young children sitting on yoga mats listening to the instructor

Health, Physical Education & Recreation

Students explore the history, philosophy, and general principles of:

  • athletic training
  • rehabilitation service
  • health/fitness facility management
  • sports management
  • exercise science
  • physical education

Students may acquire expertise in educational and training applications, as well as specific knowledge in a variety of sport areas. Various aspects of coaching, such as motivation, strategy development, public relations, and community relationships, are also explored.

Sports coach talking to the players
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Career Opportunities

  • Coach
  • Scout
  • Athletic Trainer
  • Fitness Trainer
  • High School Teacher
  • Middle School Teacher
  • Referee

A few top JWCC transfer schools

Collage of Various University Icons
Suggested Pathway for Health, Physical Education & Recreation (AS)
Do not use this degree plan as a substitute for an advisor. Always meet with an advisor to discuss your specific needs for completing the program before signing up for classes each semester.
First Semester Details
BIO 101 General Biology Details 4
An introductory biology course that covers a breadth of biological concepts including biochemical pathways, molecular and cellular biology, the structure and function of organisms, genetics and heredity, evolution, ecology, and the importance of life science to society. In the laboratory setting, emphasis will be placed on utilizing the scientific process to arrive at evidence-based conclusions. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours; IAI: L1 900L.
Prerequisites: (none)
HPR 100 Lifetime Fitness and Wellness Details 2
Designed to serve as a guide to implement a complete lifetime fitness program for the student. Students will be introduced to physical activities that will maintain fitness and wellness, as well as prescriptive exercises and activities to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle. A thorough fitness/risk factor assessment will be conducted. 1 lecture hour, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
MAT 113 College Algebra Details 3
This course is intended for students who plan to continue their college mathematics education or to meet college transfer requirements. Topics include advanced factoring of higher order polynomials; solving quadratic inequalities; advanced topics in relations, functions and their graphs; zeroes and graphs of polynomial and rational functions; and exponential and logarithmic functions.
Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score or consent of department
ENG 101 Rhetoric and Composition I Details 3
An introductory course in writing at the college level with attention to skills needed at each stage of the writing process. Placement in ENG 101 presupposes competence in English grammar, mechanics, punctuation, and spelling. IAI: C1 900.
Prerequisites: ENG 099 with a grade of "C" or above or appropriate placement score
FYE 101 Blazing Your Trail Details 1
Directed to new students, this course provides a supportive transition to the culture of higher education. Course objectives aim at preparing students for the college experience by acquiring effective learning techniques and by becoming aware of available college resources for academic and personal growth. This course also develops students' abilities, which will assist them with the complexities of college life.
Prerequisites: (none)
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology Details 3
Basic introduction to the major areas of psychology--the study of behavior and the mind. Areas of emphasis include human development, personality theory, learning, thinking, stress and motivation, mental illnesses, and biological and social aspects of behavior. Course will combine research with real life application throughout. IAI: S6 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
Second Semester Details
BIO 275 Human Anatomy and Physiology I Details 4
A study of the structures and functions of the human body; an integrated study of the systems of the human body including gross and microscopic structures and their physiology. Course covers cells, tissues, chemistry of life, metabolism and the systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, digestive and urinary. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: BIO 101 (or equivalent) with at least a “C” within last 5 years OR consent of the College via multiple measures is strongly recommended.
Various PSY 224 / PSY 233 Details 3
PSY 224 or PSY 233.
PSY 224 Sport Psychology Details 3
This course will introduce students to research concepts and theories relating to sport psychology. The content will include an overview of the history and development of sport psychology and expose students to the foundational concepts of the field. The course material will also include an overview of psychological assessment, mental skills training, performance enhancement, injury recovery, and participation satisfaction. The course will examine how this knowledge can be applied to a wide range of settings and participants, such as coaches, parents and athletes, while addressing varying levels of ability (from recreational to elite sports participation). (Same as HPR 224)
Prerequisites: (none)
PSY 233 Developmental Psychology Details 3
A study of human development from conception across the life span to death. Attention will be given to physical, cognitive, emotional and social aspects of development. IAI: S6 902
