Health and Human Performance

Exercise Science is the study of movement and the associated functional responses and adaptations the body makes as a result of movement/exercise.

The Health and Human Performance (HHP) sequence gives you a well-rounded foundation in areas of Exercise Science, including physiology, biomechanics, and sports psychology. HHP also studies how different exercises and fitness programs affect the human body. 

Program graduates typically work in the fitness and wellness industry.

Why Study Health and Human Performance?

Exercise Science covers a diverse range of topics related to human movement, such as:

• The way different movements and fitness programs affect the body and its ability to exercise
• How different forces can apply to sports performance, injury prevention, and rehabilitation
• Improving and maintaining people’s motivation for exercise
• The various impacts of psychological factors on youth sports, elite performance, burnout, team cohesion, and coaching and leadership behaviors
• Understanding the reasons why people move and how they get better movement skills

Related Skills

• Shows a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the structure and function of the human body
• Possesses knowledge of the body's adaptations to exercise and how to facilitate them
• Understands the role of forces initiating and reacting to the body's movements in skilled and everyday movements
• Understands antecedents of motivation for exercise, and how to work with them to improve motivation
• Understands psychological underpinnings of movement within a variety of populations, such as youth, elite, and aged
• Understands factors that determine the shape of movements (such as energy cost), and how these factors drive movement skill acquisition
• Effectively leads, directs and supervises others
• Effectively relates to and interacts with people of various backgrounds
• Employs good observational skills
• Shows a capacity to work one-on-one or with a group of people
• Effectively assesses individual needs and make appropriate recommendations
• Demonstrates good listening and interpersonal communication

Related Fields

• Corporate Wellness Specialist
• Exercise Instructor
• Exercise Physiologist
• Exercise Specialist
• Exercise Test Technologist
• Facility Management
• Fitness Director
• Personal Trainer
• Public Health Educator
• Public Health Statistician
• Sports and Fitness Nutritionist
• Sports Enhancement Instructor
• Sports Fitness Instructor
• Sports Psychologist
• Sport Psychology Consultant
• Strength and Conditioning Instructor
• Weight Loss Center Specialist
• Wellness Program Director

Career Industry Liaison

Internship Coordinator

Applying to Illinois State

Illinois State's preferred filing period for freshman students for the fall semester is September 1-November 15. Applying early is encouraged, as the University must limit enrollment due to space at the University and in specific majors/programs. Visit the Office of Admissions to apply today!

Plan of Study

This information is based on requirements for the academic year(s) indicated. Students should consult the catalog year they were admitted under for their academic requirements.

• 4-Year Plan of Study

Applying to Illinois State

Illinois State's preferred filing period for fall transfer students is September 1-January 15. For the spring semester, the preferred filing period is from April 1-August 1. You are encouraged to apply early in the preferred filing period for best consideration for admission into competitive majors. Visit the Office of Admissions to apply today!

Minimum GPA

3.10

Middle 50% GPA

3.24 - 3.61

Required Courses

None

Recommended Courses

• Fundamentals of physics (PHY 105) or College physics (PHY 108)
• Human physiology and anatomy (BSC 181/182 or KNR 181/182)

Additional Information

It is strongly recommended that students meet the Basic Skills Requirement prior to enrollment. Visit the College of Education's website for details on the Test of Academic Proficiency or acceptable ACT or SAT scores which can be used to meet this requirement.

Academic Advising

Minimum GPA

3.10

Middle 50% GPA

3.24 - 3.61

Plan of Study

This information is based on requirements for the academic year(s) indicated. Students should consult the catalog year they were admitted under for their academic requirements.

• 4-Year Plan of Study

Application Period

• Feb. 1 - Feb 28
• Sept. 1 - Sept. 30

Application Information

Current students can use the Apply to Your Program tool on My.IllinoisState.edu.

Academic Advising