Physical Education Teaching Option

Program Overview

The Physical Education Teaching program is designed as a practitioner-oriented program for physical education teaching professionals seeking additional qualifications and expertise in areas such as teaching methods and styles, new and innovative curricular design, analysis of effective teaching, and supervision. The Physical Education Teaching program offers emphases in Adventure Education and Adapted Physical Education Teaching (Special Populations).

  • The Adventure Education emphasis is designed as a practitioner oriented program for physical educators seeking specific expertise in the area of adventure/outdoor pursuits.
  • The Adapted Physical Education/Special Populations emphasis is designed for educators interested in teaching, leadership, and supervisory roles in adapted physical education.

Courses in these emphasis areas will be available only when there is a minimum number of 8 students in a program rotation who wish to pursue one of these emphases.

Students must select either the thesis option (32 credits) or non-thesis option (32 credits). Students choosing the non-thesis option must successfully apply for and complete comprehensive written exams in the department of exercise and sport science. The Physical Education Teaching program does not result in a K-12 teaching certificate. Additional course work to obtain a teaching certificate may be required based on previously completed undergraduate course work.

Physical education teaching graduates are prepared to:
  • enrich and provide leadership for school physical education curriculum and instructional process
  • teach/coach in K-12 settings or teach/coach at the college/university level
  • pursue advanced degrees in physical education and pedagogy
  • increase instructional effectiveness
  • apply research related to effective teaching and instructional program development
  • lead outdoor adventure trips
  • direct challenge courses
Physical education teaching graduates are employed as:
  • college/university teachers, coaches and student teacher supervisors
  • K-12 department chairpersons
  • physical education teachers/coaches
  • adventure guides
  • ropes course directors