Program Details
Health and Physical Education Major - BS
Bachelor of ScienceBridgewater College
The Department of Health and Human Sciences teams experienced faculty, challenging coursework and relevant experiential learning to prepare students for the needs of today’s employers and graduate schools. Students within this department will have rich opportunities that foster innovation, creativity and risk-taking while being challenged to explore scientific foundations and practical applications within each discipline. Whether a student prefers to enter the job force or move on to graduate school after their bachelor’s degree is complete, the Department of Health and Human Sciences has programs that enhance success in the varied fast-paced and ever-changing disciplines of athletic training, human development and family science, health and exercise science, health and physical education, nutrition and coaching. The dynamic curricula empower students to address issues affecting individuals, families and communities. Graduates of our programs have demonstrated success in professions such as childhood, adolescent and adult education, state cooperative extension programs, school administration, law enforcement, pharmaceutical sales, medicine, chiropractic, nutrition and dietetics, nursing, physician assistant, paramedic, prosthetics, athletic training, massage therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, coaching, recreation, fitness, and varied human services careers. In addition to departmental major, minor and concentration course offerings, students across the campus are invited to explore interests in physical activity and wellness. Instruction in activities that develop new physical skills are designed to translate into lifetime activity and healthy living.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | All courses must be completed with a C of better. |
Doing More With Your Degree | |
Program Successes & Highlights |
Program Credit Requirements

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between Bridgewater College and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
Institution Name | Type | Title |
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Bridgewater College | GAA | TRANSFER AGREEMENT WITH GUARANTEED ADMISSION BETWEEN BRIDGEWATER COLLEGE AND THE VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM |
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completing an AA, AS, or AA&S degree will waive all but 4 credits of our Foundations in Liberal Arts Program. Students who graduate with a transfer-oriented associate degree (A.A., A.S., or A.A.&S.), will have all Bridgewater general education course requirements waived except for two courses (4 credit hours). These are our FILA 350EW course designed to serve as an orientation for transfer students, and FILA 450 our senior capstone experience course. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | The completion of an Associate Degree concurrent with high school results in course work towards your degree and most general education courses satisfied. Students who graduate with a transfer-oriented associate degree (A.A., A.S., or A.A.&S.), will have all Bridgewater general education course requirements waived except for two courses (4 credit hours). These are our FILA 150 course designed to serve as an orientation for new students, and FILA 450 our senior capstone experience course. |
Credit for Prior Learning | Bridgewater College may award credit for Advanced Placement and military experience. See the linked pages for credit evaluation policies. |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | You'll be part of a vibrant community where people truly know and care for one another. Bridgewater is home to approximately 1,500 full-time students (undergraduate and graduate), 80% of whom live on campus. With an average class size of 19, you'll make lasting connections with your professors and classmates. You won't lack for opportunities to get involved with more than 50 student clubs and organizations to choose from. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the academic year of the first semester of attendance at Bridgewater College. |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the academic year of the first semester of attendance at Bridgewater College. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | BRCC Students need to declare an intent to transfer to Bridgewater after completing a minimum of 15 credits towards the transfer-oriented associate degree. BRCC Students should complete all Bridgewater transfer application requirements, and apply for graduation from BRCC. |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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Averett University | Bachelor of Arts in Coaching | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Averett University | Bachelor of Science in Coaching | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies - Specialization in Health & PE | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Health Sciences | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies-Health Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Health Sciences | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Kinesiology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Richard Bland College | Associate of Science-Life Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major in Sports Management | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major in Exercise Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major in Health and Wellness | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major in Physcial Education Teacher Licensure | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
William & Mary | Kinesiology & Health Sciences - Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
William & Mary | Kinesiology & Health Sciences - Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph College | Bachelor of Arts in Sport and Exercise Studies: Coaching and Sport Performance | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph College | Bachelor of Arts in Sport and Exercise Studies: Health and Fitness | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph College | Bachelor of Arts in Theatre | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Emory & Henry University | Human Performance (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Emory & Henry University | Human Performance: Sports Management (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Emory & Henry University | Health and Physical Education Teacher Preparation (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Lynchburg | BS in Health and Physical Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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27-2021.00 | Athletes and Sports Competitors | Compete in athletic events. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
27-2022.00 | Coaches and Scouts | Instruct or coach groups or individuals in the fundamentals of sports for the primary purpose of competition. Demonstrate techniques and methods of participation. May evaluate athletes' strengths and weaknesses as possible recruits or to improve the athletes' technique to prepare them for competition. Those required to hold teaching certifications should be reported in the appropriate teaching category. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
39-9031.00 | Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities for the primary purpose of personal fitness. Demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain to them corrective measures necessary to improve their skills. Develop and implement individualized approaches to exercise. | Personal Care and Service Occupations |
25-1193.00 | Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses pertaining to recreation, leisure, and fitness studies, including exercise physiology and facilities management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
Cost To Complete
