The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in Health and Community Wellness prepares candidates to work in health and wellness settings. The mission of the health and community wellness program is to provide high-quality professionals for employment in worksites such as fitness centers, hospitals, corporations, schools, and many other settings around the nation. Through program courses and service-learning experience, candidates are prepared to help people, organizations, and communities change lifestyle behaviors with the goal of moving toward a state of improved health, resulting in decreases of chronic disease and health care costs.
Students have the option of taking 15 credit hours of electives or choosing to minor in one of several fields including Biology, Business Administration, Environmental Studies, Management, Marketing, Mass Communications, Psychology, Sociology, and other approved minors.
Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA for good academic standing in this program.
For more information, please see the Academic Catalog. A program map, which provides a guide for students to plan their course of study, is available for download in the Courses tab below.
- Overview Jump to content
- Cost Jump to content
- Courses Jump to content
- Faculty Jump to content
- Admissions Jump to content
- Dates Jump to content
- Objectives Jump to content
-
Overview
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in Health and Community Wellness prepares candidates to work in health and wellness settings. The mission of the health and community wellness program is to provide high-quality professionals for employment in worksites such as fitness centers, hospitals, corporations, schools, and many other settings around the nation. Through program courses and service-learning experience, candidates are prepared to help people, organizations, and communities change lifestyle behaviors with the goal of moving toward a state of improved health, resulting in decreases of chronic disease and health care costs.
Students have the option of taking 15 credit hours of electives or choosing to minor in one of several fields including Biology, Business Administration, Environmental Studies, Management, Marketing, Mass Communications, Psychology, Sociology, and other approved minors.Program Description
The Health and Community Wellness program consists of 120 required credit hours and built to prepare graduates for a diversity of occupations demanded by the recent explosion in the health industry. The B.S. degree with a major in Health and Community Wellness will:
- provide an educated workforce who are prepared for the wide range of career options in the health and wellness industry.
- provide a curriculum offering a broad scope of preparation across disciplines in worksite wellness, personal training, health education, and public health.
- provide flexibility of coursework to allow students to customize their program in preparation for advanced (graduate) study in a related field of interest.
- contribute to the health and wellness of citizens working and living in Georgia, through a highly skilled workforce.
Program Location
Carrollton Campus
Method of Delivery
Classes are delivered in both face to face and distance learning formats using the latest research and methodologies, with face to face being the predominate method of delivery. All classes will be technology enhanced.
Accreditation
The University of West Georgia is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Credit and transfer
Total semester hours required: 120
Maximum Hours Transferable into program: Conditional Upon Review*
*Review and Approval by Program Coordinator and Advisor. -
Cost
This program may be earned entirely face-to-face. However, depending on the courses chosen, a student may choose to take some partially or fully online courses.
Save money
UWG is often ranked as one of the most affordable accredited universities of its kind, regardless of the method of delivery chosen.
Details
- Total tuition costs and fees may vary, depending on the instructional method of the courses in which the student chooses to enroll.
- The more courses a student takes in a single term, the more they will typically save in fees and total cost.
- Face-to-face or partially online courses are charged at the general tuition rate and all mandatory campus fees, based on the student's residency (non-residents are charged at a higher rate).
- Fully or entirely online course tuition rates and fees my vary depending on the program. Students enrolled in exclusively online courses do not pay non-Resident rates.
- Together this means that GA residents pay about the same if they take all face-to-face or partially online courses as they do if they take only fully online courses exclusively; while non-residents save money by taking fully online courses.
- One word of caution: If a student takes a combination of face-to-face and online courses in a single term, he/she will pay both all mandatory campus fees and the higher eTuition rate.
- For cost information, as well as payment deadlines, see the Student Accounts and Billing Services website
There are a variety of financial assistance options for students, including scholarships and work study programs. Visit the Office of Financial Aid's website for more information.
-
Courses
Coursework
This describes the general course work required for this program.
