Department of Health, Exercise & Sports Sciences
The Department of Health, Exercise & Sports Sciences (HESS) at the University of New Mexico is dedicated to advancing knowledge in health, physical activity, exercise, and sports. Our mission is to positively impact individuals and communities through teaching, research, and service focused on healthy lifestyles, disease prevention, and lifelong physical activity. We offer a range of programs designed to prepare students for careers in health education, physical education, athletic training, exercise science, and sport administration.
At the undergraduate level, HESS provides comprehensive programs that equip students with the skills, experiences, and knowledge necessary to become effective professionals in their chosen fields. Our B.S. in Exercise Science program offers an in-depth understanding of how exercise and physical activity influence health, fitness, and sport performance. Students engage in both theoretical and applied coursework, preparing them for careers in allied health and strength and conditioning professions. Additionally, our Physical Education Teacher Education program prepares students to teach physical education across K-12 settings, emphasizing both content knowledge and pedagogical skills. Our B.S. in Community Health Education program is fully online and prepares students to work and partner innovatively with diverse populations in response to the changing health needs of New Mexico and the nation.
HESS offers graduate programs that provide advanced training in research, education, and applied practice across multiple disciplines. The multiple MS. Programs (Athletic Training, Health Education, Exercise Science, Physical Education, and Sport Administration) prepare students for professional roles in clinical settings, public health, and sport management. At the doctoral level, the Ph.D. in Physical Education, Sports, and Exercise Science offers concentrations in Exercise Science, Physical Education Teacher Education, and Sport Administration, equipping graduates for careers in academia, research, and leadership within their fields. These programs integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application, allowing students to engage in research, teaching, and professional development.
Through these programs, HESS is committed to developing professionals who will impact the health and wellness of individuals and communities, addressing current and future health challenges. We encourage you to reach out to us to learn more about our degrees.
Fabiano Amorim, Ph.D.
Department Chair
Our Mission
The mission of the Department of Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences is to positively impact citizens and institutions of New Mexico and other regions through teaching, scholarship, and service pertaining to healthy lifestyles, disease prevention, lifetime physical activity, and/or sport participation. The curricula offered in the program foster understanding in five areas:
- Athletic Training
- Exercise Science
- Health Education/Promotion
- Physical Education Teacher Education
- Sport Administration
Athletic Training
The mission is to provide exceptional education and prepare critical thinking professionals for a career in athletic training. Emphasis is placed upon developing skills in assessment, management, and scholarship to become life-long learners and effective healthcare providers. Graduates will provide leadership and service in society and deliver optimal healthcare.
Exercise Science - Undergraduate
Exercise Science - Graduate
The Exercise Science Program integrates theory, clinical practice and research to educate exercise scientists, researchers, and cardiac rehabilitation program directors.
Health Education
The Health Education Program offers courses of study to prepare Health Education and Health Promotion specialists at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Physical Education Teacher Education
Physical Education teacher preparation programs prepare students to be physical educators and teacher educators in kindergarten to post-secondary school settings.
Sport Administration
Our highly sought after Sport Administration Program has a proud tradition of preparing students for sport-related management positions within schools and organizations. The program is one of only four in the nation that offers doctoral studies and is also accredited by the North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM) and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE).
