Our programs benefit from WCU’s scenic location and close proximity to the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge mountains where many people work outdoors and enjoy access to biking, hiking, rafting, and other activities.

Outstanding Programs & Faculty
We offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in physical education and undergraduate degrees in parks and recreation management. WCU’s award-winning programs prepare students well, and our outstanding faculty specializes in areas ranging from fitness and water sports, pedagogy, and motor learning to sport psychology, physiology, and kinesiology.

Wellness Courses
The health, physical education, and recreation department also offers courses in health and wellness, either for elective credit or to fulfill a Liberal Studies requirement. Elementary education majors interested in their students’ emotional and physical well-being can elect a Secondary Academic Concentration (SAC) in health promotion and wellness, a program that provides a broad education in first aid, psychology, sociology, environmental health, and physical education. 

Minor Offerings
If you already have a major, consider our minors in coaching, parks and recreation management, or physical education. Minors can participate in many of the same clubs and organizations as our majors and can avail themselves of the same internships and opportunities. All of our minors, which are open to anyone except those majoring in the same concentration or program, offer an excellent and enjoyable complement to a range of majors. 

Graduate Success
Our distinguished graduates have earned such honors as Elementary PE Teacher of the Year Award, Secondary PE Teacher of the Year Award, and Lifetime Achievement Award. After graduation, they teach and coach in public and privates schools or work in state and federal parks and forests, regional recreation programs, schools, and public and private resort areas.

Real-World Experience
While enrolled, you’ll take advantage of many opportunities for real-world experience. HPER students present research at the WCU Undergraduate Research Expo and the National Undergraduate Research Conference. They receive intensive student teaching experience or participate in internships and field experience. Members of our Physical Education Majors Club attend the annual state convention, participate in the campus intramural program, and assist with the Jackson County Special Olympics held at Western each spring. And our active Parks and Recreation Management (PRM) Majors Club involves many students in on-campus and community projects.

To learn more about the department, browse our program and courses websites and contact us with your questions. We look forward to hearing from you.