2024-40

Motion Introduced by: Curriculum and Academic Programs Committee

Date of First Reading: January 29, 2024

Date of Second Reading: February 26, 2024

Title of Motion: Request from the College of Health Solutions – for the disestablishment of a graduate degree – MS in Physical Activity and Health

Action Requested: This curricular proposal has received all college, school, unit and university administrative approvals, and is being presented to the Senate for review and voting decision. 

Rationale: The recent rename of this program from exercise and wellness to “physical activity and health” in 2021 was done in tandem with the launch of the MS in strength and conditioning to differentiate the two programs and create a more clear graduate pathway for non-clinical health and fitness undergraduates. Many prospective applicants that would have formerly applied for the physical activity and health MS for its fitness and conditioning track then began applying, or were moved, to the standalone strength and conditioning MS.  As a result, enrollment in the physical activity and health program declined from 23 in fall 2020, to 13 in 2021, and 11 in 2022, and the college has had difficulty in offering the core courses due to low enrollment.