Brief History
This department of the university was established in 2000, formed by the merger of the physical education faculties of the then National Chiayi Teachers College (NCTC) and National Chiayi Institute of Technology (NCIT), and became the Department of Physical Education, National Chiayi University.The master's program (Institute of Physical Education , Health and Leisure) began enrolling students in 2003, and the in-service master's program in the Department of Physical Education started enrolling students in 2011. Later, due to the merger of departments in line with the school policy, it was renamed the Department of Physical Education , Health and Recreation Studies (including master's degree courses). At present, there is one class for the undergraduate department, advanced bachelor's degree class, master's class, and on-the-job master's degree class.
The mission of the department is to cultivate students with specialized knowledge and professional spirit in physical education teaching, as well as to develop professional expertise in the sports and leisure industry and elderly exercise instruction and health. Through the structure and setting of the department's curriculum modules, it is hoped that students can become outstanding physical education teachers in elementary and secondary schools or professional coaches for school sports teams; cultivate professional management talents in the sports and leisure industry, and strengthen the mutual integration of academic theory and practical expertise; develop the coaching skills and exercise program design for elderly exercise and fitness trainers to assist the elderly in achieving a better quality of life.
The master's program of this department aims to cultivate professionals in the field of sports, health, and leisure who possess specialized research and practical skills. It emphasizes diverse curriculum design to enhance professional growth, and strengthens international academic exchange to promote the development of sports science, leisure management, and education research, thereby cultivating various professional talents in the field of sports.