Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
Another First for the Department of Recreation, Sport, and Exercise Science at Shepherd University.
The Health Promotion and Exercise Science Bachelor of Science Degree at Shepherd University reached a momentous Department of Recreation, Sport, and Exercise Science marker on January, 20, 2022 by achieving national accreditation. Shepherd University is the only university in the state to hold an accreditation of Exercise Science through The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, hllps://www.caahep.org /Students/Find-a Program.aspx . The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, hrtps://www.caahep.org/ upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES), verifies that Shepherd University is judged to be in compliance with the nationally established standards of Exercise Science and awarded Initial accreditation.
CAAHEP is the academic accreditation body for Allied Health Education Programs. CAAHEP assesses college and university programs in regards to how they meet and/or exceed standards established by CAAHEP, CoAES, American College of Sports Medicine, American Council on Exercise, American Kinesiotherapy Association, American Red Cross, National Academy of Sports Medicine, and National Council on Strength and Fitness. Criteria includes the areas of faculty, curriculum, assessment plan (s), programmatic outcomes, institution organization, institution’s continual assessment of the program, student involvement, student retention, graduation rate, and instructional resources. Renewal of accreditation will be sought in2027.
Achieving national accreditation provides the students not only with a degree from an accredited program but also the assurance of quality education standards necessary in the very competitive fields of allied health. Achieving accreditation provides hiring organizations and graduate school admission teams the confidence that their new employee/student has received the highest quality of education and has been taught all the essential core material for an allied health professional. Currently, the Health Promotion and Exercise Science at Shepherd University is the only accredited Exercise Science at Shepherd University is the only accredited Exercise Science program in the state of West Virginia. Striving to lead the way!
Health Promotion and Exercise Science Program Mission
The Health Promotion and Exercise Science Baccalaureate Degree in the School of Recreation, Sport and Exercise Sciences at Shepherd University focuses on the practicality and applicability of health promotion and exercise science concepts and seeks to engage and challenge passion and intellectual curiosity by offering educational, professional, and meaningful opportunities and experiences. Goals and objectives of the HPEX program aim to broaden student perspectives, develop critical thinking, and allow for empathetic understanding in a diverse and evolving world where an increase in life expectancy reinforces the importance of health and exercise in society. The HPEX program is consistent with the university mission statement and statement of core values of being a diverse community of learners and the gateway to the world of opportunities and ideas where service succeeds through dedication to Shepherd University’s core values as outlined in its strategic plan. Within this program are two (2) concentration: Health
Promotion and Health Sciences. Accreditation is sought for the Health Promotion and Exercise Science program only.
Health Promotion and Exercise Science Program Outcomes:
- Demonstrate mastery of core knowledge requisite for success in health and exercise science professions
- Demonstrate competency in pre-activity, health appraisal, and testing skills requisite for success in health and exercise professions
- Critically assess; utilizing critical thinking, problem-solving techniques, and the scientific method; and process content specific to contemporary exercise science, health, or wellness topics
- Communicate ideas and concepts effectively in written, oral form, with and without the aid of technology
- Make sound ethical judgments based on professional guidelines and accepted practice
Health Promotion and Exercise Science Faculty CV’s
