College of Education, Health and Human Development

The Department of Health and Human Development prepares students for careers that are dedicated to the enrichment of human well-being. Consequently, rewarding career opportunities are available to graduates within human service professions in private, educational, and public settings. Specific areas of study include community health, dietetics/nutrition science, exercise science/kinesiology, early childhood education and child services, and family and consumer sciences. Students interested in teaching can pursue programs in family and consumer sciences and health enhancement (health and physical education) K-12.

Health and Human Development offers graduate master's-level degrees with options in counseling, including marriage and family counseling, mental health counseling, and school counseling; family and consumer sciences, including early childhood education and family science; family financial planning; exercise and nutrition sciences; and health promotion and education. (See the graduate catalog for further information on graduate programs.)

In addition to the career options, the department offers a variety of recreational activity courses. Some physical activity courses are offered as a service to the general student population with no prerequisite. These include skiing, fly fishing, bowling, billiards, etc. User fees for HHD 100 and some courses are charged. The fees vary depending on the activity. Each student enrolling in an activity course will be asked to sign an activity course waiver and release form.

Mission Statement

The Department of Health and Human Development strives to enrich human well-being through teaching, research, and outreach.

Degrees and Options

The department offers six Bachelor of Science degrees. They include a B.S. in Community Health; a B.S. in Early Child Education and Child Services; a B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences with Teaching or Nonteaching options; a B.S. in Food and Nutrition with options in Dietetics, Nutrition Science; a B.S. in Health Enhancement K-12 (health and physical education teaching); and a B.S. in Health and Human Performance with options in Exercise Science or Kinesiology.

The department offers a Master of Science in Health and Human Development with options in Counseling (including marriage and family counseling and mental health counseling); Family and Consumer Sciences (including early childhood education and family science); Family Financial Planning; Exercise and Nutrition Sciences; and Health Promotion and Education.

The department offers a Master of Education in School Counseling.

Minor Fields of Study

Minors provide a concentration of courses outside the student's major and are intended to complement major course work. The minor is posted on the student's transcript. Minors are available in Coaching and in Child Services. A teaching minor is available in Family and Consumer Sciences. (See the course requirements on minors in the appropriate section of this catalog.)

Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Science degrees in Community Health, Early Childhood Education and Child Services, Family and Consumer Sciences (nonteaching), Food and Nutrition, and Health and Human Performance shall be conferred upon the successful completion of specified requirements and a minimum of 120 credits. The Bachelor of Science degrees in the teaching options of Family and Consumer Sciences and Health Enhancement K-12 (health and physical education) shall be conferred upon the successful completion of specified requirements and a minimum of 128 credits. All undergraduate students must complete a minimum of 42 upper division credits.

The Master of Science in Health and Human Development shall be conferred upon completion of specified requirements and a minimum of 30 credits for the options of Family and Consumer Sciences, Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, and Health Promotion and Education. A minimum of 42 credits is required for the Family Financial Planning program. A minimum of 60 credits is required in the graduate Counseling programs. The Master of Education in School Counseling carries a minimum of 48 credits. (See the graduate catalog for further information.)

Certifications and Licensures

Certifications and licensures are dependent on the student's eligibility to sit for certification and licensing examinations and passing those examinations. Several fields of study in the Department of Health and Human Development prepare students to sit for certification and licensing examinations. Many, but not all, certifications and licensures are offered as post-baccalaureate opportunities. See your advisor for additional information. The following certifications are related to Health and Human Development disciplines:

Accredited Family Financial Counselor. The Department of Health and Human Development offers a three-course series (HDCF 338 Personal and Family Finance I, HDCF 339 Personal and Family Finance II, and HDCF 342 Family Financial Counseling) that can aid students in becoming credentialed as an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC). The AFC credential is offered nationally through the Institute for Personal Finance. The credential requires two tests, an internship and a year of work experience in helping consumers and families with financial matters. The three courses prepare students to take the two tests. The department then helps the student find placement for an internship in helping consumers and families with finances. The AFC credential allows students to credibly indicate their expertise in personal and family finance to potential employers.

Certified in Family and Consumer Sciences. Students completing the Family and Consumer Sciences major and the restricted electives will be eligible to sit for the Certification in Family and Consumer Sciences (CFCS) exam set by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. The CFCS Credential communicates to others within and outside of the profession that the individual certified in family and consumer sciences possesses a broad professional knowledge base in the field.

