Health, Human Performance, and Recreation
Baylor University's Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation (HHPR) is focused on diverse aspects of health, activity, recreation, and quality of life. Through both our undergraduate and graduate programs, we are building future leaders with a passion for health and wellness.
Degree Programs
One of the fastest-growing career areas in the country is related to health, fitness, and exercise physiology in both the public and private sectors. Baylor offers both an undergraduate and graduate degree in exercise physiology.
he Health, Kinesiology and Leisure Studies program prepares students through a flexible degree program for the general career areas of health, fitness, recreation, and sports.
The Health Science Studies program serves as pre-professional preparation for entrance into medical, dental, physical therapy, athletic training, or other allied health professional graduate programs.
The All-Level Physical Education program prepares students to teach grades K–12 with an emphasis in coaching in either a private or a public school setting.
The Recreation and Leisure Services develops students’ knowledge and skills for leadership in areas such as adventure recreation, outdoor education, and the human dimensions of park and protected area management.
The Master of Athletic Training degree program is a professional athletic training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
The master's program in Sport Pedagogy prepares students for careers in teaching physical education and coaching, with opportunities to specialize in strength and conditioning as well as sport psychology.
The Master of Science program in Medical Science is a 100% online program designed to prepare graduates to pursue further academic training in medicine, dentistry, other professional health schools, or doctorates in research science.
The PhD in Exercise and Nutrition Sciences is designed to integrate exercise science and nutrition so that researchers are better prepared to conduct multidisciplinary health science research.
News
More NewsWhen Scott Ruane left his hometown in Ohio for Baylor University, he never imagined that Waco, Texas, would become the home base for some of his favorite memories. Now, having earned his degree in May 2025 from the Health Science Studies program’s pre-medical track, he is reflecting on his time at Baylor.
As higher education costs continue to rise across the nation, Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences has announced the launch of a new scholarship initiative designed to support incoming students in the College’s online and hybrid graduate programs.
At the end of the day, while the Christian perspective of Baylor University’s program may be a draw for some students, the pursuit of a Master of Science in Medical Science (MSMS) degree is typically undertaken for a singular purpose—to elevate credentials and prepare for application to medical or other health professional schools. In this sense, a one-year 100% online medical science graduate degree becomes a very transactional encounter. However, in the Baylor MSMS program, the team’s goal is to make that transaction more of a transformation.
Cate Urbani, a Baylor University senior studying Exercise Physiology with a minor in Recreation Ministry, enjoys a deep love of learning and interest in female physiology and nutrition. This passion is prevalent in her multifaceted educational experience, ranging from her work as a volunteer research assistant to her next steps in pursuit of a graduate degree.