What types of internship opportunities do you have available?
How do students gain practical experience before graduating?
What special facilities does the department have?
What opportunities for hands-on projects are available?
Do students attend conferences?

What types of internship opportunities do you have available?
Many students complete internships, which often lead to full-time positions after graduation. Students in the department have completed internships for the Kansas City Chiefs, Colorado Rockies, Kansas City Wizards, St. Joseph Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, YMCA, St. Louis Sports Commission, Indiana Pacers and many hotels and resorts throughout the country, to name a few.

Students who are earning a Physical Education teaching certificate gain many hours of experience in area elementary, middle and high schools their sophomore, junior and senior years, culminating in a semester-long student teaching experience. Additionally, physical education teacher candidates plan and coordinate track meets and field days for area elementary schools.

How do students gain practical experience before graduating?
Students in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department have many opportunities to gain experience that prepares them for their careers or graduate school. Upon graduation, they are prepared to plan, lead, organize and promote a variety of events and activities.

For the past 32 years, the department has hosted the weeklong Lifetime Sports Academy for youth, and students are very involved in organizing, participating in and leading the activities.

Every Recreation Sport Management major must complete three field experiences, which totals 600 hours. In addition, they must complete up to 50 supplemental hours before enrolling in the third field experience.

Additionally, coursework includes many hands-on projects and group activities. The department has formed partnerships with area and regional practitioners to provide opportunities for students to supplement their course work.

What special facilities does the department have?
The department is located in the M.O. Looney Complex, which features two gymnasiums, a pool, racquet ball courts and an exercise physiology lab. Students also have access to the fitness center, a trap/skeet shooting facility and a track on campus.

What opportunities for hands-on projects are available?
The department offers numerous opportunities for hands-on projects that help students become well prepared for their careers. Recent examples of projects include creating program proposals or completing a needs assessment, developing a travel itinerary, creating business or marketing plans.

Students help coordinate the annual Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart for hundreds of elementary school students each year, and help plan and facilitate the Lifetime Sports Academy.

Additionally, teacher education students plan and coordinate track meets and field days for area elementary schools.

Do students attend conferences?
Each year students attend the conference of the Missouri Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. They have also attended the Missouri Parks and Recreation Association Conference and the National Recreation and Park Administration conference.