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Sport and Fitness Leadership

Program Overview
Athletes and sportspeople (coaches, spectators, support staff) represent one of the largest “mission fields” in the world. Additionally, individuals working in the allied health field (physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical) include numerous opportunities for mentoring relationships through which believers can influence others for Christ. The program includes coursework designed to qualify students for multiple professional certifications from organizations including the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the Association of Church Sports and Recreation Ministries (CSRM). Graduates may pursue a variety of career paths in various community, church, and parachurch settings, including sport coaches, strength and conditioning coaches, physical therapists, athletic trainers, occupational therapists, and athletic administrators. Graduates will also be prepared to pursue graduate work in a kinesiology and/or allied health related field. Due to the wide variation of jobs and graduate school preparations, it is essential for students to plan their course of study with their advisors to align with his/her career aspirations.
Every undergraduate student pursuing a four-year degree at Johnson earns a double major – a major in Bible and Theology and a major of their choice, like Sport and Fitness Leadership. Click here to learn more about the Bible and Theology major.
Concentrations
In addition to the core classes in the Sport and Fitness Leadership major, you will have the opportunity to choose a concentration and take the following classes.
Motor Learning
This course focuses on motor skill acquisition; variables that influence learning and performance of motor skills; and the relationship between skill acquisition, growth, development, and adaptation. Students apply these principles in teaching and coaching motor skills.
Essentials of Strength Training & Conditioning
This course focuses on theories, organization, methods, and techniques involved in the teaching and coaching of strength training, physical conditioning, and personal training. It includes an introduction to biomechanical principles and their application.
Health & Fitness Testing, Evaluation, & Prescription
This course provides practical experience in using laboratory instruments and methodologies to evaluate health-related components of physical fitness. Special emphasis is placed on testing protocols, interpretation, risk identification and stratification, and the application of American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines in prescribing a health and fitness regimen.
Anatomical Kinesiology
This course is designed to help students understand the most common muscles and muscle groups relevant to exercise and body movements. The course will focus on muscle origin, insertion, and action, which will better equip the students to understand what exercises target and which body movements are generated by specific muscles and muscle groups. This course will give students additional knowledge that will help improve body awareness, which, over time is helpful for lifetime health and fitness. Content of this course is a solid foundation for understanding and explaining body movement. Improving one’s understanding of body movement is important for lifetime wellness and adapting exercise to one’s abilities, and also provides some context of understanding with musculoskeletal medical needs.
Organization & Administration of Athletic Programs
Students explore practical aspects of administering athletic programs, including planning, organization, scheduling, staffing, recruiting and training volunteers, budgeting, promotion, fundraising and sponsorships, tournament and event management, working with coaches and officials, church and community resources, facility care, goal-setting, and evaluation.
3 credits from Health & Fitness electives.
Principles of Management
This course will examine the four primary functions of a manager: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Students will study classical and contemporary management theories and principle.
Human Resource Management
This course examines the role managers play in the successful administration of the organization’s human resources. Topics include the functions of human resource management, relationships within the organization, policies and procedures, workplace diversity, and the role of human resources in a global economy.
Organization & Administration of Athletic Programs
Students explore practical aspects of administering athletic programs, including planning, organization, scheduling, staffing, recruiting and training volunteers, budgeting, promotion, fundraising and sponsorships, tournament and event management, working with coaches and officials, church and community resources, facility care, goal-setting, and evaluation.
Principles of Sport Marketing
Students examine principles of marketing and apply fundamental concepts of pricing, product decisions, distribution channels, promotional strategies, and public relations to the sport industry. Topics also include marketing research and assessment, branding decisions, endorsements and sponsorships, licensing and logos, and trends in technology and media.
3 credits from Health & Fitness electives.
Conflict and Communication
This course explores both the destructive and transformative dynamics of conflict in faith communities and equips students with the self-understanding and skills needed for effective communication for conflict management. The course emphasizes individual and group settings, but also introduces the larger dimensions of corporate conflict. This is an interactive, skills-based course.
