The physical education and health program examines the many dimensions of health and human performance. The major goal of the program is to enable students to make informed health decisions. The program prepares students to become competent entry-level professionals, as well as advanced study candidates.

To achieve these outcomes, the student will analyze the structure and function of the human body, apply physiological and biomechanical concepts to human movement, examine the acquisition of motor skills, explore the multi-dimensional nature of the health and human performance discipline, examine ethical issues and culturally diverse values related to the discipline, achieve the specific physical skills required to be competent in their profession, acquire a lifelong quest for knowledge, and develop a commitment to act responsibly in one's profession and on behalf of one's community.

The physical education and health program offers varied opportunities for guided work experiences with schools, hospitals, sports medicine clinics, wellness centers, corporate fitness programs, and fitness facilities. These capstone opportunities allow students to express their multidisciplinary education by applying creative problem solving and communication skills in professional settings.

Major in Physical Education & Health

Five options are offered under the major:
Athletic Training
K-12 Education
Exercise Science
Physical Education and Health Studies
Sport Management

Athletic Training Option

A minimum of 43 semester hours is required, including:
PEH122 First Aid/ CPR/ Safety Education
PEH181 Athletic Training Field Practicum
PEH182 Athletic Training Field Practicum
PEH204 Foundations of Human Structure and Functions
PEH210 Health and Wellness
PEH211 Nutrition
PEH222 Beginning Athletic Training
PEH281 Athletic Training Field Practicum
PEH282 Athletic Training Field Practicum
PEH320 Biomechanics
PEH322 Advanced Athletic Training
PEH345 Fitness Science
PEH356 Physiology of Exercise
PEH425 Therapeutic Rehabilitation and Modalities
PEH481 Athletic Training Field Practicum

Choose one of the following:
PEH381 Athletic Training Field Practicum
PEH382 Athletic Training Field Practicum

Other related requirements:
PHA247 Medical Terminology
PSY101 General Psychology

(Note: BIO321 may substitute for PEH204.)

This program is designed to prepare students for an entry-level graduate program in athletic training that will lead to eligibility to sit for the National Athletic Training Association Board of Certification examination. The coursework will establish a knowledge base in sports medicine and develop techniques in sports injury evaluation, management, and rehabilitation.

K-12 Education Option

A minimum of 43 semester hours is required, including:

PAC108 Swimming
PEH106 Professional Activities I
PEH107 Professional Activities II
PEH122 First Aid/CPR/Safety Education
PEH210 Health and Wellness
PEH211 Nutrition
PEH222 Beginning Athletic Training
PEH315 Motor Learning
PEH320 Biomechanics
PEH356 Physiology of Exercise
PEH391 Field Practicum
PEH412 Management of Health Enhancement and Sport Programs
PEH420 Methods and Materials: Teaching Secondary Health Enhancement
PEH421 Historical and Contemporary Issues in Sport Sociology
PEH441 Measurement and Evaluation in Health Enhancement and Exercise Science
EDC341 Methods and Materials: Teaching Health in the Elementary School
EDC342 Methods and Materials: Teaching Physical Education in the Elementary School
COM102 Public Speaking

Choose one of the following:
BIO321 Human Anatomy and Physiology
PEH204 Foundations of Human Structure and Function

This option meets Montana's health certification requirements. In addition, students must complete the professional education program for K-12 education majors as described in the "education" section of the catalog. Students seeking an endorsement in K-12 physical education must earn a minimum grade of "C" in all required PEH courses, including prerequisites.

Exercise Science Option

A minimum of 44 semester hours is required, including three semester hours chosen from PAC activities (in consultation with department faculty):
PEH122 First Aid/CPR/Safety Education
PEH210 Health and Wellness
PEH211 Nutrition
PEH222 Beginning Athletic Training
PEH315 Motor Learning
PEH320 Biomechanics
PEH343 Psychology of Physical Activity and Exercise
PEH345 Fitness Science
PEH356 Physiology of Exercise
PEH412 Management of Health Enhancement and Sport Programs
PEH441 Measurement and Evaluation in Health Enhancement and Exercise Science
PEH450 Internship (8 credits)
PEH490 Senior Seminar

Choose one of the following:
PEH204 Foundations of Human Structure and Function
BIO321 Human Anatomy and Physiology I

Certification either as a health/fitness instructor by the American College of Sports Medicine or as a certified strength and conditioning specialist by the National Strength and Conditioning Association is strongly recommended. This option is designed to prepare individuals for work with fitness and health promotion programs in corporate, community, hospital, and health club settings.

