Education: Physical Education

A major in physical education examines the relationship of sports, athletics, physical fitness, and dance to our culture and cultures throughout the world. The physical education student’s preparation includes the acquisition of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values from a vast array of courses. These courses include not only movement activities but also an understanding of associated physiological, biomechanical, sociological, psychological, historical, philosophical, and pedagogical principles.

This broad theoretical foundation of relevant disciplines is applied to the professional aspects of teaching, coaching, and administration of contemporary physical education. In addition, interested students may pursue careers in adapted physical education, athletic training, and physical therapy. Participation in intercollegiate sports and/or intramurals is encouraged as a background for teaching. Those who do not play are encouraged to work closely with a sports program in some capacity. The department also provides an excellent scientific background with a modern physiology of exercise laboratory available for hands-on use by all majors.

Physical Education Major Requirements (31 hours)

• Physical Education 149, 203, 204 (substitute for two activities required for graduation), 310, 338, 341, 416, 418
• HLSC 131
• Electives: Two hours of Physical Education above the 100-level
• Physical Education Minor Requirements (15 hours)
• Physical Education courses at the 200 level or above with at least 3 hours at the 300-400 level

Teacher Licensure Requirements

• Multi-age health education ages 3-21
• Multi-age physical education ages 3-21
• Physical education majors seeking multi-age licensure, ages 3 through 21, in physical education and also athletic training certification may exceed 40 hours in physical education by 6 hours.

Contact the education department for specific course requirements.

NOTE: Major/minor requirements are in addition to the General Education in the Liberal Arts and Sciences Curriculum, which are required of all students to graduate.

Course Requirement Checklist