Certified Family Life Educator. Students completing the Family and Consumer Sciences major and the restricted electives will be eligible to apply for the CFLE granted by the National Council on Family Relations. Interested Community Health students may also complete additional courses and apply for provisional certification. Certified Family Life Educators serve as consultants, directors, educators, and coordinators in settings such as social services, child care, health and welfare, recreation, youth programs, community action, drug/alcohol rehabilitation centers, senior citizen programs, parent education, family service agencies, extension, and retirement/convalescent care centers.

Certified Health Education Specialist. Completion of the Community Health major establishes eligibility to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist examination (CHES). The CHES exam measures the possession, application, and interpretation of knowledge essential to the practice of community health/health education. The CHES certification is a national standard for health education practice and assists employers in identifying qualified health education practitioners.

Certified Personal Trainer/Certified Strength Coach. The National Strength and Conditioning Association provides opportunities to become a certified personal trainer or a certified strength coach.

Coaching Certification. Faculty in Health and Human Development partner with the Montana High School Association (MHSA) in the development and implementation of a coaching certification program. Although MHSA awards the certification, successful completion of the Coaching Concentration offered in the department will prepare the future coach for the profession.

Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher. The Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher Preparation program is designed for students who want to become teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences in public or private schools. Upon completion of the degree, students are eligible for licensure from the State of Montana in teaching grades 5-12.

Health Enhancement (Health and Physical Education) K-12 Teacher. The Health Enhancement K-12 Teacher Preparation program is designed for students who want to become teachers of Health Enhancement (Health Education/Physical Education) in public or private schools. Upon completion of the degree, students are eligible for licensure from the State of Montana in teaching grades K-12 with reciprocity in other states.

Health Fitness Instructor and Exercise Test Technologist. The American College of Sports Medicine, the premier organization for health/fitness professionals and clinicians, offers the Health/Fitness Instructor and Exercise Test Technologist certifications at sanctioned test locations throughout the Pacific Northwest. The certification exams include written and practical components that emphasize the application of knowledge and hands-on skills typically acquired in an undergraduate Exercise Science or Kinesiology program.

Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Counseling programs in the graduate program in Health and Human Development lead to the opportunity to become licensed in Montana as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). Following completion of a master's degree, the student must complete a minimum of 1500 hours of supervised counseling practice prior to sitting for and passing the LPC examination.

Registered Dietitian. The Food and Nutrition Dietetics option gives the students an opportunity to apply to a national post-baccalaureate supervised practice/dietetic internship. Upon its completion, the student may sit for the RD examination given by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, the credentialing agency for The American Dietetic Association. The RD status enables a person to become licensed in Montana as a Licensed Nutritionist by the Board of Medical Examiners.

Academic Advisors

The Health and Human Development academic advising office, staffed with academic advisors to serve the needs of students, is located in Hosaeus PE Complex. Students are expected to meet with an advisor each semester to discuss their plan of study, select courses, and register for courses. In addition, students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor to discuss issues and questions regarding professional programs, career opportunities, and academic concerns. Academic advisors can assist students to appropriate referrals when necessary.

To receive advising or to inquire about programs in the Department of Health and Human Development, contact the Health and Human Development Advising Center by phone at 406.994.4001 or by e-mail at hhdadvising@montana.edu.

Course Requirements and Curricula for Majors

The curriculum and specific course requirements for each major and minor within the Department of Health and Human Development are listed below.

Curricula in Health and Human Development

• Community Health Major
• Early Childhood Education and Child Services Major
• Family and Consumer Sciences Major with Teaching and Non-Teaching Options
• Food and Nutrition Major with Options in Dietetics or Nutrition Science
• Health Enhancement K-12 (Health and Physical Education Teaching) Major
• Health and Human Performance Major with Options in Exercise Science or Kinesiology
• Sustainable Food Systems Option
• Child Services Minor
• Coaching Minor

COMMUNITY HEALTH MAJOR

Graduates of the community health major are employed in entry-level positions conducting planning, administration, evaluation, research, and teaching in community health settings. The undergraduate program is concerned with improving health and well-being for all through the promotion of healthful lifestyles, healthy family functioning, community actions for health, and conditions that make it possible to live healthful lives. The program draws on public health, education, psychology, sociology, family science, and other social and behavioral sciences. Students are prepared to work in a variety of settings including family planning agencies, nonprofit agencies, state and federal health agencies, schools, and community health centers. This program stresses community involvement because community health emphasizes an interactive process in which target populations are active participants in their health, rather than passive recipients. Student involvement will take the form of class assignments, practicum, internships, and service. Students will be prepared to assess individual and community needs; plan, implement, and evaluate effective health programs; coordinate provision of services; act as a resource person; and communicate health needs, concerns and resources. Persons enrolling in this option should seriously consider earning a graduate degree in public health or some related area at some point in their career.