Physical Education & Health Studies Option

A minimum of 35 semester hours is required, including four semester hours chosen from PAC activities. Six semester hours of electives approved by faculty in the program. This option requires a core of foundation courses with electives to be chosen dependent upon the student’s career goal.

PEH122 First Aid/CPR/Safety Education
PEH210 Health and Wellness
PEH222 Beginning Athletic Training
PEH315 Motor Learning
PEH320 Biomechanics
PEH356 Physiology of Exercise
PEH412 Management of Health Enhancement and Sport Programs
PEH450 Internship (3 credits)
PEH490 Senior Seminar

Choose one of the following:
PEH106 Professional Activities I
PEH107 Professional Activities II

Choose one of the following:
BIO321 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
PEH204 Foundations of Human Structure and Function

Sport Management Option

A minimum of 47 semester hours is required, including:
BSA201 Principles of Accounting I
BSA202 Principles of Accounting II
BSA321 Principles of Management
BSA331 Business Law
BSA343 Principles of Marketing
BSA362 Professional Sales
BSA371 Managerial Accounting
PEH300 Current Issues and Practices in Coaching
PEH412 Management of Health Enhancement and Sport Programs
PEH421 Historical and Contemporary Issues in Sports Sociology
COM102 Public Speaking
COM306 Organizational Communication
PSY101 General Psychology
SOC101 Introduction to Sociology

Choose one of the following:
BSA450 Internship (3 credits)
PEH450 Internship (3 credits)

Choose one of the following:
ECO201 Principles of Macroeconomics
ECO202 Principles of Microeconomics

Minor in Physical Education & Health

Three options are offered under the minor in physical education and health:
Athletic Training
Coaching
Physical Education & Health Studies

Athletic Training Option

A minimum of 25 semester hours is required, including:
PEH122 First Aid/CPR/Safety Education
PEH204 Foundations of Human Structure and Functions
PEH210 Health and Wellness
PEH222 Beginning Athletic Training
PEH281 Athletic Training Field Practicum
PEH322 Advanced Athletic Training
PEH425 Therapeutic Rehabilitation and Modalities
PEH481 Athletic Training Field Practicum

Choose one of the following:
PEH381 Athletic Training Field Practicum
PEH382 Athletic Training Field Practicum

This option includes 600 hours working with a certified trainer and is designed to complement a major in areas such as teacher education, psychology, exercise science, and physician's assistant. The coursework will establish a knowledge base in sports medicine and develop techniques in sports injury evaluation, management, and rehabilitation.

Coaching Option

A minimum of 25 semester hours is required, including:
PEH122 First Aid/CPR/Safety Education
PEH222 Beginning Athletic Training
PEH300 Current Issues and Practices in Coaching
PEH315 Motor Learning
PEH320 Biomechanics
PEH344 Sports Psychology
PEH356 Physiology of Exercise
PEH412 Management of Health Enhancement and Sport Program

Choose two of the following:
PEH301 Officiating High School Sports
PEH302 Basketball Coaching
PEH303 Football Coaching
PEH305 Track and Field Coaching
PEH306 Volleyball Coaching
PEH307 Baseball and Softball Coaching
PEH311 Soccer Coaching

Many state education departments do not require a coach to be a certified teacher but do require that coaches meet qualification standards. This option prepares students to meet those qualification standards.

Physical Education & Health Studies Option

A minimum of 25 semester hours is required, including three semester hours chosen from PAC activities. This option, when combined with majors such as business or psychology, allows the student to prepare for physical education-related careers.

PEH122 First Aid/CPR/Safety Education
PEH204 Foundations of Human Structure and Function
PEH210 Health and Wellness
PEH222 Beginning Athletic Training
PEH320 Biomechanics
PEH356 Physiology of Exercise
PEH412 Management of Health Enhancement and Sport Programs

Choose one of the following:
PEH106 Professional Activities I
PEH107 Professional Activities II

3+2 Athletic Training Program

The 3+2 Athletic Training program allows students to complete 3 years of course requirements at Rocky Mountain College and then transfer to MSU Billings (MSU-B) and enroll in the 2-year entry-level master’s program in Athletic Training. After successful completion of the first year at MSU-B, the student will be awarded a Bachelor’s degree from Rocky Mountain College. After completing the program at MSU-B, the student will be awarded the Master of Athletic Training degree. Students entering this program at Rocky, must major in Exercise Science and minor in Athletic Training, and must complete the pre-requisites for the Master’s program at MSU-B.