Choose two of the following:
Essentials of Strength Training & Conditioning
This course focuses on theories, organization, methods, and techniques involved in the teaching and coaching of strength training, physical conditioning, and personal training. It includes an introduction to biomechanical principles and their application.
Health & Fitness Testing, Evaluation, & Prescription
This course provides practical experience in using laboratory instruments and methodologies to evaluate health-related components of physical fitness. Special emphasis is placed on testing protocols, interpretation, risk identification and stratification, and the application of American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines in prescribing a health and fitness regimen.
Organization and Administration of Athletic Programs
Students explore practical aspects of administering athletic programs, including planning, organization, scheduling, staffing, recruiting and training volunteers, budgeting, promotion, fundraising and sponsorships, tournament and event management, working with coaches and officials, church and community resources, facility care, goal-setting, and evaluation.
Principles of Sport Marketing
Students examine principles of marketing and apply fundamental concepts of pricing, product decisions, distribution channels, promotional strategies, and public relations to the sport industry. Topics also include marketing research and assessment, branding decisions, endorsements and sponsorships, licensing and logos, and trends in technology and media.
3 credits from Health & Fitness electives.
Choose one of the following:
Strategies of Children’s Ministry
This course prepares the student to develop and maintain an effective ministry to children ages 0-11. This course introduces strategies, programs, ministries, and leadership skills necessary for effective spiritual nurture of children. A practicum is part of the course.
Foundations of Student & Children’s Ministry
This course focuses on the foundations of next-generation ministry including a theology of children’s and student ministry, child & student development, understanding culture and its implications for ministry with young people, and the foundations for developing lesson plans to teach both children’s and students.
Foundations of Biblical Preaching
This course equips students with the basic skills necessary to prepare and present biblical sermons. It gives special attention to studying a biblical text for preaching purposes; developing thesis statements, outlines, and support materials; and communicating effectively with contemporary listeners.
Spiritual Formation for Ministry
This course provides students with biblical, historical, and practical perspectives on how God works in believers through his Holy Spirit to conform them to the image of Christ and empower them for ministry. It gives special attention to using personal and interpersonal discipleship strategies to help individuals grow spiritually.
Pastoral Care in Ministry
This course equips students with the skills necessary to carry out common pastoral tasks in ministry leadership. It gives special attention to using basic counseling skills in ministry settings.
Strategies of Student Ministry
This course focuses on strategies to minister effectively to adolescents. This course introduces strategies, programs, ministries, and leadership skills necessary for effective spiritual development of students. A practicum is a part of this course.
Living & Working Cross-Culturally
This course focuses on practical strategies of evangelism and discipleship in a cross-cultural setting that results in indigenous-led churches which reproduce themselves by planting more churches. Special attention is given to contextualization, creative access strategies into closed countries, personal spiritual development, spiritual warfare, raising support, communicating with supporters, family dynamics, choosing an organization, and the changing role of the western missionary.
Missiology
This course presents a comprehensive and dynamic view of the mandate for Christian missionary activity. Students are challenged to a growing awareness that world evangelism is four-dimensional: biblical, historical, cultural, and strategic. A special emphasis is given to issues revolving around cultural and cross-cultural communication, along with how sensitivity in these areas can help further realize God’s global purpose.
Intercultural Communication
This course examines the unique problems and strategies for communicating the gospel effectively in intercultural contexts. Special attention is given to the student’s personal role in intercultural communication, including language, behavior, and sensitivities needed to bridge cultural boundaries.
Choose two of the following:
Essentials of Strength Training & Conditioning
This course focuses on theories, organization, methods, and techniques involved in the teaching and coaching of strength training, physical conditioning, and personal training. It includes an introduction to biomechanical principles and their application.
Health & Fitness Testing, Evaluation, & Prescription
This course provides practical experience in using laboratory instruments and methodologies to evaluate health-related components of physical fitness. Special emphasis is placed on testing protocols, interpretation, risk identification and stratification, and the application of American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines in prescribing a health and fitness regimen.
Organization & Administration of Athletic Programs
Students explore practical aspects of administering athletic programs, including planning, organization, scheduling, staffing, recruiting and training volunteers, budgeting, promotion, fundraising and sponsorships, tournament and event management, working with coaches and officials, church and community resources, facility care, goal-setting, and evaluation.