Completion of the community health major establishes eligibility to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) examination. The CHES exam measures the possession, application, and interpretation of knowledge essential to the practice of community health/health education. The CHES certification is a national standard for health education practice and assists employers in identifying qualified health education practitioners.

Interested students may also complete additional courses and apply for provisional certification for the Certified Family life Educator (CFLE) program accredited by the National Council on Family Relations.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CHILD SERVICES MAJOR

The early childhood education and child services major emphasizes the dual focus of education and services within the context of families, educational and child service settings, communities, and society. The major focuses on early childhood education, child development, developmentally appropriate practices, early intervention with children with special needs, assessment and intervention, advocacy, program administration, and working directly with children and families in a variety of early childhood and service settings. The early childhood education and child services major provides a strong background for students seeking careers in a wide variety of settings including early childhood education, child care-related programs and businesses, early intervention with children with special needs and preschool special education settings, child services and child-focused community agencies, state or federal agencies, nonprofit settings that support children and families, and administrators of child service programs. Additionally, this program provides a distance education program to Montana Tribal Colleges and respective Head Start Programs through the Early Childhood Education Distance Partnership Program.

The early childhood education and child services major provides a strong background for admission to graduate programs in early childhood education, child development, child and family studies, social work, counseling, and other related behavioral and social science disciplines.

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES MAJOR

The Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) profession is dedicated to enhancing the relationships among individuals, families, communities and the environments in which they function. The family and consumer sciences profession takes leadership in improving individual, family, and community well-being; impacting the development, delivery, and evaluation of consumer goods and services; influencing the creation of policy; and shaping societal change, thereby enhancing the human condition.

Students in FCS take a common core of foundation courses in content areas based upon American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) standards. In addition, students take restricted supporting courses in the program.

Both teaching and nonteaching options are available.

Both teaching and nonteaching options take the following core classes:

Nonteaching Option

The family and consumer sciences nonteaching option emphasizes the family as a dynamic social unit and examines diverse families in contemporary society. The program focuses on family behavior, strengths, and challenges using family-specific theoretical frameworks (family systems, family crisis) and research methods. Social, cultural, historical, political, and economic trends that influence family functioning and well-being are addressed. Students study a wide range of family issues including development across the lifespan, changing family structures, intergenerational relations. Additionally, human response to stress and crisis, family policies and laws, family finance and economics, work and family issues, and human service delivery and decision-making are included.

The family and consumer sciences nonteaching option provides a strong background for students seeking careers in human services, family life education, family policy, and financial counseling. However, graduate training will be necessary for students wishing to enter the counseling/therapy fields. The curriculum prepares students to work in a wide range of organizations and settings, state or federal agencies, nonprofit settings, and for admission to graduate programs in family science, family resource management, human development, social work, law, and other related behavioral and social science disciplines. Also, graduates of the program may be involved in family-owned business and work in occupations requiring knowledge of family finance including financial counseling.

Students completing the degree may apply for provisional certification as a Certified Family Life Educator. MSU's family and consumer sciences major is accredited by the National Council on Family Relations. Provisional certification is awarded at the completion of a baccalaureate degree and course work in the 11 family life substance areas. After two years' work experience, you may apply for full CFLE certification.

Teaching Option

Family and consumer sciences students learn to work through credit and not-for-credit education systems to empower individuals and families across the lifespan to manage the challenges of living and working in a diverse, global society. The unique focus is on families, work, and their interrelationships. The curriculum at MSU is in synch with the National Standards for Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers and the National Standards for Family and Consumer Sciences Students. Therefore, students choosing this option will be well qualified to seek employment in a variety of educational settings including secondary public and private schools, extension, and public and private agencies. Students completing the program successfully will qualify for a Montana teaching license in Family and Consumer Sciences grades 5-12. Students are encouraged to complete the Certified Family Life Educator and Accredited Financial Counselor designations as well as a teaching minor in a second field while attending MSU to further increase their professional opportunities.

