School of Health and Applied Human Sciences

http://www.uncw.edu/shahs

The mission of the School of Health and Applied Human Sciences (SHAHS) is to promote the health and wellbeing of all persons through exemplary preparation of future professionals, scholarly activity, and community engagement. The School of Health and Applied Human Sciences (SHAHS) is one of three schools (along with the School of Social Work and the School of Nursing) in the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS). The SHAHS has six undergraduate degree programs: Public Health; Exercise Science; Healthful Living & Fitness Education; Tourism, Recreation & Sport, Recreation Therapy and Respiratory Therapy. Minors are offered in Gerontology; Health; Tourism, Recreation & Sport, Yoga Studies and Assistance Dog Training.  At the graduate level, the SHAHS has a Master’s of Science degree in Athletic Training,  a Master of Healthcare Administration, a Master of Science degree in Applied Gerontology, a post-baccalaureate certificate in Gerontology, and 4+1 degree programs (Bachelors / Masters) with Public Health / Gerontology, Recreation Therapy / Gerontology, Exercise Science / Gerontology and Tourism, Recreation & Sport / Gerontology, and supports a Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and a Masters of Education concentration in Physical Education and Health through the Watson College of Education. The SHAHS also sponsors the Physical Activity and Wellness program (WPA/L 101), which serves as the university wellbeing requirement.

Regardless of the degree program that interests you the most, you will find that each will challenge you intellectually, experientially, and academically. Our faculty members are committed to our students and provide them with deeply engaging curricular and co-curricular experiences through participation in research, community service/service learning, field experiences, and study-abroad programs. Many of our students pursue graduate education in a wide range of healthcare options, including physical and occupational therapy, medicine, physician assistant, accelerated nursing, among many others. Those who enter the workforce directly have gone on to careers in healthcare facilities, fitness professions, K‑12 schools and various governmental and nonprofit agencies, and leisure services, including hospitality and tourism.