You can make a difference.
The College of Health and Human Performance is dedicated to the promotion of health and well-being. Programs of study provide a foundation for careers in public health, exercise and sports science, recreation, interior design and merchandising, social work and military studies.
In the Fall of 2023, the College of Health and Human Performance had more than 3,300 undergraduate students and 355 graduate students. During the 2023-24 academic year, the HHP Student Professional Development Assistance Fund, which enables students to engage in essential professional development opportunities, supported 50 students totaling $10,000.
Undergraduate degrees
- Health Education and Promotion: Environmental Health, BS, Public Health, BS
- Human Development and Family Science: Birth Through Kindergarten Teacher Education, BS, Family and Community Services, BS, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, BS
- Interior Design and Fashion: Interior Design and Fashion Merchandising, BS
- Kinesiology: Exercise Physiology, BS, Health Fitness Specialist, BS, Physical Education, BS, Sports Studies, BS
- Recreation Sciences: Recreation and Park Management, BS, Recreational Therapy, BS
- Social Work, BSW
Department of Health Education and Promotion
Environmental Health, BS, Public Health, BS
Our alumni can be found in community health agencies and health departments, health care fields, and environmental agencies. The undergraduate public health program is the largest provider of public health professionals in North Carolina. Our environmental health program - one of the fastest growing fields in the U.S. - is one of three nationally accredited in North Carolina. Environmental health science students are trained to ensure the safety of what people eat, breathe, touch and drink through a curriculum that blends science, public health, management and policy.
Department of Human Development and Family Science
Birth Through Kindergarten Teacher Education, BS, Family and Community Services, BS, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, BS
Our programs prepare you to work in a variety of public and private agencies and organizations that provide services to children and families such as schools, hospitals, family life education programs, juvenile services, substance abuse treatment centers, domestic violence programs, youth development programs, adoption agencies, cooperative extension services or elder care. Students interested in pursuing Child Life should choose the Child Development concentration in Family and Community Services.
Our Nancy W. Darden Child Development Center is a five-star ranked center serving ages 12 weeks to 5 years. The center earned accreditation from the prestigious National Association of Young Children, which is the world’s largest organization working on behalf of young children.
Department of Interior Design and Merchandising
Interior Design and Fashion Merchandising, BS
Are you creative and detail driven? Our design labs, technology and active learning spaces closely resemble professional work settings. Internships provide hands-on experience and direct client interaction. Students in fashion merchandising and interior design learn consumer treads and produce an annual spring fashion show that raises funds for student organizations.
Department of Kinesiology
Exercise Physiology, BS, Health Fitness Specialist, BS, Physical Education, BS, Sports Studies, BS
Are you interested in working with people to improve their quality of life? Our research labs are a vital part of our mission in understanding more about exercise and its impact on the body, disease prevention and intervention, and teaching and fostering healthy lives. Our alumni can be found in careers such as athletic director, physical education teacher, coach, cardiac rehabilitation specialist, personal trainer and fitness facility manager. They also are competitive graduate school candidates for advanced degrees in medicine, allied health and other fields.
The Recreational Therapy program is one of the largest producers of nationally certified and state licensed recreational therapy professionals. Students use recreational activities as treatment by applying the clinical processes to improve the functional outcomes and well-being of children or adults who have a disability or are recovering from a serious illness or accident. Recreational therapists serve individuals who experience a variety of disabilities and health conditions, and work settings include hospitals, psychiatric facilities, community park and recreation centers, long-term care facilities, and rehabilitation clinics.
In the Recreation and Park Management program, you'll learn how to plan, conduct and market recreation programs, supervise and lead others, manage facilities, and host special events. Our alumni work in community-based recreation and sport programs, campus recreation departments, festival and event management, municipal and national parks, environmental centers, and in tourism organizations.
School of Social Work
Social Work, BSW
You can help individuals, families, groups and communities enhance their well-being. Students learn about human behavior and diversity; social work practice with individuals, families, groups and communities; assessment, problem-solving and critical thinking; social policy and research. Students will complete a semester-long internship.
Graduates work as case managers, counselors, behavioral and/or mental health care providers, child welfare workers, family-related service providers, adult protective service workers, correctional officers, medical social workers, geriatric social workers, advocates, community organizers, social planners and policy makers.
Aerospace Studies and Military Science ROTC
Air Force and Army ROTC are educational opportunities designed to prepare men and women to become officers while completing an undergraduate, graduate or other professional degree program. ROTC is designed to prepare students to assume positions of increasing responsibility and leadership.
Our award-winning faculty, along with coursework and opportunities for community service, research and internships, will help you educate and motivate others for a productive, healthy life.
Graduates have high job placement rates and many go on to receive advanced degrees in medicine, allied health, research and other disciplines.
For information on your next steps, visit the Admissions website.
To learn more about the wide range of academic programs available at ECU, visit Degree Explorer.