Required courses: Exercise Science:
Three semester hours of Physical Activity courses (PAC)
PEH122 First Aid/CPR/Safety Education
PEH210 Health and Wellness
PEH211 Nutrition
PEH222 Beginning Athletic Training
PEH315 Motor Learning
PEH320 Biomechanics
PEH322 Advanced Athletic Training
PEH343 Psychology of Physical Activity and Exercise
PEH345 Fitness Science
PEH356 Physiology of Exercise
PEH412 Management of Health Enhancement and Sport Programs
PEH425 Therapeutic Rehabilitation and Modalities
PEH441 Measurement and Evaluation in Health Enhancement and Exercise Science
PEH450 Internship

Choose one of the following:
PEH181 Athletic Training Field Practicum
PEH182 Athletic Training Field Practicum
PEH281 Athletic Training Field Practicum
PEH282 Athletic Training Field Practicum
PEH381 Athletic Training Field Practicum
PEH382 Athletic Training Field Practicum
PEH481 Athletic Training Field Practicum
PEH482 Athletic Training Field Practicum

Related Requirements: 8 credits of Anatomy and Physiology.

- PEH Activities

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 1
Fall semester and spring semester. 1 semester hour.
Select from a variety of activities. A specific activity may be taken twice for credit. Pass/no pass. No more than eight PEH activity credits may count toward graduation. This rule does not apply to activities required in a PEH major.

PAC101 Strength Conditioning for Football
PAC102 Weight Conditioning for Football
PAC103 Conditioning for Men's Basketball
PAC104 Conditioning for Women's Basketball
PAC105 Strength Conditioning for Skiers
PAC106 Conditioning for Soccer
PAC107 Conditioning for Volleyball
PAC108 Swimming
PAC109 Step/Pilates/Water Aerobics
PAC110 Cardio Resistance Training
PAC111 Karate
PAC112 Team Activities
PAC113 Racquet Sports
PAC114 Scuba
PAC115 Strength Training for Women
PAC116 Fitness for Life
PAC117 Hiking/Photography Weekend in Yellowstone
PAC118 Bicycle in the Beartooths
PAC119 Winter Break Ski Adventure
PAC120 Leave No Trace Camping
PAC121 Wilderness First Aid
PAC122 Big Sky Ski Weekend
PAC123 Red Lodge Ski Weekend
PAC124 Beginning Ski/Snowboarding
PAC125 Hot Springs/Geysers in Yellowstone
PAC126 Rock Climbing
PAC127 Cross Country Ski Weekend
PAC128 Ice Climbing
PAC129 Kayaking
PAC130 Fly Fishing
PAC131 Yoga
PAC132 Beginning Tennis

PEH100 - Varsity Sports

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 1
Students can elect to obtain credit for conditioning and participation in varsity sports.

PEH106 - Professional Activities I

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3
This course is designed to introduce and direct students toward a level of proficiency in team-sports activities such as soccer and team-handball, and individual sport activities such as badminton and pickleball. Students are expected to show increases in, and are assessed on, their level of skill, knowledge of rules, and application of strategies within each activity.

PEH107 - Professional Activities II

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
This course is designed to introduce and direct students toward a level of proficiency in the following life-time and fitness activities: orienteering, ultimate frisbee, cooperative activities, American Indian and multi-cultural games, fitness testing, and educational gymnastics. Students are expected to show increases in, and are assessed on, their level of skill, knowledge of rules, and application of strategies within each activity.

PEH115 - Introduction to Wellness Concepts

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 1
Becoming fit and well affects the quality of one’s life. Through class sessions and activity labs, students evaluate their fitness and plan for and initiate change in their exercise habits. Additional topics include nutrition and weight management, risk factor analysis and control, and major wellness concerns.

PEH122 - First Aid/CPR/Safety Education

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 2
This course focuses on the procedures and practices for emergency care in the case of accident or sudden illness, and awareness of safety and accident prevention. Upon successful completion of this course, students earn certification in first aid through the American Red Cross and certification in CPR through the American Heart Association.

PEH181 - Athletic Training Field Practicum

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 2
Students complete 100 clinical hours under the supervision of a certified trainer.
Co-requsite: PEH 222

PEH182 - Athletic Training Field Practicum

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 2
Students complete 100 clinical hours under the supervision of a certified trainer.
Co-requsite: PEH 222

PEH204 - Foundations of Human Structure and Function

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 4
Students examine the basic foundations and functions of the human body, including the skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, digestive, and respiratory systems. Lab experiences focus on the nomenclature, structure, and function of these systems.

