Health & Wellness
The concept of “health and wellness” is not only significant within the psychology department, but also within the College as a whole. In fact, Cedar Crest College is committed to the health and wellness of our individual students, our campus community, our local community, and our global community. To that end, the College supports a variety of programs centered around holistic well-being, including our annual spring Health and Wellness Conference and the health and wellness minor.
By adding the health and wellness minor to your studies, you will explore an array of subjects that relate to a person’s mental, physical, and spiritual health, as well as proven methods for improving a person’s overall lifestyle. Students in this minor will:
- Receive instruction by a diverse faculty that is committed to holistic well-being
- Train on instrumentation in the psychology department’s state-of-the-art research labs
- Have the opportunity to conduct research and present the findings at the College’s Health and Wellness Conference
Mission Statement
The purpose of the health and wellness minor is to provide students with a comprehensive approach to and understanding of health promotion and disease prevention, and to allow them to acquire the knowledge necessary for achieving optimal well-being. To realize this objective, a multidisciplinary approach to health is essential. Hence, the minor consists of courses from disciplines such as biology, psychology, social work, religion/spirituality, and humanities. Additionally, the minor requires that students attend to their physical health through participation in credit and/or non-credit activities such as dance courses or “Healthy U” programs. The multidisciplinary nature of the minor will add distinctiveness to students’ education, particularly as it relates to the multifaceted nature of the study of health and wellness.
Course Requirements
Health and Wellness Minor Advising Worksheet (PDF)
18 credits to fulfill the minor. All students must complete the core course, PSY 201 (Mind-Body Medicine); at least three credits from each of the four categories listed below, plus an additional three credits from any of these four categories. In addition, students must demonstrate two experiences in the physical area as defined below. Credits in the physical component do not count towards the 18 credits required for the minor.
Core Course (Required)
PSY 201 Mind-Body Medicine 3 credits
I. Biological (Choose at least 3 credits.)
- BIO 112 The Human Agenda: Health Issues 4 credits
- BIO 117 Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology I 4 credits
- BIO 118 Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology II 4 credits
- BIO 217 Anatomy and Physiology I 4 credits
- BIO 218 Anatomy and Physiology II 4 credits
- NTR 210 Principles of Nutrition 3 credits
II. Psychological (Choose at least 3 credits.)
- PSY 202 Stress, Disease and Psychophysiological Interventions 3 credits
- PSY 227 Principles of Helping Relationships 3 credits
- PSY 229 Biological Psychology 3 credits OR NEU 200 Introduction to Neuroscience 3 credits
- PSY 251 Health Psychology 3 credits
- PSY 231 Social Psychology for Psychology 3 credits
- PSY 309 Abnormal Psychology 3 credits
III. Social/Spirituality (Choose at least 3 credits.)
- SOC 243 Social and Psychological Aspects of Aging 4 credits
- REL/PSY 204 Psychology of Religion 3 credits
- REL 220 Death and Dying 3 credits
- REL 233 Spirituality and Wellness 3 credits
- HON 133 Changing the World from the Inside Out 3 credits
IV. Humanities (Choose at least 3 credits.)
- ENG 223 Trauma and Survival (Topics in American Lit.) 3 credits
- ENG 234 Creative Writing: Poetry 3 credits
- GND 100 Introduction to Gender Studies 3 credits
- PHI 141 Philosophy of Women 3 credits
- PHI/BIO 320 Biomedical Ethics 3 credits
- SPA 205 Spanish for Health Professionals 3 credits
Students must also take an additional 3 credits from any one of the above areas.
Physical, Experiential Requirements
Students must demonstrate participation in physical activities, which maintain or improve cardiovascular functions, endurance, or flexibility. These activities may be credit bearing or non-credit bearing. If credit bearing, the course does not count towards the 18 credits required for the minor. If non-credit bearing, the activity must be approved by a health and wellness minor adviser. Students must complete two physical activities, each of which must consist of at least 2.5 hours of physical activity per week, for the duration of a semester. *
Examples of credit bearing courses which fulfill 2.5 hours of physical activity per week, for the duration of a semester are:
V. Physical
- DNC 211 Beginner Ballet
- DNC 213 Intermediate Ballet
- DNC 311 Advanced Ballet
- DNC 216 Beginner Jazz
- DNC 218 Intermediate Jazz
- DNC 314 Advanced Jazz
- DNC 220 Beginner Modern
- DNC 230 Intermediate Modern
- DNC 330 Advanced Modern
- DNC 223 Beginner Tap
- DNC 225 Intermediate Tap
- DNC 318 Advanced Tap
- Varsity Sport
* Examples of non-credit bearing activities may include participating in “Healthy U” programs or attending a gymnasium, as long as the hours spent in such activities are well-documented and can be verified.
Last Updated: 9/4/12
