach, ACE Certified Personal Trainer.

Degree requirements


Apply

Students planning to come to Mizzou for Physical Activity, Nutrition and Human Performance start the process by applying through undergraduate admissions.

Students already on campus, should contact the department advisor, Amy Marek, by using one of the following: phone: (573) 882-1144, email: amarek@missouri.edu or by scheduling an appointment using MU Connect in Canvas. She will work with you to learn more about the degree and help you transfer into the program.

Physical Activity, Nutrition and Human Performance does not require an application or have a pre-program status. Students may declare the major and emphasis area by indicating it when they apply to MU and transition directly into the program. After the first semester at MU students must have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA (term and CUM) to declare the program. The student will need to complete a transfer of division form or if a current student in another program within the department or college of HES, notify their advisor and/or HES Student Services of their wishes. There are specific grade requirements for most courses within the emphasis.: all NEP courses require a grade of C or better, with the exception of Writing Intensive courses (NEP 1310W or 3850W) which require a C- or better. Bio 1010/1020 or 1500, Chem 1320, Chem 2030 or 2100 and 2130, Pth As 2210 (Anatomy) and MPP 3202 or Bio 3700 (Physiology) all require a grade of C or better for this program.