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The Physical and Wellness Education Division offers accredited certificates and transferrable degrees in the areas of health and wellness while also providing high-quality health enriching courses for our community. We are committed to supporting individuals who advocate healthy lifestyles and education through knowledge of human physiology, exercise training, sport theory, and lifestyle behavior modification with a commitment to becoming professional health leaders.
An Associate in Arts (AA) Degree in Exercise and Wellness prepares students for transfer to a university and provides a basic knowledge in exercise science, health, and physical education that will prepare them for employment in the fitness industry.
An Associate in Arts (AA) Degree in Sports Management prepares students for transfer to a university and develops basic skills in sports management and marketing.
An Occupational Certificate in Fitness Training Professional provides students with work experience in various fitness leadership positions in the health/fitness industry or to become self-employed in health/fitness training and consultation.
The fitness center and swimming pool are located on the northeast side of the campus near the soccer field and are open to on-campus residents and students enrolled in at least one credit course.
FITNESS CENTER HOURS:
| Monday-Thursday | 5:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Friday | 9:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Saturday | 9:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Call the Fitness Center at 928.344.7508
Check out our fitness classes! We offer a wide variety of fitness classes to promote health and wellness for all students. There’s something for everyone! Look under PER in the Class Schedule!
Programs
Click on a program to get more information.
AA in Exercise, Wellness and Nutrition
Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements
The recommended plan below meets the requirements to complete this program. For official requirements, visit the AWC Catalog. If the recommended classes listed below don’t fit your schedule or interests, you can take alternate classes.
Visit Academic Planning to get started on your personalized Academic Plan, or schedule an appointment with the Advising Office.
Program Requirements Based on Fall/Spring rotation. (AGEC-A certificate also included)
First Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 or ENG 107 |
Freshman Composition I | 3 | GE-Composition |
| EXW 100 | Health and Wellness | 3 | Major Requirement |
| MAT 142 | College Mathematics (or higher) | 3 | GE-Mathematics |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| ART | Choose one course from Arts | 3 | GE-Arts |
| 15 |
Milestones:
- Meet professors one-on-one
- Research University Degree Program options
- Plan with your advisor after midterm grades posted
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Register with Jobs 4 Matadors
- Attend AWC Majors Fair & Career Expos
Second Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 102 or ENG 108 |
Freshman Composition II | 3 | GE-Composition |
| EXW 101 | Concepts of Kinesiolgy | 3 | Major Requirement |
| EXW 212 | Exercise Science | 3 | Major Requirement |
| PHI 105 | Intro to Ethics (recommended) | 3 | GE-Humanities |
| BIO 181 | General Biology I | 4 | Pre-Requisite for BIO 201 |
| 16 |
Milestones:
- Join a club
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Transfer Services Events
- Apply for Scholarships
Third Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAT 270 | Applied Statistics | 4 | Major Requirement |
| NTR 201 | Nutrition | 3 | Major Requirement |
| BIO 201 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 | GE-Physical & Biological Sciences |
| FAS 238 | Human Development (same as PSY 238) | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| EXW or PEM | Choose a course to satisfy one Emphasis Area: Fitness & Exercise OR Health & Fitness (9 total credits required) |
2-3 | Departmental Requirement |
| 16-17 |
Milestones:
- If transferring, apply to universities
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Visit universities campus
- Apply for internship or volunteer opportunities
Fourth Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO 202 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 | GE-Physical & Biological Sciences |
| SPC 215 | Public Speaking | 3 | GE-Additional Courses |
| CIS 120 | Introduction to Computer Information Systems (recommended) | 3 | GE-Additional Courses |
| EXW or PEM | Choose a course to satisfy one Emphasis Area: Fitness & Exercise OR Health & Fitness (9 total credits required) |
2-3 | Departmental Requirement |
| EXW or PEM | Choose a course to satisfy one Emphasis Area: Fitness & Exercise OR Health & Fitness (9 total credits required) |
2-3 | Departmental Requirement |
| 14-16 |
Milestones:
- Apply for Graduation
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Etiquette Lunch
- Meet with Career Services
- Apply for university scholarship opportunities
AA in Sports Management
Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements
The recommended plan below meets the requirements to complete this program. For official requirements, visit the AWC Catalog. If the recommended classes listed below don’t fit your schedule or interests, you can take alternate classes.
Visit Academic Planning to get started on your personalized Academic Plan, or schedule an appointment with the Advising Office.