Downloads
General
-
CMWL-2100 - Intro to Health and Community Wellness
This undergraduate course is an introduction to the Health and Community Wellness degree. Through this course, students will discover the many aspects of an undergraduate degree in Health and Community Wellness, including an overview of the classes required, current and future opportunities available with a degree in this field, the potential opportunities, certifications, and work experiences which students can pursue.
-
CMWL-2200 - Social Determinants of Health and Wellness
This course engages students in critical analyses of contemporary cultural and sociological issues and their interaction on the health and wellness (physical, social, emotional, psychological) of individuals and society as a whole. Students will actively examine contemporary societal issues from multiple vantage points in order to better understand their complexities and the impact they have on the well being of all.
-
CMWL-3100 - Lifespan Development
This undergraduate course is a study of human growth and development from birth through aging and death. The course focuses on areas of physical, cognitive, social, personality, and emotional development as a series of progressive changes resulting from the biological being interacting with the environment. The course will study factors affecting these changes within historical, multicultural, and societal perspectives.
-
CMWL-3101 - Mental and Emotional Wellness
An introduction to the role of mental and emotional health in overall well-being. Emphasis is placed on research and practice related to improving mental health and emotional well-being. In addition, barriers to improving mental health are explored at the individual, community, and societal levels. Students are expected to establish and pursue personal goals related to improving emotional health and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the relationship between mental and emotional health and the other pillars of healthful living. Students will also examine common behavioral strategies with regard to substance use and abuse and its management and the use of alternative remedies for physical, mental and emotional dependencies and addictions.
-
CMWL-3102 - Psychology of Health and Wellness
Review the science that connects human behaviors and psychological variables to health status. The role of Psychology in disease, injury, premature death, substance abuse, exercise, diet, stress, social relationships, coping behaviors and high level wellness, both to individual and society. Includes interrelatedness of wellness dimensions, healthy and destructive behaviors, managing chronic diseases, psychosocial aspects of final illness and death, and delivery of health services.
-
CMWL-3210 - Principles of Nutrition
This undergraduate course provides healthy eating and nutrition principles for fitness and wellness professionals. The course helps students understand the role of nutrition in improving health and applying these ideas to establish healthy SMART goals and eating plans. A review of current eating habits and patterns using nationally recommended dietary guidelines and nutritional assessment tools will be covered. Course topics include the relationship between nutrition and various diseases, use of dietary supplementation, and nutrition for improved sport and fitness performance.
-
CMWL-3220 - Principles and Foundations of Health Promotion and Education
This undergraduate course provides students with a comprehensive overview of the practical and theoretical skills needed to plan, implement and evaluate health promotion programs in a variety of settings. The course helps students develop a health education program, work through examples and activities for program planning application and review the essential tools for effective practices in health promotion, education and evaluation.
-
CMWL-3230 - Exercise Leadership
This undergraduate course provides students with leadership skills and experience that directly apply to fitness programs. Topics include current trends in group exercise formats, exercise program design and implementation, methods of intensity monitoring, exercise risk factors, safety issues as they relate to proper alignment and technique, evaluation of existing programs and basic business practices, professional certifications and educational organizations in group fitness instruction.
-
CMWL-3240 - Current Issues and Trends in Fitness and Wellness Leadership
This undergraduate course gives students an overview of the current issues and trends in the health, fitness, and wellness industry, by providing quality opportunities for gaining in-depth knowledge of the most relevant topics impacting the field. The course specifically highlights career opportunities and code of conduct for professionals, legal issues and responsibilities, working with special populations, nutrition and weight control, fitness and wellness promotion, current certifications, healthcare, and the business of the industry. Additional content may vary based on recent trends related to epidemiology, exercise and aging, psychology of health and fitness, program adherence, research methods, exercise prescription and assessment, consumer choices, and sport concerns.
