Claflin University students and campus life
Department of Education

Human Performance & Recreation

Turn a passion for health, fitness, and movement into a career.

Degree Type
Bachelor of Science
Program Length
4 years (full-time)
Credit Hours
121 credit hours
Delivery Format
On-campus
Department
Department of Education
School
Education
Career Outlook
Strong, growing demand
Location
Orangeburg, SC
Overview

Inside Human Performance & Recreation.

Human Performance & Recreation studies physical activity, health, fitness, and recreation, preparing students for careers in wellness, coaching, and physical education.

The program combines science coursework with applied, hands-on experience in performance and recreation settings.

Student experience

Students in Human Performance & Recreation learn in small, mentorship-driven classes, work closely with faculty on research and creative projects, and build a portfolio of real-world experience before they graduate.

What You'll Learn

  • 01Explain professional roles in health, wellness, recreation, and coaching
  • 02Develop programs that promote fitness, recreation, and community well-being
  • 03Apply facility, program, safety, and leadership practices
  • 04Complete a supervised internship and senior capstone

Why This Program

  • Hands-on, applied coursework
  • Pathways into health, fitness, and coaching
  • Foundation for graduate and professional study
Program details

From the Program

The Human Performance and Recreation major provides a comprehensive study in the field of health and recreation.

Student Opportunities and Experience

During the final semester, students have the opportunity to complete internships in the field of health, physical activity or recreation. Our internships are traditionally a 60-day clinical experience that includes field observations in the greater Orangeburg, South Carolina, area. Internships are open to seniors with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5.

Careers and Outcomes

With a degree in Human Performance and Recreation, you'll be prepared for a career as an athletic trainer, coach, health/fitness specialist, and recreation specialist.

Admissions Requirements

Formal admission into the program usually occurs during the student's junior year if all criteria has been met and the student has completed an academic portfolio developed under the supervision of a faculty member in Human Performance and Recreation.

Curriculum

What You'll Study.

Major Requirements

  • 0160 credit hours of major requirements
  • 0222 credit hours of other requirements, including capstone and electives

General Education

  • 0139 semester credit hours

Electives

  • 01Total program requirement: 121 credit hours

Downloadable curriculum sheet — coming soon

Career pathways

Where This Degree Takes You.

Common Job Titles

  • Fitness Specialist
  • Recreation Coordinator
  • Physical Education Teacher
  • Strength & Conditioning Coach
  • Wellness Program Director

Graduate School Options

  • Graduate kinesiology / exercise science programs
  • Physical / occupational therapy programs

Industry Sectors

  • Health & Wellness
  • Recreation
  • Education
  • Sports & Fitness
Salary outlook

Salary outcomes vary by role and region — connect with Claflin Career Services for current, verified data for this field.

Employment statistics

Add program placement rate and outcomes data

Experiential learning

Learn by Doing.

Real experience is built into the program — from internships and research to service learning and study abroad.

Internships

Placements with regional employers and partners connected to the Department of Education.

Undergraduate Research

Mentored, faculty-led research beginning as early as the first year.

Field Experiences

Site visits, practica, and community-based learning that apply classroom theory.

Service Learning

Projects that connect coursework to Orangeburg and the surrounding community.

Study Abroad

Global programs coordinated through the Office of Global Programs.

Faculty

Learn from Dedicated Scholars.

Portrait of Dr. Daryl Brockington

Dr. Daryl Brockington

Assistant Professor of Education • School of Education, Interim Chair

Focus

Education

Portrait of Dr. Friggita Johnson

Dr. Friggita Johnson

Associate Professor of Education

Focus

Education

Student success

Outcomes That Speak for Themselves.

Sample spotlights — replace with real student & alumni stories.

“The Human Performance & Recreation program gave me the mentorship and hands-on experience to step confidently into my career.”
Claflin Graduate
Add alumni name, class year & current role
“My professors knew me by name and pushed me to do work I didn't know I was capable of.”
Current Student
Add student name, classification & spotlight
Admissions

How to Apply.

Requirements

  • Completed Claflin University application
  • Official high school transcript (or college transcripts for transfers)
  • Self-reported test scores (test-optional pathways available)
  • Personal statement and any program-specific materials

Deadlines

  • Fall priority: November 1 — Spring priority: November 15
  • Rolling admission after priority dates while space remains
  • Financial aid: complete the FAFSA by the published priority date

Application Process

  1. 01Submit your free application online
  2. 02Send official transcripts and supporting documents
  3. 03Connect with your admissions counselor
  4. 04Receive your decision and financial aid package

Answer the call

Your Human Performance & Recreation Journey Starts Here.

Take the next step toward a Claflin education — apply, request information, or schedule a visit today.