PEH210 - Health and Wellness

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 4
Topics include community/environmental health, consumer issues, death and dying, healthy lifestyles, infectious diseases, medical ethics, psychological health, risk factor management, sexuality, and substance abuse.

PEH211 - Nutrition

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 3
This course focuses on the essential nutrients and their principal sources and functions; the assessment, analysis, and modification of dietary intake; the relationship between nutrition and fitness; and the stages of the life cycle. This is not a chemistry-based course.

PEH222 - Beginning Athletic Training

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 3
Students learn procedures and practices in prevention, immediate care, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries and sudden illness. Topics include taping, bandaging, and conditioning for athletic competition.

PEH281 - Athletic Training Field Practicum

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 2
Students complete 200 clinical hours under the supervision of a certified trainer.
Co-requisite: PEH 222

PEH282 - Athletic Training Field Practicum

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 2
Students complete 200 clinical hours under the supervision of a certified trainer.
Co-requisite: PEH 222

PEH300 - Current Issues and Practices in Coaching

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 2
Topics include philosophy, sport psychology and sociology, and team management skills. Course includes ACEP certification materials.

PEH301 - Officiating High School Sports

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 2
Students demonstrate knowledge and practical skills in officiating a minimum of three high school sports from the following: football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball and wrestling. Upon successful completion of the course, students can be certified by the Montana Officials' Association, which permits immediate employment as middle school, high school, or youth sports officials.

PEH302 - Basketball Coaching

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 2
Coaching theories of basketball are examined, including fundamentals, techniques, strategies, practice sessions, utilization of personnel, and the ethics of coaching.

PEH303 - Football Coaching

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 2
Coaching theories of football are examined, including skills, systems of play, practice sessions, strategies, conditioning, personnel utilization, off-season programs, and the ethics of coaching.

PEH305 - Track and Field Coaching

Semester: On Demand
Semester hours: 2
Students examine the following topics: mechanical analysis of track and field events; conditioning and training methods; teaching, coaching, and officiating techniques including practical experience in these areas; and management of track and field meets.

PEH306 - Volleyball Coaching

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 2
Mechanical analysis and study of coaching theories, including but not limited to skills, strategies, and systems of play.

PEH307 - Baseball and Softball Coaching

Semester: On Demand
Semester hours: 2
Theories of coaching baseball and softball are examined, including skills, strategies, practice sessions, conditioning, teaching, and coaching the young athlete.

PEH311 - Soccer Coaching

Semester: On Demand
Semester hours: 2
Theories of coaching soccer are examined, including skills, strategies, practice sessions, conditioning, teaching, and coaching the young athlete.

PEH315 - Motor Learning

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 2
This course focuses on the factors that influence the learning of motor skills. Content includes features of skill development, processes of perception, and components of action as these relate to the acquisition and teaching of goal-directed movement. Practical application of theory is a central part of the course.

PEH320 - Biomechanics

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3
This course focuses on the principles of human movement. Emphasis is placed on demonstrating the ability to analyze human motion in terms of improving human movement performance. Included are concepts of biological/mechanical aspects of musculoskeletal structures.
Prerequisite: BIO 321 or PEH 204

PEH322 - Advanced Athletic Training

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
This course includes techniques of rehabilitation, use of modalities, advanced techniques of injury evaluation, advanced taping techniques, administration and management of injuries and provides hands-on experience required under the supervision of an ATC (certified athletic trainer).
Prerequisites: PEH 204 or BIO 321, PEH 222, PEH 356, and approval of the program director.

PEH342 - Methods and Materials: Teaching Physical Education in the Elementary School

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
This course provides competency in the delivery and evaluation of planned learning programs for elementary school children. Content will include knowledge of the physiological, psychological, and motor developmental needs of elementary-age children and the implication for curriculum development and implementation. Includes experience working with children in an on-campus Saturday morning program.
Prerequisite: Admission to the teacher education program or permission of the instructor; this course is for PE majors only.

PEH343 - Psychology of Physical Activity and Exercise

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3
The purpose of this course is to promote understanding of psychological theory, research, and intervention strategies in psychology of physical activity and exercise. In studying both theory and practice, students are expected to develop their own views and ideas within the realm of their chosen field. The exchange and development of ideas is encouraged and at the same time grounded in the current knowledge base in this field. Students are expected to undertake extensive reviews within various health fields.

PEH344 - Sports Psychology

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
Sport psychology is the scientific study of people and their behavior in sport, and is concerned with the psychological determinants of behavior in movement situations, as well as the psychological effects of sport engagement. This course would address the fundamental areas within sports psychology, including, but not be limited to, the following topics motivation, attributions, imagery, goal setting, confidence, attentional focus, team cohesion, leadership, anxiety and stress. Students taking this course will be expected to demonstrate understanding of, and the application of the topic when coaching children and youth.