Additionally, the family and consumer sciences major prepares undergraduate students to pursue graduate degrees in a variety of areas including family and consumer sciences, curriculum and instruction, school counseling, and adult education.

Note: The family and consumer sciences teaching option requires 128 credits.

FOOD AND NUTRITION MAJOR

The Department of Health and Human Development offers a major in the study of food and nutrition. Students who choose the nutrition science option intend to pursue a health profession or research-related career, for example, medicine, dentistry, industry, academia, etc.

The dietetics option at Montana State University-Bozeman is accredited as a Didactic Program in Dietetics by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association (ADA), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation and the United States Department of Education, 120 Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-0040, x. 5400. A graduate will attain a verification statement upon completing the CADE-approved dietetics program curriculum in addition to a minimum of a "C-" or better in each required program course at graduation. A graduate is then eligible to apply for an CADE-accredited supervised practice/dietetic internship or other post-baccalaureate experience. Upon completion of the post-graduate dietetic internship, students are eligible to take the national registration exam for dietitians. Once the individual has passed the exam, the individual is then a &“registered dietitian.&” The dietetics option has a strong foundation in food and nutrition, food service management, and science components. Registered dietitians may find employment in health care facilities; industrial, school, and university food services; community nutrition services; private practice; sales for food service or health products; and other related fields.

The nutrition science option is designed to prepare a student for admission to medical (allopathic or osteopathic), dental, or graduate school with an emphasis on nutrition and biochemistry. A student can receive a verification statement if additional didactic program in dietetics course requirements are met. Although the nutrition science option provides a strong background for most professional schools, students must contact individual schools for specific post-baccalaureate entrance requirements. Information about degree requirements can be obtained from the Health and Human Development advising office, Hosaeus PE Complex.

Any student receiving a grade below a "C-" (2.0) in any upper division required course will need to repeat the course. Students must attain a "C-" or better in any required prerequisite course to register for upper division food and nutrition courses.

See the Food and Nutrition major website at www.montana.edu/hhd for a suggested list of electives and additional courses specifically needed to attain the CADE-approved verification statement.

HEALTH AND HUMAN PERFORMANCE MAJOR

The undergraduate major in Health and Human Performance (HHP) at Montana State University is a general pre-health professional curriculum that prepares students for health-related graduate programs (e.g., physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical school, etc.), exercise science graduate programs (e.g., exercise physiology, health promotion, biomechanics), as well as entry-level occupations within the health and wellness industry. HHP majors can choose to focus their course work within one of the following curriculum options: exercise science or kinesiology. Students within the exercise science option intend to pursue a health-related graduate degree to meet their career aspirations, whereas students within the kinesiology option will pursue careers within the health and wellness industry that do not require a graduate degree.

The exercise science option within the Health and Human Performance (HHP) major focuses on both clinical and performance-based understandings of human movement. The exercise science option emphasizes a cross-disciplinary understanding of human movement through non-departmental courses in biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics, M, and statistics. These courses then serve as the foundation for mechanical (e.g., biomechanics) and nutritional perspectives within the departmental courses. The exercise science option specifically allows students to customize their junior and senior year course work as needed for later application to health-related graduate programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical physician assistant, sports medicine, exercise science graduate programs (exercise physiology, health promotion, biomechanics), as well as medical school. Additional careers for exercise science students can include those within the health and fitness industry (e.g., those requiring ACSM Health-Fitness Instructors and/or Exercise Test Technologist certifications), corporate wellness programs, exercise rehabilitation programs (cardiac rehabilitation, gait laboratories, sport medicine facilities, older adult programs, etc.), as well as careers in the sport and rehabilitative medicine equipment industries. Regardless of a student's career goals, each student's course work will culminate in one of the following "capstone experience" courses: HDPE 465, Exercise Testing and Prescription; HDPE 489/490, Undergraduate Research; or a preapproved internship (HDPE 475/HHD476). Students must receive a grade of "C" or better in all upper division department core courses for graduation.

The kinesiology option within the Health and Human Performance (HHP) major prepares graduate for careers requiring leadership in organizing, directing, and managing fitness and wellness programs in corporate and commercial settings. The overall goal of the kinesiology option is to develop basic knowledge, comprehension, and appreciation of a) historical and cultural perspectives of human movement, b) social and psychological influences of human movement, and c) physiological and biomechanical correlates of human performance. From this broad knowledge base, the program's inherent flexibility allows students to pursue a variety of areas related to physical activity and sport. This option also prepares students for professional certifications in fitness and conditioning through professional organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Finally, each student's course work will culminate in one of the following "capstone experience" courses: HDPE 465, Exercise Testing and Prescription; HDPE 489/490, Undergraduate Research; or a preapproved internship (HDPE 475/HHD476). Students must receive a grade of "C" or better in all upper division department core courses for graduation.