Principles of Sport Marketing
Students examine principles of marketing and apply fundamental concepts of pricing, product decisions, distribution channels, promotional strategies, and public relations to the sport industry. Topics also include marketing research and assessment, branding decisions, endorsements and sponsorships, licensing and logos, and trends in technology and media.
Recommended: Cultural Anthropology and Biblical Interpretation Across Cultures OR Global Theology
Core Classes
<strong>Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab</strong>
An introduction to the structure and function of the human body, this course is designed for students pursuing health-related fields or majoring in Life Sciences. Course topics begin with discussions of organic chemicals and cells before progressing to tissues, organs, and body systems, including the integumentary, skeletal, articular, muscular, and nervous systems. Discussions will include the significance of system homeostasis upon organismal function and will also encourage students to integrate an increased understanding of the body into a Christian worldview. The course includes lecture and integrated laboratory applications each week.
<strong>Anatomy & Human Body Systems with Lab</strong>
This course introduces students to human body anatomy and physiological functions. Topics will include but are not limited to the general and special senses as well as to the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, integumentary, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. The course will address both normal function of body systems and the impacts of system imbalance or injury.
This course provides an overview of human development in the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and spiritual domains from conception to death in old age. Emphases include the ecological context of human development; biological and environmental influences on development; developmental anomalies and their impact on the individual and family; and implications of the knowledge of human development for Christian ministry, counseling, and family life education.
This course focuses on motor skill acquisition; variables that influence learning and performance of motor skills; and the relationship between skill acquisition, growth, development, and adaptation. Students apply these principles in teaching and coaching motor skills.
This course focuses on theories, organization,
methods, and techniques involved in the teaching and coaching of strength training, physical conditioning, and personal training. It includes an introduction to biomechanical principles and their application.
This course is designed to help students understand the most common muscles and muscle groups relevant to exercise and body movements. The course will focus on muscle origin, insertion, and action which will better equip the students to understand what exercises target and which body movements are generated by specific muscles and muscle groups. This course will give students additional knowledge that will help improve body awareness, which, over time is helpful for lifetime health and fitness.
Content of this course is a solid foundation for understanding and explaining body movement. Improving one’s understanding of body movement is important for lifetime wellness, adapting exercise to one’s abilities, as well as provide some context of understanding with musculoskeletal medical needs.
The course serves as an introduction and foundation to the Sport and Fitness Leadership major. Students will examine how physical activity permeates all aspects of life. A strong emphasis will be placed on career exploration, career opportunities, and professional development. This will entail the creation of resumes and cover letters, bringing in guest speakers from the field of kinesiology, and
enhancing student professionalism and leadership skills.
This course is devoted to assisting students in learning and using theoretical and practical information related to the psychology of sport and physical activity. Effective mental training skills for successful sport and life performance are also discussed. Lectures, labs, discussions, role playing, and guest speakers are used to illustrate the theoretical and applied foundations of sport psychology.
This course provides instruction and practice in prevention, care, and evaluation of common sport-related injuries. Students will learn how to manage injury and emergency situations in the absence of an athletic trainer or medical professional.
This culminating course for the Sport & Fitness Leadership Major focuses on legal, ethical, and professional standards for sports professionals. It gives attention to issues related to church, school, and community settings.
Principles of Biology I
This course is required for all life science majors as part of a 2-semester sequence with BIOL 1124, which should be taken during the same year. The first semester emphasizes foundational biological principles and integrates cellular-level process such as metabolism, cell division, gene regulation and inheritance with global processes such as energy and nutrient exchange and natural selection. Includes a three-hour weekly lab. Offered Fall term.
Principles of Biology II
This course is a continuation of BIOL 1114. The second semester emphasizes the diversity of life across kingdoms. Emphasis will be on understanding how cellular processes contribute to organismal-level physiology across multiple kingdoms, including growth and reproduction processes. Ecological concepts such as interaction within and between populations and the abiotic environment will also be introduced. Includes a three-hour weekly lab. Offered Spring term.
