Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Department Records

Physical education has always been included in the curriculum of South Dakota State University. The objective of a strong mind, body and spirit is consistent with the philosophy of "educating the total person." Since the earliest years, students have been required to take either physical education or military science in order to graduate. Physical education courses took many different forms over the years, usually consistent with contemporary thinking. Courses were taught by departments, which went by various names, including the Department of Music and Physical Culture, the Department of Elocution and Physical Culture, and Physical Education, and Recreation.

In the 1940's, a major in physical education was established, with different requirements for males and females. In 1953, a graduate degree was offered through the department. The Physical Education Department changed its name to the Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation [HPER] in 1969-70. This change was quickly followed by an added degree in public recreation. Other minor and major programs were also offered through the department.

The Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Department is now administratively located under the College of Education & Human Sciences and is called the Department of Health and Nutritional Sciences. It provides undergraduate programs in Athletic Training, Nutrition & Dietetics, Exercise Science, Health Education, Physical Education, and Sport, Recreation and Park Management, as well as a number of supporting minors.