-
CMWL-3401 - Tech in Hlth & Comm Wellness
In this course, students will reflect on the role various forms of electronic and digital technology can play in the health and community wellness profession and how you can engage these processes with your clients. You will become skilled in using selected digital tools used common in today's health and wellness careers. In addition, you will be exposed to basic theories of communication, methods of delivery, and evaluation. Further, you will learn to determine appropriate applications of these theories and techniques in health promotion settings.
-
CMWL-4000 - Exercise and Wellness Programming for Special Populations
Issues related to the appropriation of health interventions (specific physical activity and/or exercise programs) for special populations, including, but not limited to: older adults, children, obesity, diabetes, CVD, cancer, anxiety, depression, osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, COPD, HIV, organ transplant, PAD, arthritis and musculoskeletal injuries. Evidence-based, advanced programming methods and population-specific considerations will be discussed. ACSM’s Exercise is Medicine initiative will be a focal point for this course.
-
CMWL-4100 - Wellness Coaching
Develop theory, skills, and techniques related to guiding groups and individuals through meaningful lifestyle changes by emphasizing motivational strategies and behavioral and holistic practices. Motivational interviewing techniques and diverse coaching methodologies will be taught, practiced, and compared and contrasted.
-
CMWL-4101 - Worksite Wellness Programs
An introduction to the principles and practices in workplace wellness. Emphasis is placed on understanding and development of a comprehensive framework for improving employee health and productivity. Students explore the evidence base for ensuring program efficacy and maximizing return on investment. Case studies provide opportunities to understand the range of effective programs and value of needs assessment, support of top management, employee education and behavioral health support, change in organizational culture, and ongoing evaluation and program improvement.
-
CMWL-4102 - Service Learning in Health and Community Wellness
Supervised pre-professional practice experience in health and wellness promotion and coaching. Students will be placed in service learning sites in a range of venues and will receive on-site supervision by a field supervisor as well as seminar meetings with the course instructor.
-
PHED-2000 - App Con of Fitness & Wellness
This undergraduate course is designed to develop skills and knowledge related to physical activity and physical fitness. Assessment labs for the five health-related fitness components will be included in this course. In addition, this course is designed to provide students with basic knowledge in the area of personal wellness, including nutrition, stress management, chronic diseases, and planning for and implementing a healthy lifestyle change.
-
PHED-2605 - Functional Anatomy
This course focuses on the structure and function of the major body systems, with an emphasis on the musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory systems. This course analyzes these systems and their role in human movement and physical activity.
-
PHED-2628 - First Aid and CPR for Education Majors
For Education majors only. Students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to respond in an emergency to help sustain life, reduce pain, and minimize the consequences of injury or sudden illness until professional medical help arrives. Specific school based situations relating to child injuries and emergencies will be addressed. Certification in CPR and First Aid is awarded upon successful completion of the course. Students must make a grade of C or better in order to use the course in Area F.
-
PHED-4501 - Contemporary Health Issues
This course focuses on the incidence, prevalence, distribution, and preventative measures of disease acquisition and other factors relating to health. Topics include but are not limited to the following: health-related fitness; obesity; nutrition and dieting; chronic and communicable diseases (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, respiratory disease, HIV/AIDS, stress and depressions, arthritis, osteoporosis, etc.); and how the environment influences human health and disease (air, water and soil, and also all the physical, chemical, biological and social features of our surroundings).
-
PHED-4603 - Advanced Concepts of Personal Training
This class focuses on the physiological responses and adaptations of the human body during exercise. In depth analysis of the responses of the respiratory, circulatory, and muscular systems will be a major focus. Pre-participation health screening, biometric and fitness assessment, and participant goals will be considered to design individualized training programs. Laboratory activities include data collection and analysis, exercise programming case studies, and exercise demonstration and instruction practice.
-
PSYC-1101 - Introduction to General Psychology
A broad survey of the major topics in psychology including, but not limited to, research methodology, biological and social factors influencing behavior, development, learning, memory, and personality.
