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  • CENTER FOR ACTIVEWV
  • COLLEGE OF APPLIED HUMAN SCIENCES
  • WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
THE PLAN IN ACTION
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Academic Programs

Preparing Tomorrow's Leaders in Health and Wellness

The Center for Active WV facilitates student success by integrating evidence-based practices, real-world examples, and hands-on learning opportunities directly into WVU’s health-related academic programs. Each year, nearly 600 students in the WVU School of Sport Sciences gain the knowledge and experience needed to help improve the health and well-being of individuals, schools, and communities across West Virginia and beyond.

Center for Active WV: Impact At-a-Glance

$3.5M in funding secured for statewide projects (2020–2025)

$500K+ in grants distributed to WV communities

1.5M+ social media impressions amplifying our message

Direct Impact in 2024

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50+ community organizations and 200+ school partners with the Center to create healthier, more active West Virginia communities.

These statewide initiatives don’t just change communities—they also provide WVU students with unmatched opportunities to learn, lead, and apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings.

Academic Majors

Health and Well-Being

Students in the Health and Well-Being program focus on improving lives through a holistic understanding of wellness. The degree is flexible, preparing graduates for both clinical and non-clinical career paths.

  • Clinical Preparation: Complete all required prerequisites for graduate study in public health, nursing, chiropractic, medicine, dentistry, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or athletic training.
  • Career Flexibility: Customize your coursework for roles in medical sales, health coaching, or community health.
  • Hands-On Learning: Apply classroom learning through internships, service projects, and real-world case studies.

Healthcare jobs are projected to grow 18% nationally—much faster than the average.

All required graduate/professional school prerequisites are built into the program.

Students can earn multiple professional credentials to boost employability.

Student spotlight on one of our recent graduates. (Click here to read More)

Physical Education and Kinesiology

The Physical Education and Kinesiology program prepares students to teach, motivate, and lead across school and community settings. Graduates are educators, coaches, and wellness leaders who inspire active, healthy lifestyles.

  • Accredited & Respected: Our nationally accredited program is recognized for excellence.
  • Hands-On Experience: Students complete 125+ hours of clinical teaching in local schools.
  • Accelerated Pathway: Earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just four years through an accelerated pathway.
  • Career-Ready Outcomes: Graduates thrive as health and PE teachers, wellness directors, recreation specialists, and youth sport leaders.

WVU graduates are leaders in schools across West Virginia and the nation.

Teaching licensure requirements include a year-long residency in K-12 schools.

Student spotlight on one of our recent graduates. (Click Here To Read More)

Academic Minors

Pair any WVU degree with a health-focused minor to add career-ready credentials:

  • Exercise Psychology: Explore how motivation and behavior shape activity, wellness, and disease prevention.
  • Health Coaching: Develop skills in client-centered health behavior change and prepare for the American Council on Exercise (ACE) Certified Health Coach exam.
  • Personal Training and Group Fitness: Gain expertise in program design and prepare for the ACE Personal Trainer or ACE Group Fitness Instructor certifications.

Digital Badges (Micro-Credentials)

WVU students stand out in the job market by earning digital badges that demonstrate applied skills in school and community health.

Impact Beyond the Classroom

The Center for Active WV doesn’t just help to transform communities — it prepares students to do the same. Through their contributions to the center outreach initiatives, students bring what they learn into schools, health systems, local organizations, and workplaces across the state to make a broader impact.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

At the Center for Active WV, students don’t just observe change they help create it! Through immersive, hands-on roles in areas like educational content creation, marketing, operations, outreach, and statewide planning, students become key contributors to real initiatives that improve health and wellness across West Virginia. Whether you’re designing instructional resources for schools, launching a social media campaign, or helping coordinate community events, you’ll gain meaningful experience that builds your résumé and your confidence. If you’re ready to grow your skills and make a difference, we invite you to apply through our Internship Application Form.

Internship Application Form

Experience
Spotlights

  • Educational Content Creation – Produce toolkits, lesson plans, and digital resources used in schools and communities across West Virginia.
  • Marketing and Communication – Plan and deliver social media campaigns, write articles, and create visuals that showcase the Center’s impact.
  • Center Operations and Management – Support daily operations, program logistics, and event planning while developing organizational leadership skills.
  • School and Community Outreach – Work alongside schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations to expand WVU’s health initiatives.
  • Statewide Physical Activity Planning – Contribute to rolling out evidence-based strategies that promote active lifestyles for children, families, and communities.

Your Support Matters

Alumni and friends of WVU play a vital role in the Center for Active WV and its ongoing support of our academic program. Related gifts help students:

  • Earn nationally recognized certifications.
  • Gain valuable hands-on clinical and community experience.
  • Deliver school and community health programs that improve lives in West Virginia.
  • Connect with professionals and alumni who help open doors to career opportunities in health and wellness.
Make a Difference Today