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College of Applied Human Sciences: School of Sport Sciences

Health and Well-being, BA/BS

Health and Well-being majors have the unique ability to blend an interest in helping others with courses focused on community health. This is perfect if you are considering working in a hospital or healthcare setting as either a practitioner or an administrator.

This flexible approach customizes this degree for your dream job and is an excellent path for anyone considering professional programs beyond an undergraduate degree, including physical therapy, occupational therapy or chiropractic care.

Health and Well-being majors complete one of two tracks: Pre-Health Professions (BS) or Community Well-being (BA).

Your Degree Plan The WVU Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Meet Your Community Places and Spaces Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Student trainers assist with a student's workout in the weight room

Do you enjoy helping others? This hands-on, customizable major is perfect preparation for health science careers.

The customizable approach to the Health and Well-being program allows you to tailor the degree to your specific career goal.

Whether you see yourself in a hospital or recreational setting, or an aquatic facility, Health and Well-being can provide an academic pathway to make that dream a reality. Curricular space exists for you to take the additional electives necessary for admission into the graduate/professional program of your choice.

Foundation Coursework
All Health and Well-being students (BA and BS) complete foundation coursework centered on exercise and health promotion, health education and pre-health professions pre-requisite courses in the sciences and human development. These core concepts lay the groundwork for a variety of careers in the health sciences field.

Professional Coursework
All students complete a series of courses related to career exploration and hands-on learning. During freshman year, you will complete a course providing an in-depth examination into career options and the steps necessary to meet those specific career goals. By junior year, you will take a more robust career exploration course. To meet graduation requirements, you are required to complete a personalized capstone experience based on your specific career goals. This experience ensures that you gain an in-depth understanding of your chosen profession. You will gain practical knowledge thanks to capstone projects and hands-on learning opportunities, such as an internship or research experience.

Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in one of these areas:

  • Fitness (BA)

    Best for someone interested in helping others achieve their fitness goals.

    Sample courses: Fitness Management, Methods of Personal Training

  • Recreational Sport (BA)

    Achievable for someone interested in working in a campus recreational facility or youth programs.

    Sample courses: Athletic Coaching Administration, Sport Officiating and Sport for the Exceptional Athlete

  • Therapeutic Exercise and Rehabilitation (BS)

    Suggested for someone interested in athletic training, occupational therapy or physical therapy.

    Sample courses: Injury Control and Management, Strength and Conditioning Techniques

Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in one of these areas:

  • Pre-Health Professions (BS)

    Upon admission to WVU, all students will join the Bachelor of Science in Health and Well-being program. The Bachelor of Science option includes many of the necessary science prerequisites for you to be eligible for admission to health profession graduate programs in fields such as nursing, athletic training and other allied health related professions. If you choose to pursue a graduate/professional degree, you will work with your academic advisor to determine an appropriate plan of study based specifically on your career goals.

  • Community Well-being (BA)

    If you are intending to pursue a career outside clinical practice, consider a Bachelor of Arts in Health and Well-being. The foundation coursework will be the same as the Bachelor of Science. However, students in the Bachelor of Arts track will take classes that are focused on community health promotion and individual lifestyle management. Students are encouraged to supplement their plan of study using available areas of emphasis or minors.

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations for first- and second-year students and Honors EXCEL for third- and fourth-year students.

    Explore Honors

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • Earn multiple certifications before you graduate and increase your marketability.
  • Optional areas of emphasis are available within both the BA and BS programs.
  • Healthcare occupations are projected to grow by 18% from 2016-2026, a faster rate than the average for all occupations. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
  • Curriculum allows electives that align with admission requirements for various graduate and professional programs.
Scholarships

Over 92% of WVU freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

  • We partner with a strong network of Morgantown area health-related professional organizations to support student placements. Organizations include athletic training and healthcare facilities, such as the WVU Student Recreation Center, Mylan Aquatic Facility, WVU Extension, local fitness clubs, WellWVU, WVU Student Life and clinics for physical therapy, occupational therapy and chiropractic services.
  • You can also get involved with research within CAHS or the larger University community, including the Research Apprenticeship Program (RAP) and Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE).
  • The Center for Active WV is one opportunity within CAHS. The Center focuses on improving the health and quality of life of all West Virginians through changes to policy, systems and environments. Current projects involve increasing access to healthy foods and physical activity opportunities in rural communities; statewide cardiovascular risk factor surveillance, intervention and education in K-12 schools; and implementation of sustainable infrastructure to provide wellness opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Our students have interned with:

