Baker University is broadening its options for students with the addition of public health and recreation majors.

In addition, the Exercise Science and Public Health program partnered with Cleveland University-Kansas City to launch the 3+3 model, which allows exercise science students to graduate from Baker with a bachelor’s degree in three years and enroll at the chiropractic program at Cleveland University-Kansas City, or CUKC, for another three years.

Along with reducing education costs, this model helps students enter into the job market earlier.

Director of Exercise Science and Public Health Chris Todden said the Behavioral and Health Science department looks forward to preparing students for the professional health care field.

“These students can become key players in public health nursing, physical activity, law, research, communication, and education,” Todden said in a press release. “These professionals come together to reinvent strategy and utilize evidence-based systems to support a society in which we are all aware that everyone benefits when people are healthier.”

CUKC and Baker will work closely with students, sponsoring activities to prepare them for CUKC’s Doctor of Chiropractic Program.

Students interested in working with people in an environment that promotes physical health and physical activity are a great fit for the recreation major.

Assistant Professor Verneda Edwards said this major will give students who don’t want to work in a school or get a license to teach the opportunity to pursue plenty of activities and ventures within their degree.

“They have the opportunity to work with coordinating and organizing programs for families, children, adults, infants and senior citizens,” Edwards said.

These opportunities are available at recreational locations such as the YMCA, Genesis or Lifetime Sports.

“These students want a more global approach to activity and recreation,” Edwards said.

Students who want to pursue a specific area have the option to partner with other Baker departments in order to pursue their specific interests.