A Mixed Method Evaluationof the Health, Wellness and Fitness Undergraduate Program as it Relates to Professional Preparedness

Abstract

It is important for college and university academic programs to adequately prepare students for their professional careers. Program evaluation is a critical component in understanding if academic programs are developing the knowledge and skills necessary for their graduates to be successful. A key piece of program evaluation is Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)andmaking decisions to strengthen the program. The purpose of this study was to determine how well program graduates felt their undergraduate kinesiology related program’scurriculum prepared them for their careers. This mixed method study utilized an electronic survey followed by groupinterviews. Graduates were asked how well and how important the various components of the current program were for beinga prepared wellness professional. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed to answer the research questions. The results of this study will give program administrators insight on how to enhance the curriculum and instruction.