Attending college will prepare you for many things. The Health and Well-being major will give you the following skills:

Interpersonal Skills

  • Service Orientation
  • Social Skills
  • Cultural Competence
  • Teamwork
  • Oral Communication

Intrapersonal Skills

  • Ethical Responsibility to Self and Others
  • Reliability and Dpenetialbity
  • Resilience and Adaptability
  • Capacity for Improvement

Thinking and Reasoning Skills

  • Critical Thinking
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • Scientific Inquiry
  • Written Communication

Science Competencies

  • Human Behavior

The above list of skills were taken directly from the Association of American Medical Colleges. These are skills that are essential for success in allied health professional schools, but are also critical skills for professionals going into non-healthcare related health fields.

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Social and Community Service Managers

Plan, direct or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors or probation officers.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $77,030

Possible job titles include: Program Director, Program Manager, Social Services Director, Vocational Rehabilitation Administrator.

Explore Career

Fitness and Wellness Coordinators

Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators or fitness instructors.

Median Salary: $57,570

Possible job titles include: Fitness and Wellness Director, Fitness Coordinator, Fitness/Wellness Director, Wellness Director.

Explore Career

Health Education Specialists

Provide and manage health education programs that help individuals, families and their communities maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles. Collect and analyze data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies and environments. May serve as a resource to assist individuals, other healthcare workers or the community, and may administer fiscal resources for health education programs.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $62,860

Possible job titles include: Clinical Instructor, Health Educator, Health Promotion Specialist, Public Health Educator.

Explore Career

Community Health Workers

Assist individuals and communities to adopt healthy behaviors. Conduct outreach for medical personnel or health organizations to implement programs in the community that promote, maintain and improve individual and community health. May provide information on available resources, provide social support and informal counseling, advocate for individuals and community health needs and provide services such as first aid and blood pressure screening. May collect data to help identify community health needs.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $48,200

Possible job titles include: Community Health Outreach Worker, Community Health Program Coordinator, Community Health Promoter, Community Nutrition Educator.

Explore Career

Chiropractors

Assess, treat and care for patients by manipulation of spine and musculoskeletal system. May provide spinal adjustment or address sacral or pelvic misalignment.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $76,530

Possible job titles include: Associate Doctor, Chiropractic Care, Chiropractic Doctor (DC), Chiropractic Neurologist, Chiropractic Physician, Chiropractor, Doctor of Chiropractic, Doctorate of Chiropractic, Physician.

Explore Career

Occupational Therapists

Assess, plan, organize and participate in rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $96,370

Possible job titles include: Occupational Therapist (OT), Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Registered Occupational Therapist, Staff Therapist.

Explore Career

Physical Therapists

Assess, plan, organize and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $99,710

Possible job titles include: Director of Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Services Director, Physical Therapist (PT).

Explore Career

Recreational Therapists

Plan, direct or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes or other institutions. Activities include sports, trips, dramatics, social activities and arts and crafts. May assess a patient's condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity.

Median Salary: $57,120

Possible job titles include: Rehabilitation Therapist, Activities Director, Activity Assistant, Activity Coordinator, Activity Director, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), General Activities Therapist, Recreation Therapist, Recreational Therapist, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.

Explore Career

Athletic Trainers

Evaluate and advise individuals to assist recovery from or avoid athletic-related injuries or illnesses, or maintain peak physical fitness. May provide first aid or emergency care.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $57,930

Possible job titles include: Assistant Athletic Trainer, Athletic Trainer, Certified Athletic Trainer, Head Athletic Trainer.

Explore Career

Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors

Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities for the primary purpose of personal fitness. Demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants and explain to them corrective measures necessary to improve their skills. Develop and implement individualized approaches to exercise.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $46,480

Possible job titles include: Fitness Specialist, Aerobics Instructor, Fitness Instructor, Group Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer.

