Human Performance and Wellness

At VMI all cadets are required to take seven semesters of human performance and wellness classes.

The Human Performance and Wellness program mentally and physically develops cadets, through exposure to comprehensive and progressive academic (non-degree granting) and experiential (co-curricular) programs designed to enhance self-esteem, physical fitness, leadership characteristics, and the pre-requisite knowledge that produces graduates with a commitment to life-long physical fitness and health.

The program also provides cadets:

with knowledge & skill to enhance physical fitness and self-confidence
with the knowledge to develop leadership capabilities
on how to apply exercise science principles to design exercise/fitness programs
with experience to respond appropriately to situations where CPR/lifeguard skills are needed

Degrees and Programs

The Human Performance and Wellness curriculum offers an Exercise Science Minor.

All cadets are required to take seven semesters of human performance and wellness classes, and earn four semester credit hours (exclusive of any 3 credit hour course) to meet graduation requirements.

Explore courses

Rat Challenge

The VMI Rat Challenge Program was instituted in 1968. The program was developed by Dr. Clark King, who was then Head of the Department of Physical Education. At that time, the program was called Rat Training.

Part of the original purpose of the program was to provide leadership opportunities for upperclass cadets, while at the same time involving Rats in a vigorous outdoor experiential program that would stretch them physically and emotionally, and enable them to overcome any self-imposed limits with which they may be confronted.