Physical Education Degrees


Physical Education Degrees

Physical Education and Health degree programs prepare individuals to teach and coach children and adults in the areas of exercise and fitness, sports, nutrition and hygiene. Students study human physiology, sports psychology, kinesiology and teaching strategies, among other topics.

Physical education in schools is becoming a higher priority as the national childhood obesity epidemic has put an increased focus on fitness. Whereas in the past, tight school budgets resulted in a decrease in physical education classes, today's schools are putting more emphasis on physical education classes and are increasing the diversity of options to appeal to more students. Physical Education and Health jobs in public schools and elsewhere are available to those with the appropriate education.

Degree Options

  • Associate's Degree – These two-year degrees are appropriate for those seeking to work in outreach programs, as a private trainer, at a fitness center or for a sporting goods company.
  • Bachelor's Degree – A bachelor's degree in Physical Education and Health will prepare graduates to teach physical education in public schools, coach school-based sports and work in many other sports and recreation related careers.
  • Master's Degree – A master's degree in this field will prepare graduates to be an athletic trainer, teach physical education at a public school or at a college or become a director of a physical education program or fitness center.
  • Doctoral Degree – A graduate of a doctoral program in physical education and health my choose to become involved in research or become a college level instructor in a physical education degree program.

Schools

Physical Education and Health degree programs can be found at many universities and colleges. These degrees can also be obtained via online schools since the coursework does not actually require any physical activity.

Coursework

Some examples of courses found in a Physical Education and Health degree program are listed below:

  • Safety and First-Aid
  • Skills and Techniques of Individual Sports
  • Motor Development
  • Contemporary Health Problems
  • Kinesiology (science of human movement)
  • Theory and Practice of Team Sports
  • Clinical Supervision in Physical Education
  • Analysis of Research in Physical Education
  • Instructional Design & Content: Games
  • Instructional Design & Content: Dance & Gymnastics
  • Sports Psychology
  • Adapted Physical Education

Interests and Aptitudes

Physical education and health majors must enjoy working with children or adults to instill a life-long appreciation of exercise and healthy life-style habits. They should enjoy a wide range of physical activities and sports and be able to generate interest and motivation among their students or clients. Above all, physical education and health majors must be dedicated to staying personally fit so they can serve as a role model for those they instruct.

Career Options

Some career options for a person with a degree in Physical Education and Health degree are:

  • Physical Education Teacher (K-12)
  • Youth Sports Coach
  • Personal Trainer
  • Athletic Trainer
  • Fitness Center Director
  • Recreation Center Director

Related Majors

  • Exercise Science
  • Kinesiology and Sports Science
  • Sports and Performance Psychology
  • Nutrition Sciences and Studies
  • Elementary School Education
  • Middle School Education
  • Secondary School Education

How To Evaluate Physical Education and Health Degree Programs

The following factors should be taken into consideration when choosing a Physical Education and Health degree program:

  • Licensing - Each state has its own licensing requirements for public school physical education teachers, so students who intend to become licensed need to verify the program will meet their state's requirements.
  • Program Focus – Prospective students should choose a program that focuses on topics that support their career goals, whether they be public school physical education instructor, personal trainer or something else.
  • Accreditation – The school chosen should be accredited by one of the six regional accrediting agencies so that future employers will have no doubt about the quality of education received.

Resources

American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance

National Association for Sport and Physical Education

American Council on Exercise

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