Prerequisites: PSY 101
MAT 109 Elementary Statistics Details 3
A study of the collection and interpretation of statistical data. Specific topics include description of sample data, probability, probability distributions, sampling, estimation, testing hypotheses, correlation, and regression. IAI: M1 902.
Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score or consent of department
ENG 102 Rhetoric and Composition II Details 3
A continuation of ENG 101; provides further practice in writing at the college level for a variety of purposes and audiences, using both fixed and open or developing forms. Research paper required. IAI: C1 901R
Prerequisites: Completion of ENG 101 with a grade of "C" or above
Various PSC 101 / ECO 101 Details 3
PSC 101 or ECO 101
PSC 101 American Government Details 3
Fundamentals of federal, state and local governments with emphasis on national government, including the Constitution of the United States. IAI: S5 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
ECO 101 Principles of Macroeconomics Details 3
Introduction to the major areas of modern economic theory and public policy, including fiscal policy, international trade and finance, economic growth and development, and contemporary macro-economic problems. IAI: S3 901.
Prerequisites: (none)
Third Semester Details
BIO 276 Human Anatomy and Physiology II Details 4
A continuation of BIO 275. Emphasis is on more depth in the physiology of various body systems including the central and peripheral nervous systems, sensory organs, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, male and female reproductive and human development. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: BIO 275 with a grade of "C" or above or consent of department
HPR 101 History and Principles of Health, Physical Education & Recreation Details 3
History, philosophy and function of physical education.
Prerequisites: (none)
DRA 103 Introduction to Theater Details 3
The broad concepts of the aesthetics and form of drama as evidenced in the living theater. Includes reading of plays and the study of dramaturgy with general discussion of elements of the play and theater. IAI: F1 907.
Prerequisites: (none)
CMN 101 Introduction to Speech I Details 3
An introduction to the basic principles of oral communication as applied to public speaking. The course emphasizes the mastery of oral communication skills through a variety of exercises in which the student speaks before the group. Involves analysis of such topics as preparation, organization, and delivery. IAI: C2 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
HPR 244 Sport Safety Training Details 3
Students will learn the knowledge and skills necessary to help provide a safe environment for athletes while participating in sports as well as how to sustain life and minimize the consequences of injury or sudden illness in an emergency until advanced medical care arrives. Students will be able to identify and eliminate potentially hazardous conditions, recognize emergencies, and make appropriate decisions for first aid care.
Prerequisites: (none)
Fourth Semester Details
Various SCI 100 / SCI 105 Details 4
Choose SCI 100 or SCI 105.
SCI 100 Environmental Geology Details 4
An introductory study of forces that continually shape the surface of the earth, including examination of geological formation processes and our impact on the environment. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours. IAI: P1 905L.
Prerequisites: (none)
SCI 105 Weather and Climate Details 4
An elementary survey of the properties of the atmosphere and the principles that govern weather and climate change. Real-time weather data will be used to predict weather and historical data archives to study climate. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours
Prerequisites: (none)
Various HUM 121 / PHL 101 Details 3
HUM 121 or PHL 101
HUM 121 Sex and Gender in the Humanities Details 3
Interdisciplinary study of art, music, literature, history, and philosophy reflecting the cultural identity of sex, gender, and sexuality. IAI: HF907D
Prerequisites: (none)
PHL 101 Introduction to Philosophy Details 3
A study of recurrent, persistent human principles and problems such as the validity of knowledge; the nature of truth; the nature of identity, free will and determination; moral and aesthetic values; and religious belief systems. IAI: H4 900
Prerequisites: (none)
HPR 230 Coaching as a Profession Details 3
The various aspects of the coaching career, with focus on such topics as how to become a coach, why people coach, how coaches motivate, techniques of coaching, public relations in coaching, and the coach's relationships with other members of the community and institution.
Prerequisites: Consent of department
Various Electives Details 6
Any credit-based course may be taken to fulfill this requirement. Students should always discuss with their advisor which electives would be best for them to take to best achieve his or her particular goals.
Prerequisites: Varies by course
NOTE: Only students who do not need additional coursework and who take the number of credits or courses as listed each semester can complete the program in the time given. Others will take longer to complete. Course descriptions may contain IAI (Illinois Articulation Initiative) codes containing information for students transferring their credits to another Illinois higher learning institution. See itransfer.org or the JWCC course catalog for more information on IAI.