Public Health and Human Performance, Associate in Science
Program Description
The Associate in Science (A.S.) in Public Health and Human Performance is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in public health, exercise science, physical education, or a related field focused on health, wellness, and human performance.
This program provides a foundation in health sciences, human movement, and wellness while exploring how lifestyle, physical activity, and community health initiatives contribute to overall well-being. Students develop knowledge in areas such as health promotion, fitness, human development, and the social factors that influence health outcomes. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, scientific understanding of human performance, and the application of health and wellness principles in community and educational settings.
Students are encouraged to choose a concentration to guide their studies and align their coursework with their intended transfer major. Concentrations in Public Health, Exercise Science, and Physical Education help students focus their academic preparation while completing appropriate prerequisites for upper-level study.
Transfer Information
The A.S. in Public Health and Human Performance is structured to align with bachelor’s degree programs in public health, kinesiology, exercise science, health education, physical education, and related disciplines.
Students are encouraged to work closely with faculty and Advising & Transfer Services to ensure coursework aligns with the requirements of their intended transfer institution. Students planning to transfer within New Jersey should explore the “Transfer Programs” feature on NJ Transfer (www.njtransfer.org) to review articulation agreements and institutional requirements.
Early academic planning is recommended, particularly for students interested in specialized fields such as athletic training, health promotion, teaching, or graduate study in health sciences.
Career Information
The A.S. in Public Health and Human Performance is designed primarily for transfer. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for professional roles in health promotion, fitness, and physical education, and some careers require advanced degrees or professional certification.
With further education, graduates may pursue careers such as:
- Public Health Educator
- Exercise Physiologist
- Fitness or Wellness Program Coordinator
- Physical Education Teacher (with certification)
- Athletic Performance Specialist
- Community Health Program Manager
Students are encouraged to consult with faculty and Career Services early in their academic journey to explore transfer pathways, internships, and long-term career planning in health and human performance fields.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Communications | ||
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| ENGL 152 | English II | 3 |
| Humanities | ||
| Humanities Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Social Science | ||
| PSYC 172 | General Psychology | 3 |
| Humanities and Social Science | ||
| Humanities or Social Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Mathematics-Science-Technology | ||
| MATH 156 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| Technology Gen. Ed. Requirement 1 | 3 | |
| Choose the Lecture and Lab for one of the following: | 4 | |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lecture and Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab | ||
| General Biology I Lecture and General Biology I Lab | ||
| Additional General Education Credit | ||
| Any Course from the Gen. Ed. Course List | 6 | |
| Program Requirement | ||
| Any STSC - Student Success Seminar course 2 | 2 | |
| Department Concentration | ||
| To satisfy the department concentration, students must earn 12 credits from the academic area of Public Health and Human Performance. Course prefix for the department concentration is HEHP. | 12 | |
| Any AHMT, BIOL, ENVI, or HEHP courses. | 6 | |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Electives to meet 60 credits | 9 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |
- 1
Students may attempt to “test out” of the technology requirement. If they succeed, they must take an additional course(s) in math or science or technology from the List of Approved General Education Courses.
- 2
A variety of STSC -Student Success Seminar courses are available.
The A.S. in Public Health and Human Performance degree is designed to prepare students for careers in public health and wellness. Students will be introduced to how science, prevention, policy and education contributes to protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. This program is designed to transfer to four-year institutions.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Describe the fundamental concepts of public health and human performance.
- Demonstrate basic knowledge and skills appropriate for students seeking advanced study in the field of public health and human performance.
- Apply basic scientific methods to analyze data that typically arise within fields of study related to the area of public health and human performance.
- Analyze historical and current key public health issues and the impact of these issues locally, nationally, and globally.
- Explain basic public health practices and concepts from a legal, ethical, economic, and cultural perspective.