The University of Utah College of Health will realign July 1 from seven departments and divisions into five departments. The preexisting Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders will be joined by new Departments of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology; Health, Kinesiology and Recreation; Physical Therapy and Athletic Training; and Occupational and Recreational Therapies.
“This realignment will create new and exciting degree programs and initiatives and enhance opportunities for students and faculty to engage in interprofessional education, research and practice,” said David Perrin, Ph.D., dean of the College of Health.
Courses and degrees offered under former departments will continue to be available within the new structure. For example, the former departments of Parks, Recreation and Tourism; Exercise and Sport Science; and Health Promotion and Education now will fall under Health, Kinesiology and Recreation. Also, following a national trend, “Kinesiology” will replace “Exercise and Sport Science” as the title of that program.
The College of Health is among the largest colleges at the University with 2,500 undergraduates and 600 graduate students. Degree options include 18 B.A./B.S. degree emphases, 16 master’s degree programs, three clinical doctorates and five Ph.D. programs. In addition, the College provides clinical training, research and services to improve the health and quality of life of University faculty, staff and students, as well as residents of the Salt Lake City community and beyond. The College offers clinics in Speech-Language Hearing, Nutrition, Life Skills, and Rehabilitation and Wellness.
“The College is leveraging its strengths through new partnerships with Health Sciences researchers and clinicians in neurosciences, cancer and physical activity, cardiovascular research and training, and diabetes, metabolism, and obesity,” Perrin said. “Health care in America is undergoing a major transformation, and the College of Health is playing a crucial role in this transformation through discovery and implementation of new knowledge in prevention of chronic disease and evidence-based rehabilitation services.”