HEALTH ENHANCEMENT: HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHING K-12 BROADFIELD MAJOR

The Health Enhancement Teacher Preparation program is designed for students who want to become teachers of Health Enhancement (Health and Physical Education) in public schools. Upon completion of the degree, students are eligible for certification in teaching K-12 Health Enhancement, Physical Education, and/or Health Education in Montana and other states.

Health Enhancement is a comprehensive approach to combining the traditional areas of Health Education and Physical Education. It is a contemporary curriculum where healthy lifestyles and concepts are achieved through skillful movement with an emphasis on physical fitness, healthy lifestyle management skills, and understanding of the total self (physical, intellectual, emotional, and social). In addition to the traditional approach to teaching fundamental movement, skills, games, and dance, this curriculum emphasizes the overall health of the individual as a value in life and enhances critical thinking, decision-making and problem-solving skills of future teachers and their students. Courses within this curriculum represent a combination of content knowledge (health enhancement, health education, and physical education) along with a strong background in pedagogical content knowledge (teaching methods and curriculum). Students majoring in Health Enhancement develop a professional development portfolio based on national beginning teacher standards. The final semester consists of student teaching in two public school placements.

Admission to the Teacher Education Program. Any student who wishes to enter the Teacher Education Program must complete an "Application for the Teacher Education Program." These forms are available at www.montana.edu/ehhd/fpcert/index.html. The plan must be signed by the advisor and the forms turned into the Education Advising Center, 132 Reid Hall. Students should apply to the Teacher Education Program during the semester prior to the semester they will take their first methods class (EDEL 335).

The requirements for admission are 1) cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5; 2) A 2.5 grade point average in the teaching major, minor, and professional area with no grade below a "C "in any of these areas; 3) a 2.5 grade point average in the communication and quantitative areas of the University Core course requirements (9 credits minimum) with no grade lower than a "C" (courses designated core U, W, and Q); 4) approval of the advisor; and 5) no record of immoral conduct related to the teaching profession nor been judged guilty of a criminal offense as outlined by Section 20-4 110 of the Montana Code Annotated.

Application and approval for student teaching. Certain requirements must be met by all students desiring to student teach. These are 1) maintenance of the same standards required for admission into the program including satisfactory clearance on a federal criminal background check; 2) completion of all required courses; 3) certification of first aid and CPR; and 4) approval of advisor.

Student teaching is limited to seniors. Application must be made to the Director of Field Placement and Certification no later than the following times:

• Fall student teaching: by the end of the first week in December of the year prior to student teaching.
• Spring student teaching: by the end of the second week of April of the year prior to student teaching.

The Praxis II exam in the area of physical education must be successfully passed one semester prior to student teaching.

Recommendation and approval for licensure. The requirements for recommendation by Montana State University for licensure include completion of courses in the Teacher Education Program as outlined in the individual's approved plan; maintenance of the same standards as required for student teaching; and approval of the advisor and the Director of Field Placement and Certification.

Electives (select 9 credits from the following courses):

A minimum of 128 credits is required for graduation; 42 of these credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above.

CHILD SERVICES MINOR

The nonteaching Child Services minor emphasizes a dual focus of education and services to children within educational, familial, and community-based programs. Students in the minor examine current research, theory and practice related to child and adolescent development, exceptional children, assessment and intervention practices with children and families, and professional skill development. The minor is designed to enhance the student's major area of study and is a strong complement to human development, education, psychology, nursing, and related social science majors.

COACHING MINOR

This minor is in response to the growing need for professionally trained individuals who have a desire to coach athletic events. The majority of courses required is not specific to one sport, but provides students with content that coaches of every sport should have. There are sufficient courses and experiences in specific sports to assist the future coach to begin specialization. However, most new coaches in the public schools find themselves assigned coaching duties in which they have limited experience as either a coach or a player.

HDPE 267 is the key course to initiate this minor. It is the prerequisite for many of the other courses and should be taken in the first year. Failure to take HDPE 267 will significantly delay the student’s progress toward this minor. In most cases, there will be no substitutions of classes or credit given for prior coaching experiences.

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