Health and Human Performance
As health promotion, exercise and disease prevention have become increasingly important to people, professionals that address these needs play a key role in helping others adopt and enjoy healthier lifestyles. Students can choose to pursue careers as teachers, community health educators, health and fitness professionals, outdoor recreation leaders, sports scientists, athletic trainers, or coaches.
Experience Learning
At NMU, you’ll receive the perfect mix of fundamental theory and hands-on learning, all wrapped up in our unique learning environment. You’ll work closely with expert faculty in our excellent educational facilities and outstanding natural areas, conduct real-life research and have the opportunity to intern with local, regional, and national organizations. You can attend symposiums and conferences and may even end up presenting your own work.
Career Excellence
Our graduates work in schools, health clubs, state and national parks, federal agencies, corporations, cardiac rehab clinics, hospitals and universities, to name a few. Graduates from our pre-professional program, Sports Science, successfully go on to graduate degrees such as medicine, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Students graduating from majors in the School of Health and Human Performance are competitive in the job market due to the opportunity for nationally recognized professional certifications.
Mission Statement
School Academic Mission: The School of Health and Human Performance at Northern Michigan University challenges its students to think independently and critically, develop lifelong learning habits, acquire Health and Human Performance career skills, embrace diversity and become productive citizens in the regional and global community.
Take a virtual tour of the School of Health and Human Performance.
Degrees Offered
Minors
- Clinical Exercise Science Minor
- Community Health Minor
- Emergency Medical Services Minor
- Food, Environment and Society Minor
- Interpretation and Outdoor Education Minor
- Nutrition Minor
- Outdoor Recreation Minor
- Physical Education - Coaching Minor
- Sport and Fitness Management Minor
- Sports Performance and Fitness Leadership Minor
- Sports Science Cluster Minor
- Wildland Firefighting (currently not accepting students)
What you'll do at NMU
Tweak your toeholds and bouldering techniques in a rock climbing class. Teach children in developing countries how proper hygiene and nutrition will improve their lives. Spend the summer interning with a professional sports team. Or join one of our professional student groups and organize activities and events for the whole community. Whether it’s related to academics, service or pure fun, getting involved is easy, and unforgettable! You’ll also have the personal attention and support of talented, caring teachers every step of the way.
The School of Health and Human Performance is one of the largest and most longstanding programs at Northern Michigan University. The many undergraduate programs reflect the broad interests of our faculty and the diversity of our students.
The scenic beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula attracts students to our largest division, outdoor recreation leadership, and management. The U.P. lies in the heart of the upper Great Lakes between the shores of Lakes Superior, Huron, and Michigan, providing an ideal environment for those interested in a career as an outdoor recreation professional. Our department is located in the Physical Education Instructional Facility (PEIF), which is connected to both the Superior Dome and the Berry Events Center. This complex of large, modern buildings provides a teaching and learning environment that is among the finest Health and Human Performance programs in the nation.