Program Requirements Based on Fall/Spring rotation. (AGEC-A certificate also included)
First Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 or ENG 107 |
Freshman Composition I | 3 | GE-Composition |
| PED 102 | Issues in Sports | 3 | Major Requirement |
| MAT 142 | College Mathematics (or higher) | 3 | GE-Mathematics |
| ECN 240 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| ART | Choose one course from Arts | 3 | GE-Arts |
| PED 120 | Leisure and Quality of Life | 3 | General Elective |
| 18 |
Milestones:
- Meet professors one-on-one
- Research University Degree Program options
- Plan with your advisor after midterm grades posted
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Register with Jobs 4 Matadors
- Attend AWC Majors Fair & Career Expos
Second Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 102 or ENG 108 |
Freshman Composition II | 3 | GE-Composition |
| PEM 125 | Foundations of Sports Management | 3 | Major Requirement |
| PHI 105 | Intro to Ethics (recommended) | 3 | GE-Humanities (WI) |
| ECN 250 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| SPC 215 | Public Speaking | 3 | Major Requirement/ GE-Additional Courses* |
| 15 |
Milestones:
- Join a club
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Transfer Services Events
- Apply for Scholarships
Third Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACC 100 | Introduction to Accounting | 3 | Major Requirement |
| CIS 120 | Introduction to Computer Information Systems | 3 | Major Requirement/ GE-Additional Courses* |
| PEM 203 | Sports Psychology | 3 | Major Requirement |
| Physical & Biological | Choose one course from Physical & Biological Sciences | 4 | GE-Physical & Biological Sciences |
| PEM 201 | The Business of Athletic Coaching | 3 | General Elective |
| 16 |
Milestones:
- If transferring, apply to universities
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Visit universities campus
- Apply for internship or volunteer opportunities
Fourth Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEM 135 | Sports Marketing | 3 | Major Requirement |
| Physical & Biological | Choose one course from Physical & Biological Sciences | 4 | GE-Physical & Biological Sciences |
| FAS 238 | Human Development | 3 | GE-Additonal Courses/WI |
| PEM 102 or PEM 204 |
Emergency Procedures for Coaches or Methods of Coaching Sports |
2-3 | General Elective |
| Elective | Choose one course (100 level or higher) | 3 | General Elective |
| 15-16 |
Milestones:
- Apply for Graduation
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Etiquette Lunch
- Meet with Career Services
- Apply for university scholarship opportunities
Fitness Training Professional
To get started on your personalized Academic Plan, visit the Academic Planning page or schedule an appointment to meet with an advisor.
Transfer Paths and Requirements
| UNIVERSITY | DEGREE | MAJOR | LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | BS | Exercise Science, Health Sciences (multiple programs) | None |
| Northern Arizona University | BS | Exercise Physiology, Health Sciences (multiple programs) | None |
| University of Arizona | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Transfer Tools
AZTransfer will provide you with more information and tools on how to transfer to ASU, NAU, and UofA.
Need help with transferring? The AWC Transfer Services office can provide you with individualized help to explore degree pathways and specific university requirements. Visit their website or schedule an appointment with a transfer specialist.
Career Overview & Job Outlook
Successful completion of this program may lead to a variety of employment opportunities, most of which require continued higher education at the university level. Below are examples of related occupations and annual mean wages in Arizona according to a May 2020 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Physical Therapist Aides Under close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing the patient and the treatment area. |
$30,480 |
| Dietetic Technicians Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education. |
$32,630 |
| Recreaction Workers Conduct recreation activities with groups in public, private, or volunteer agencies or recreation facilities. Organize and promote activities, such as arts and crafts, sports, games, music, dramatics, social recreation, camping, and hobbies, taking into account the needs and interests of individual members. |
$33,560 |
| Community Health Workers Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. Act as liaison or advocate and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. May deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. May collect data to help identify community health needs. |
$44,250 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities for the primary purpose of personal fitness. Demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain to them corrective measures necessary to improve their skills. Develop and implement individualized approaches to exercise. |
$47,070 |
| Health Education Specialists Provide and manage health education programs that help individuals, families, and their communities maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles. Use data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments. May link health systems, health providers, insurers, and patients to address individual and population health needs. May serve as resource to assist individuals, other health professionals, or the community, and may administer fiscal resources for health education programs. |
$51,400 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training. |
$53,680 |
| Recreational Therapists Plan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions. Activities include sports, trips, dramatics, social activities, and crafts. May assess a patient condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity. |
$53,790 |
| Coaches and Scouts Instruct or coach groups or individuals in the fundamentals of sports for the primary purpose of competition. Demonstrate techniques and methods of participation. May evaluate athletes’ strengths and weaknesses as possible recruits or to improve the athletes’ technique to prepare them for competition. Those required to hold teaching certifications should be reported in the appropriate teaching category. |
$54,150 |
| Athletic Trainers Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care. |
$55,990 |
| Exercise Physiologists Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility. |
$57,000 |
| Agents and Business Managers of Athletes Represent and promote athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers. May handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients. |
$57,610 |
| Dietitians and Nutritionists Plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. May supervise activities of a department providing quantity food services, counsel individuals, or conduct nutritional research. |
$62,720 |
| Postsecondary Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers Teach courses pertaining to recreation, leisure, and fitness studies, including exercise physiology and facilities management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research./small> |
$71,910 |
| Entertainment and Recreation Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate entertainment and recreational activities and operations of a recreational facility, including cruise ships and parks. |
$87,340 |
| Physical Therapists Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury. |
$94,700 |