Explore Career

Medical and Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

Some positions may require professionals to have certifications offered by National Association of Medical Sales Representatives or the Independent Medical Dealers Association. Pharmaceutical sales positions may require a professional to be a Certified National Pharmaceutical Representative.

Suggested WVU Minors for students seeking this career:

Suggested Experiences and Résumé Builders
  • Informational interview with a medical or pharmaceutical sales representative
  • Intern with the marketing department of a company
Related Professional Organizations

Occupational Health and Safety Specialist

Certifications for this career are available through the National Resource Center for OSHA Training and WVU Extension Occupational Safety and Health. Visit WVU Extension Training and Certifications for details.

Suggested WVU Minors for students seeking this career:

Suggested Experiences and Résumé Builders
  • Informational Interview with an occupational health and safety specialists
  • Shadowing an an occupational health and safety specialists
  • Complete an internship with WVU Extension Occupational Safety and Health
Related Professional Organizations

Physician

Suggested WVU Minors for students seeking this career:

Required Certifications for this career
  • Standardized national exam
  • Board certifications in your specialty
  • Additional licensure requirements depending on state
Suggested Experiences and Résumé Builders
  • Conduct an informational interview with a physician
  • Shadowing a physician
  • Volunteering with a physician in a hospital or clinic
  • Working in a supportive role within a hospital or health-related setting
Related Professional Organizations

Accelerated Nursing Degree

If you are interested in becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), such as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist or Nurse Practitioner, you will need to become an RN first. Since Health and Well-being students will graduate with a bachelor's of science degree, we recommend students explore the accelerated nursing degree pathway as a means to become an RN.

Suggested WVU Minors for students seeking this career:

Required Certifications for this career
  • National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)
  • State-dependent licensing or registration
Suggested Experiences and Résumé Builders
  • Informational interview with a registered nurse
  • Shadowing a registered nurse
  • Working in a healthcare setting as a nursing assistant, orderly or other position that provides opportunities to interact with medical care providers and patients
Related Professional Organizations

Athletic Trainer

Suggested WVU Minors for students seeking this career:

Required Certifications for this career
  • Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer
  • State licensing board requirements to practice as an athletic trainer
Suggested Experiences and Résumé Builders
  • Informational interview with an athletic trainer
  • Shadowing an athletic trainer on the job
  • Volunteering to help an athletic trainer provide services to athletes in an education setting
Related Professional Organizations

Chiropractor

This career requires a graduate degree. Search the American Chiropractic Association's list of Accredited Chiropractic Colleges to find a program.

Suggested WVU Minors for students seeking this career:

Required Certifications for this career
  • National Board of Chiropractic Examiners
  • Additional licensure requirements depending on state
Suggested Experiences and Résumé Builders
  • Informational interview with chiropractor
  • Shadowing chiropractors at work
  • Working in a chiropractic office
Related Professional Organizations

Health Education Specialist

Suggested WVU Minors for students seeking this career:

Required Certifications for this career
  • Certified Health Education Specialist
Suggested Experiences and Résumé Builders
  • Volunteering with WellWVU
  • Informational interview with a Certified Health Education Specialist
  • Working at the Student Recreation Center
Related Professional Organizations

Occupational Therapist

Suggested WVU Minors for students seeking this career:

Required Certifications for this career
  • National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
Suggested Experiences and Résumé Builders
  • Informational interview with occupational therapist
  • Shadowing an occupational therapist
  • Volunteering with an occupational therapist in a hospital or clinic
  • Working in a supportive role within a hospital or health-related setting
Related Professional Organizations

Orthotists and Prosthetists

To become an orthotist and prosthetist you need to complete a master’s degree program along with a residency program accredited by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education. Visit the NCOPE website to find a degree and residency program.

