Department of Health, Physical Education & Recreation
College of Education and Human Development
The Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation offers a Bachelor of Science Degree with a concentration in the areas of Health (teaching), Physical Education (teaching), Recreation (non-teaching), and Therapeutic Recreation (nonteaching).
HPER Leads the Way
Welcome to the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) website. HPER provides services, educational experiences, programs, and activities for students, staff, faculty, and the community. The department embraces its fundamental obligation to realize the goals of the College of Education and Human Development and the mission of Jackson State University in “Challenging Minds and Changing Lives.” HPER is committed to student success and increasing health equity across Mississippi and beyond.
You will find that HPER is student focused with a wealth of challenging and innovative learning experiences both within and outside the classroom. It gives us great satisfaction to know that you have chosen Jackson State University and we look forward to growing with you. On behalf of the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER), we wholeheartedly welcome you.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower individuals to lead healthier, more active lives by providing quality education, research, and outreach in the areas of health, physical education, and recreation. We strive to promote lifelong learning, physical fitness, and well-being while fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.
LEARN BY DOING
Our dedicated faculty members are experts in their respective fields, and they are committed to providing our students with a comprehensive and well-rounded education. Our programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to excel in their chosen careers. Whether you’re interested in health education, sports science, or therapeutic recreation, we have a program that will help you reach your academic and career goals.
“Challenging Minds, Changing Lives.”
APPLY YOUR KNOWLEDGE
The Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation is at the forefront of research in areas such as exercise physiology, public health, sports science, and more. Our faculty members are engaged in groundbreaking research projects that contribute to the advancement of knowledge in health and wellness. We provide numerous research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to get involved in meaningful research projects and gain valuable experience.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
| Clinical Exercise Physiologist | Physical and Occupation Therapy | Health and Physical Educator | Strength and Conditioning |
| Sports Management | Performance Coaching | Parks and Recreational Director | Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist |
SPORTS SCIENCE
Do you dream of optimizing training programs for peak athletic performance? Our dynamic programs offer a range of opportunities to dive into the science that drives sports.
Want to learn more? Click below to view our Sports Science Program.
Faculty
READY TO JOIN?
For more information, please contact us at (601) 979-2768. We look forward to meeting with you and seeing how our program can help you achieve your goals.
