It is also the home to the HPER department and benefits HPER majors directly. Our HPER majors have the opportunity to put their learning into practice using assessment and exercise equipment similar to what they may eventually work with on the job. The Recreation Center consists of a 120,000 square foot complex that provides a full range of recreation and fitness facilities. It includes a 200 meter indoor track, three multisport courts, racquetball courts, fitness room, weight training room, aerobic dance studio, gymnastics center, and a simulated golf room. Today s emphasis on fitness has opened up a variety of new jobs for HPER majors.
Many corporations now provide extensive fitness and physical training services for their employees.
This trend has increased the number of jobs available to graduates whose main option only a few years ago was to teach physical education in schools. Community recreation programs and the growing demand for physical therapy provide other attractive career opportunities. Our majors can gain concrete exposure to their area of interest through a variety of field experiences or internships. Some students spend a semester in an internship through the Chicago Metro Program, working in a corporate fitness program, such as that of the Amoco Corporation. Others serve as community recreation assistants, coaching assistants, student teachers, and physical therapy assistants.