Suggested WVU Minors for students seeking this career:

Required Certifications for this career
  • American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics
Suggested Experiences and Résumé Builders
  • Conduct an informational interview with a orthotist and prosthetist
  • Shadowing an orthotist and prosthetist
  • Volunteering with an orthotist and prosthetist in a hospital or clinic
Related Professional Organizations

Physical Therapist

Suggested WVU Minors for students seeking this career:

Required Certifications for this career
  • National Physical Therapy Examination
  • Additional licensure requirements depending on state
Suggested Experiences and Résumé Builders
  • Shadowing a physical therapist
  • Volunteering with a physical therapist in a hospital or clinic
  • Working in a supportive role within a hospital or health-related setting
Related Professional Organizations

Physician Assistants

Suggested WVU Minors for students seeking this career:

Required Certifications for this career
  • Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination
Suggested Experiences and Résumé Builders
  • Conduct an informational interview with a physician assistant
  • Shadowing a physician assistant
  • Volunteering with a physician assistant in a hospital or clinic
  • Working in a supportive role within a hospital or health-related setting
Related Professional Organizations

Graduate programs to consider

  • DPT, Doctor of Physical Therapy
  • MS, Athletic Training
  • MS, Health Sciences
  • MS, Occupational Therapy
  • MS, Physician Assistant
  • MPH, Public Health
  • BS, Nursing

Our graduates have gone on to study at:

  • Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, The Christ College of Nursing in Cincinnati, Ohio.
  • MS in Prosthetics and Orthotics, University of Hartford

Meet Your Community

The Health and Well-being family will inspire and support you.

  • “My program did an amazing job of preparing me for my future career in many different ways. My practical experience also helped me learn what my interests are and what they are not. WVU provides many resources to its students to help us prepare for post-graduation and getting started in our careers whether it's by taking the career readiness class or scheduling appointments with career services, there is always someone willing to help.”
    Heather Bond
  • “The program has prepared me greatly for my next step, which is physical therapy school. The internship program through the WVU Sports Medicine program that allowed me to work with the football program was a huge benefit for me. During my time in the internship, I learned how to network professionally, how to treat patients in a sports setting, how to act during games and practices as a team’s physical therapist, and much more. This opportunity helped me get the most out of my education.”
    Valerie Brunner
  • “I had played several sports and been around weightlifting throughout my life, so having the opportunity to pursue a career in the field has been a dream of mine. I like to help people and teach them how to treat an injury the proper way. I want to make a difference in helping people so that they can live in a happier and healthier environment.”
    Joshua Wingard
  • Studio portrait of Emily Murphy. She has long blond hair and wears a blue shirt.

    Emily Murphy

    Professional highlights:

    • Past WVU Faculty Senate Chair (2019-20)
    • WVU Board of Governors Member
    • Research emphasis in obesity prevention for individuals, families and communities
  • Portrait of Rachel Wattick.

    Rachel Wattick

    Professional highlights:

    • Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) by the Commission on Dietetic Registration
    • Research interests: food addiction and psychosocial determinants of eating behavior

Places and Spaces

Learn about all of the places and spaces you'll learn in.

Student Recreation Center

Student Recreation Center

The Rec Center boasts 17,000 square feet of weight and fitness equipment, a 50-foot climbing wall, two swimming pools and seven gym courts.

Explore the Student Recreation Center
Featurette - Swim Meet at Mylan Park

The Aquatic Center at Mylan Park

Morgantown's new aquatic complex is an impressive, state-of-the-art and fully accessible 90,000 square foot facility featuring a 50-meter Olympic pool and diving well. Additionally, the facility houses a community pool with zero-depth entry, water slides and play features, a six-lane lap pool, an outdoor splash pad, multi-purpose rooms to rent, and a fitness room. This facility promotes lifelong health development in an innovative, friendly and well-maintained environment.

Explore the The Aquatic Center at Mylan Park
  • Virtual Tour
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  • Student Life
    You will have it all here — epic traditions, quality academics and a supportive community that feels like home.
  • Visit
    Experience WVU in person and start imagining life as a Mountaineer!

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to WVU's Health and Well-being major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Tuition and Aid

How much does Health and Well-being at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

View Tuition and Fees

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

Visit the Net Price Calculator

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Health and Well-being major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

How to Complete the FAFSA

Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to Health and Well-being can enroll at WVU and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.

Learn More

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the WVU family.

Request Info

Want to know more about Health and Well-being at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

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Visit

​​Experiencing campus is the best way to see if WVU is the right fit. Choose from in-person and virtual options.

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