PEH345 - Fitness Science

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
In this course students examine the various aspects of health-related fitness and the relationship of fitness to health. The course includes an individual fitness assessment, development of exercise programs, and proper exercise technique. Students become prepared for the American College of
Sports Medicine certification exam as a health/fitness instructor.
Prerequisite: PEH 204, PEH 210, PEH 211

PEH356 - Physiology of Exercise

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
Students explore the effects of exercise on the cardio respiratory and neuromuscular systems. Physiological aspects of various training methods are examined. Laboratory experience is included.

PEH381 - Athletic Training Field Practicum

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 2
Students complete 200 clinical hours under the supervision of a certified trainer.
Prerequisite: PEH 281 or PEH 282
Co-requisite: PEH 322

PEH382 - Athletic Training Field Practicum

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 2
Students complete 200 clinical hours under the supervision of a certified trainer.
Prerequisite: PEH 281 or PEH 282
Co-requisite: PEH 322

PEH391 - Field Practicum

Semester: On Demand
Semester hours: 1
Forty-five hours of experience on the job are required for one semester hour of credit. Majors in the K-12 education option can register for one credit earned as a teaching assistant in PEH115.

PEH412 - Management of Health Enhancement and Sport Programs

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
Students explore the organization, supervision, and administration of various health enhancement and sport programs.

PEH420 - Methods and Materials: Teaching Secondary Health Enhancement

Semester: On Demand
Semester hours: 3
This course requires focused study and consultation with a public school physical education and health teacher, or other acceptable professional. Hours will be arranged in consultation with the content area professor, the secondary education professor, the student, and the professional mentor. This course provides competence for delivery and evaluation of planned learning activities. Areas of concentration include emotional/mental health, healthy lifestyles, nutrition, weight control, community/ environmental health, medical ethical issues, team and individual activities, lifetime sports, cooperative games, and fitness activities.
Prerequisites: Admission to the teacher education program, senior standing, PEH 105, PEH 106, PEH 107, PEH 210, PEH 211.

PEH421 - Historical and Contemporary Issues in Sport Sociology

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
This course focuses on the study of historical and contemporary issues affecting physical education and sport, including ethical and gender issues.

PEH425 - Therapeutic Rehabilitation and Modalities

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
The modalities portion of this course presents the theoretical and applied principles and techniques for the application of modalities in sports injury care. The rehabilitation portion is designed to explain the principles and apply the techniques of rehabilitation as they relate to athletic injury.
Co-requisite: PEH 322

PEH441 - Measurement & Evaluation in Health Enhancement and Exercise Science

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 2
This course is designed to introduce students to, and engage them in, the process of measurement and evaluation as applied to the fields of health enhancement and exercise science. The course introduces students to the application of statistics, tests and measurement, report compilation, and interpretation of data. Students examine various types of assessment and test instrument design.

PEH450 - Internship

Semester: On Demand
Semester hours: 1-12
Guided work experience in cooperation with an established health-related program. Forty-five hours of experience on the job are required for one hour of credit. Students in the exercise science option are required to earn seven credits in an off-campus program, and one credit as a teaching assistant in PEH115. The student must arrange the internship in agreement with the instructor and the office of career services. Contract is required.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing

PEH475 - Advanced Theories of Strength Training and Conditioning

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 2
This course prepares students for the National Strength and Conditioning Association's certification exam as a certified strength and conditioning specialist.
Prerequisites: PEH 122, PEH 222, PEH 320, PEH 345, PEH 356, and PEH 441

PEH481 - Athletic Training Field Practicum

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 2
Students complete 200 clinical hours under the supervision of a certified trainer.
Prerequisite: PEH 281 or PEH 282
Co-requisite: PEH 322

PEH482 - Athletic Training Field Practicum

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 2
Students complete 200 clinical hours under the supervision of a certified trainer.
Prerequisite: PEH 281 or PEH 282
Co-requisite: PEH 322

PEH490 - Senior Seminar

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 2
This course encourages senior students in health and physical education to develop job marketing and search skills, as well as prepare for graduate school or a professional career.

PEH499 - Independent Study

Semester: On Demand
Semester hours: 1-3
This course allows a superior student to devise and pursue independent study in an area agreed upon in consultation with, and supervised by, a faculty member. Students should be either a major or minor and have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or greater.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing