Why This Program?

Preventative action is the key to lifelong health and wellness.

The Human Performance and Management degree is an interdisciplinary degree containing coursework from Human Performance and Business. Students will learn about the exercise science and business management aspects of the sports performance and fitness industries.  

The Human Performance and Management degree at Briar Cliff is an innovative and pioneering program for Midwestern universities, designed to prepare students to manage a sports or fitness facility, own their own fitness or coaching business, or pursue graduate studies in human performance or business.  

As a Human Performance and Management student at Briar Cliff, you will take Business classes in Sports Management, Sales, Marketing, and others. You will also take Human Performance coursework that will give you a base of knowledge in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Testing & Prescription, and Nutrition. The curriculum is intentionally left flexible to allow you to tailor it to your interests within the sports and fitness industry or add electives from other academic departments that will enhance your skills and marketability. 

Briar Cliff also offers a degree in Kinesiology that provides a different path to careers in the health care or sports performance industry.

• Know Your Professors: Throughout the program, you will have the guidance of our Human Performance and Sports Management faculty who have years of experience in the business of fitness and sports performance and can help you create a path to your goals.
• Experiential Learning: In the Human Performance and Management program, you will acquire at least 150 hours of experiential learning. This will be through a 60-hour practicum in Human Performance along with an internship of at least 90 hours in either Human Performance or Business, depending on your preference. Through these opportunities, important relationships are fostered that promote the Franciscan tradition of service, caring and openness to all.
• Prepare for Your Career: The capstone of the Human Performance and Management degree at Briar Cliff is SPMA 429 Strategic Sports Management. In this class you will integrate all the concepts of business operations and marketing in developing a business strategy. You will learn how to analyze the market to build competitive advantage while understanding issues of social responsibility and internal management of your operation.