The fitness major also includes an internship in a hospital wellness program, where students observe and gain practical experience in various aspects of wellness programming. An athletic coaching endorsement and authorization program is offered for students who are interested in receiving certification to coach in the public schools of Iowa. This program includes study in musculoskeletal anatomy, exercise physiology, kinesiology, knowledge and applications in care and prevention of athletic injuries, coaching methodology, and developmental psychology. Goals of the course include enhancement of motor skills in lifetime fitness activities, learning about physical fitness concepts through readings, lecture and discussion, fitness testing and programming, and gaining an appreciation for the importance of lifetime fitness and wellness. A major component of the course is involvement in lifetime physical activities.
Students choose from a variety of individual, dual, and team sports and recreational activities.
Students have the opportunity to enroll in a number of elective courses in physical education. The aim of these offerings is to broaden the scope of experiences for majors as well as to allow non-majors to enhance their curricula in topics of special interest to them. Electives are offered in the areas of sociology and social psychology of sport, organization and administration of physical education and athletics, and independent projects and advanced study for majors.