Anatomy & Physiology II
A continued introduction to the structure and function of the human body with respect to the blood, circulatory, immune, respiratory, digestive, excretory, endocrine, and reproductive systems. This course is designed for students pursuing health-related fields or majoring in Life Sciences. Discussions will consider the contributions of multiple body systems to overall homeostasis. The course emphasizes the interdependence of body systems and encourages students to use the course material to deepen Christian faith. The course includes lecture and integrated laboratory applications each week.
General Chemistry I
This course is an introduction to chemistry, including chemical formulas, periodic law, equations, stoichiometry, structure of the atom, chemical bonding, thermodynamics and other related topics. The laboratory portion emphasizes proper technique in measuring, making calculations, and the collection
and interpretation of data. Includes a 3-hour weekly lab.
General Chemistry II
This continuation of CHEM 1114 is an introduction to chemistry, including gas laws, solutions, acids, bases, salts, kinetics, electrochemistry and other related topics. The laboratory portion emphasizes proper technique in measuring, calculations, analysis and interpretation of quantitative data.
Includes a 3-hour weekly lab.
Nutrition
Students pursue a scientific study of the principles of nutrition, essential nutrients and functions, and their application in meeting nutritional needs throughout the life cycle. The course emphasizes nutrients and their relationship to optimal health and selected disease states, diet application, nutritional misinformation, controversial diets, obesity, food supplements, consumer fallacies, and exercise. An exploration of
holistic approaches to health is utilized in order to attain optimal health toward the end of honoring and glorifying God through our bodies.
General Physics I
This algebra-based physics course includes the basic principles of physics: mechanics, heat, and wave motion including sound. This course includes a laboratory session.
General Physics II
This course is a continuation of PHYS 2010. It covers electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. This course includes a laboratory session.
Introduction to Psychology
This course introduces the field of psychology—the scientific study of human behavior and experience. Students are acquainted with the major concepts and terminology of the discipline providing a broader understanding of self and others. The course includes brief studies of the history and systems of
psychology, human neuroanatomy, sensation, perception, learning and thinking, human development, personality, social interaction, health psychology, and abnormal psychology. There is also an emphasis on applied psychology so that students are prepared for advanced courses in social science and other professional studies.
Abnormal Psychology
This is a study of the theory of abnormal psychology and how this relates to Human Services. Focus is on how to determine the identified pathology in an individual, couple, family or a larger system, and includes the use of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and other “assessment tools. The meaning of “abnormal” thought, affect, behavior, and related concepts are examined within biblical, historical, and cultural contexts.
Medical Terminology
Medical Terminology is intended for students studying in the health occupational fields. This course requires the student to recognize and apply basic medical terminology by providing basic knowledge of prefixes, suffixes and root words. The student will move from basic word parts to recognition
and application of medical terms to various body systems.
Health & Fitness Testing, Evaluation, & Prescription
This course provides practical experience in using laboratory instruments and methodologies to evaluate health-related components of physical fitness. Special emphasis is placed on testing protocols, interpretation, risk identification and stratification, and the application of American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines in prescribing a health and fitness regimen.
Health & Fitness Electives (see below) and/or Royals Athletics
Sociology of Sport
This course provides an introduction to the sociology of sport by raising critical questions to explore the relationships between sports, culture, and society. This text takes an issues-oriented approach to the study of sports in society and encourages the discussion of current sports-related controversies. Students develop critical thinking skills by considering their own personal experiences, families, schools, communities, and societies.
Sports Ministry Models
This course begins with a historical overview of the use of sports in Christian evangelism and discipleship (e.g. athletic metaphors of the Apostle Paul, the “Muscular Christianity” of the Victorian era, and the contemporary Sports Ministry movement), along with biblical, theological, and philosophical foundations for sports ministry (a theology of competition, victory, unity, character formation, and sportsmanship). Students then explore a variety of proven methods and models for using sports to share Christ with youth and adults (church leagues, sports mission trips, training camps, and clinics). Successful sports ministry programs serve as case studies providing ideas, lessons, and inspiration for their own outreach efforts. Participants learn about resources and organizations that promote sports ministry (such as the Association of Church Sports and
Recreation Ministers and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes), as well as professional opportunities in the field.