-
-
Faculty
-
Gina Brandenburg, M.S., CHES, CWPInstructorView Profile- 678-839-2239
- gbranden@westga.edu
- Coliseum 2044
-
Jamie Brandenburg, M.P.H., LPN, DEInstructorView Profile- 678-839-3784
- jbranden@westga.edu
- Coliseum 2045
-
-
-
Mary Beth Slone, Ph.D.Associate ProfessorView Profile- 678-839-6129
- mbslone@westga.edu
- Education Center 222
-
Bridgette Stewart, M. Ed.Chief Wellness OfficerView Profile- 678-839-6192
- bstewart@westga.edu
- Coliseum 2055
-
-
Admissions
Guidelines for Admittance
Each UWG online degree program has specific requirements that you must meet in order to enroll.
- Complete online application. A one-time application fee of $30 is required.
- Official transcripts from all schools attended. Official transcripts are sent from a regionally or nationally accredited institution.
- Verify specific requirements associated with specific populations identified here: Freshman Adult Learners Transfer International Home School Joint / Dual Enrollment Transient Auditor Post-Baccalaureate Non-Degree Seeking Readmission
- For more information go to UWG Admission Deadlines
Program Specific Admittance Guidelines
The proposed criteria for admissions include the following:
- Academic status at the University of West Georgia in good standing
- Minimum GPA of 2.0
Application Deadlines
For more information see: UWG Admission Deadlines
Admission Process Checklist
- Review Admission Requirements for the different programs and guides for specific populations (non-traditional, transfer, transient, home school, joint enrollment students, etc).
- Review important deadlines:
- Fall semester: June 1 (undergrads)
- Spring semester: November 15 (undergrads)
- Summer semester: May 15 (undergrads)
See program specific calendars here
- Complete online application
Undergraduate Admissions Guide
Undergraduate Application
Undergraduate International Application - Submit $30 non-refundable application fee
- Submit official documents
Request all official transcripts and test scores be sent directly to UWG from all colleges or universities attended. If a transcript is mailed to you, it cannot be treated as official if it has been opened. Save time by requesting transcripts be sent electronically.
Undergraduate & Graduate Applicants should send all official transcripts to:
Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Murphy Building
University of West Georgia
1601 Maple Street
Carrollton, GA 30118-4160 - Submit a Certificate of Immunization, if required. If you will not ever be traveling to a UWG campus or site, you may apply for an Immunization Exemption. Contact the Immunization Clerk with your request.
- Check the status of your application
- For more information go to UWG Admission Deadlines
Contact
For more information on the Bachelor of Science in Health and Community Wellness, contact Sasha McBurse, MS (Program Coordinator) at 678-839-6096 or email at smcburse@westga.edu.
Advisement information: http://www.westga.edu/coeadvisement/
-
Dates
Specific dates for admissions (Undergraduates Only), go to: UWG Admission Deadlines
-
Objectives
Program Goals/Objectives:
The B.S. degree with a major in Health and Community Wellness will:
- provide an educated workforce who are prepared for the wide range of career options in the health and wellness industry.
- provide an interdisciplinary curriculum offering a broad scope of preparation across disciplines in counseling, physical education, health and special education.
- provide flexibility of coursework to allow students to customize their program in preparation for advanced (graduate) study in a related field of interest.
- contribute to the health and wellness of citizens working and living in Georgia, through a highly skilled workforce.
Student learning outcomes:
- Students will be able to identify and evaluate various social problems within the community and take on leadership roles to develop and implement behavior modification techniques and other effective healthy solutions
- Students will have the foundational knowledge of human anatomy, lifespan development, and educational psychology needed to be successful in a community education and care or fitness and wellness leadership profession
- Students who select the Community Education and Care concentration will be able to design and conduct program evaluations in a variety of diverse community settings and will have the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and provide supportive educational, social, communicative, and literacy-based interventions
- Students who select the Fitness and Wellness Leadership concentration will have the foundational knowledge of healthy eating, nutrition, personal training and exercise needed to conduct program evaluations and implement effective fitness and wellness interventions in both public and private sectors