The School of Health and Human Performance offers the Master of Science in Health and Human Performance with specializations in Health Promotion and Coaching and Athletic Performance. There is a sequenced curriculum that provides opportunities for scholarly investigation in professionally relevant areas and a capstone experience that provides the application of administrative topics across specialization areas. A thesis option or a significant project in a relevant professional setting is also available for a more in-depth research experience.
Candidates for the Master of Science in Health and Human Performance may pursue the Coaching and Athletic Performance or Health Promotion programs while remaining in a professional employment position. Once finished with the program, graduates utilize their newly acquired knowledge and skills to improve job performance and to improve the quality of services to clients. Candidates may also pursue advanced study following an undergraduate program or choose to leave a job to engage in full-time study at GC. These individuals are often looking to make a career change or to seek a new position commensurate with a master’s degree.
Health Promotion Concentration
The M.S. in HHP: Health Promotion is appropriate for students from a variety of majors including, but not limited to exercise science, athletic training, community health, health promotion, physical education or nursing. The health promotion program is designed to assist students who wish to gain additional knowledge and skills as a health educator working in the areas of primary and secondary prevention of chronic and acute diseases and disorders and in the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. Coursework includes the core (nine hours) and health promotion specialization courses (27 hours.) Part-time enrollment is accommodated. The Health Promotion concentration is 36 hours and is completely online.
WHY EARN A MASTER OF SCIENCE HEALTH & HUMAN PERFORMANCE: HEALTH PROMOTION CONCENTRATION?
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
100% Online
Program length 1 ½ - 2 years depending on enrollment status (full or part time).
Part-time enrollment accommodations are made for students who cannot commit full-time.
The program welcomes students from various academic backgrounds who aspire to broaden their understanding and acquire adaptable skills in the field of health promotion.
Individualized program guidance and advising to ensure that career goals and aspirations are met.
Tailored course schedule to prepare graduates for CHES or MCHES certification.
OUR PROVEN TRACK RECORD
Former graduates are employed at a variety of federal, state, and local institutions including the CDC and numerous universities across the U.S.
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
The mean salary for a master’s level health promotion specialist is ~$66,000, starting salaries are dependent on career aspirations (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023.
Potential Graduate Assistant positions to engage in mentored research with faculty working on international and federal level grants.
NO GRE REQUIREMENT
GRE scores are not required for admission.
coaching and athletic performance
The M.S. in HHP: Coaching and Athletic Performance prepares physical education teachers, sport coaches, athletic trainers, and health and fitness professionals motivated by career advancement in coaching or in improving the performance of current teams through the design and delivery of performance enhancement programs. Students will focus on social and psychological variables that impact coaching and performance and apply theoretical foundations to professional practice. Coursework (30hrs) can be started any term and students complete one of two synthesis options: thesis or project. Part-time enrollment is accommodated. This program is completely online.
WHY EARN A MASTER OF SCIENCE HEALTH & HUMAN PERFORMANCE: COACHING AND ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE CONCENTRATION?
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
Program is 30 total hours with applied coaching content.
Flexible curriculum with course options offered year round.
Both practicum (internship) and project options offered.
Hands-on, practical.
OUR PROVEN TRACK RECORD
Students learn from Sports Performance professionals with applied coaching.
Students learn from faculty who are certified by the NSCA (CSCS & CPSS) and HSSCC.
Program collaborates with professionals outside of GCSU.
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Can qualify you for an increase in the level of your teaching license.
Potential for certifications once degree is complete (CSCS, NHSSCA, coaching licenses).
NO GRE REQUIREMENT
GRE scores are not required for admission.
Graduate Application Procedures
Eligibility Requirements:
Completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited university with a minimum 2.75 upper level GPA with the following prerequisites (undergraduate or graduate level courses accepted) with a grade of “C” or higher (2.0 on 4.0 scale) within a reasonable timeframe.
Cover Letter/Letter of Application - State why you have chosen the program, how your background has prepared you for the program, and how the program fits with your career goals.
Professional Resume - Include education; honors, achievements, and awards; observation and/or internship experiences; volunteer experience; professional memberships; certifications; military services; and work history
References - Provide the names, titles, phone numbers, and email addresses for three references, one of whom must be academic (either faculty or advisor).
Any Relevant Certifications
Application Fee -Georgia College’ s application fee is $35 and payable at time of application submission through the online portal. This fee is waived for eligible Georgia College students and recent alumni. Please see the information on the payment portal for eligibility instructions.
Transcripts
Official transcripts for each institution ever attended for credit (including, but not limited to, traditional enrollment, dual enrollment, transient, transfer, vocational, graduate studies, and post-baccalaureate credit)
Scans of a US-issued Passport or a Georgia Driver’s license can be included with your Graduate School application or emailed directly to grad-admit@gcsu.edu.
Please refer to the instruction sheet for information on the acceptable forms of verification. (NB: scans of birth certificates are not accepted.)
Ph.D., Health Education and Promotion, The University of Alabama
Research
Dental Health, Health Disparities, and Health Inequities
Biography
Dr. John B. Moore received a Ph.D. in Health Education and Promotion and an MA in Health Sciences from The University of Alabama. He received a BS in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of South Florida. Previous work experience includes co-advising the nation’s largest peer-led health organization. In this role, he implemented community-based strategies and analyzed outreach data to improve the health of the campus community. His teaching interest includes research methods, public health policy, and health behavior theories. His research interest includes dental health behaviors, oral health disparities, and health inequities. He has authored various publications in peer-reviewed journals such as the American Journal of Health Education. He has presented and assisted in the development of numerous presentations for national, international, and regional conferences. He was awarded Most Outstanding Doctoral Student and Most Outstanding Masters Student during his graduate student years.
Coaching and Athletic Performance Coordinator
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Joanne Spalding
Assistant Professor - Exercise Science and MS Health and Human Performance - Coaching and Athletic Performance Coordinator
Ph.D., Sport Physiology and Performance, East Tennessee State University
Biography
Dr. Spalding received her BA from Northeastern State University Oklahoma in Health and Human Performance, she completed her MBA from Averett University, and a MA and Ph.D. in Sports Physiology and Performance at East Tennessee State University. Prior to coming to Georgia College, she was an assistant coach for the women’s soccer team at ETSU as well as an instructor in their undergraduate exercise science department. Dr. Spalding brings with her professional practice expertise through her work as a coach at the collegiate and club level and as a sports scientist for club, high school and college level athletic teams. Her teaching and scholarship interests include long-term athletic development and monitoring at the club, high school and college level.