Internship Orientation
The interactive seminar introduces the parameters of the internship experience and provides an in-depth look at various internship settings. The seminar includes a discussion of student requirements, responsibilities, policies, expectations, and support prior to and during the Sport & Fitness Internship. Topics include professional etiquette and behaviors, an overview of workplace policies and laws, and enhancing professional development competencies. Seminar students construct professional goals and objectives and then research and contact prospective Practicum site supervisors. By the conclusion of the seminar, students are required to secure a practicum site and supervisor who agrees to supervise, mentor, and evaluate the student during the Internship experience. The Internship Orientation is a prerequisite for the Internship; the Internship Orientation is recommended to be taken the term immediately before taking the Internship.
Exercise Physiology
This course provides instruction and practice in prevention, care, and evaluation of common sport-related injuries. Students will learn how to manage injury and emergency situations in the absence of an athletic trainer or medical professional.
Sport & Fitness Internship
Students integrate theory, praxis, and faith through a supervised leadership experience in a church, school, or community setting. Journaling and small group discussions facilitate reflection, mentoring, and growth.
Sport & Fitness Leadership Extended Internship
Students integrate theory, praxis, and faith, under the guidance of an experienced field mentor, through an immersive leadership experience in a church, school, or community setting with the SFIT industry. Students will earn 12 credit hours for successfully completing the course requirements, which includes logging approximately 400 clock hours at their internship site. Journaling,
collaborative projects, professional mentorship, and performance reviews are designed to facilitate reflection and holistic personal, professional, vocational, and leadership development.
Introduction to Coaching
This course includes an overview of the roles, qualifications, responsibilities, and skills required of coaches during the season and off season. It addresses principles and
philosophies of coaching, as well as issues affecting coaches both on and off the field.
Organization & Administration of Athletic Programs
Students explore practical aspects of administering athletic programs, including planning, organization, scheduling, staffing, recruiting and training volunteers, budgeting, promotion, fundraising and sponsorships, tournament and event management, working with coaches and officials, church and community resources, facility care, goal-setting, and evaluation.
Principles of Sport Marketing
Students examine principles of marketing and apply fundamental concepts of pricing, product decisions, distribution channels, promotional strategies, and public relations to the sport industry. Topics also include marketing research and assessment, branding decisions, endorsements and sponsorships, licensing and logos, and trends in technology and media.
Aerobics
Basketball
Royals Wellness Program
Golf
Lifesaving
Racquetball
Running
Self Defense
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis & Badminton
Volleyball
Weight Training
Royals Athletics
Practicum
Functional Fitness
Triathlon Skills
Indoor Sports & Games
Lifetime Sports & Games
Outdoor Sports & Games
Careers
There are many careers available for students who graduate with a sport and fitness leadership degree! Here are just a few for you to explore.
- Sport/Recreation Minister
- Coach
- Fitness Specialist
- Athletic Administrator
- Strength and Conditioning Specialist
- Athletic Director
- Community Recreation Director
Graduates will also be prepared to pursue graduate work in a kinesiology-related field.
Athletes and sportspeople (coaches, spectators, support staff) represent one of the largest “mission fields” in the world. Additionally, individuals working in the allied health field (physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical) include numerous opportunities for mentoring relationships through which believers can influence others for Christ. The program includes coursework designed to qualify students for multiple professional certifications from organizations including the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the Association of Church Sports and Recreation Ministries (CSRM). Graduates may pursue a variety of career paths in various community, church, and parachurch settings, including sport coaches, strength and conditioning coaches, physical therapists, athletic trainers, occupational therapists, and athletic administrators. Graduates will also be prepared to pursue graduate work in a kinesiology and/or allied health related field. Due to the wide variation of jobs and graduate school preparations, it is essential for students to plan their course of study with their advisors to align with his/her career aspirations.
Every undergraduate student pursuing a four-year degree at Johnson earns a double major – a major in Bible and Theology and a major of their choice, like Sport and Fitness Leadership. Click here to learn more about the Bible and Theology major.
Department Overview
