Starting this semester, students majoring in health and fitness will have more opportunities to take courses that will give them insight into job possibilities.

Assistant professor of kinesiology Jonathan Oliver said changes made to the degree plan were small but will have a positive impact. The old degree plan had fewer options for students to pursue specialized emphasis courses, he said.

“These changes provide greater exposure to all of the career opportunities that exist,” Oliver said. “The additional courses allow greater specialization if a student is certain where they would like to seek employment post-graduation.”

Several emphasis courses have been added to the curriculum, including neuromuscular pathophysiology, theory of coaching and advanced strength and conditioning.

The changes will not affect students who declared their major under the former degree plan.

Both degree plans offer preparation for students entering the health and fitness industry, Oliver said. But the modified degree plan allows students to diversify their undergraduate education.

“The benefits of the new degree plan are the upper level specialization courses and the requirement for students to take courses from both the clinical and applied areas, enabling students to better evaluate potential career opportunities,” Oliver said.

Jenna Honn, a senior health and fitness major, said the department of kinesiology offers a streamlined program for students.

"Their programs are designed so that you learn efficiently and in a way that will help you in your future careers," Honn said. "Nothing about their program is frivolous."

Aaron Tuttle, a junior health and fitness major, said he feels the revamped degree plan will help prepare him for the field.

"I will have a sufficient amount of understanding of the subject to help me in the future,” Tuttle said.