The Physical Education major equips students to teach health, fitness, and sports skills to PreK-12 students.

Designed to meet teaching certification requirements in multiple states, the program opens doors to local and regional employment opportunities. The curriculum adheres to the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America Teacher Education standards, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to excel in educational settings.

 

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Offered On Campus

120 Credit Hours

Estimated Time to Complete: Four Years

Foster the next generation's physical and mental well-being

The Physical Education major prepares students to teach health, fitness, and sports skills to PreK-12 students, combining foundational knowledge with hands-on experience. The program meets teaching certification requirements in multiple states and aligns with the standards of the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America Teacher Education. Graduates are equipped to pursue local and regional employment opportunities in education, fostering the next generation's physical and mental well-being.

Sample Coursework

Personal Health

Human Anatomy and Physiology

Behavioral and Social Issues in HPER/A

Curriculum Development and Evaluation

Exercise Physiology

Adapted Physical Education

Motor Learning and Development

7-12 Methods of Teaching PE

Related Minors

Athletic Coaching Permit

Adapted Physical Activities 

Biology

Coaching

Early Childhood Education

Elementary Reading

Health

Special Education

Similar Programs

Human Performance

Sports Administration

Elementary Education

Music Education, K-12

Psychology

Secondary Education

Social Science Education

Special Education

Become a Skilled Educator

Core courses provide a robust foundation in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, exercise science, and motor development, while specialized classes such as adapted physical education and curriculum development prepare students to address diverse student needs. Methods courses for K-8 and 7-12 education focus on effective teaching strategies and classroom management, ensuring graduates are ready to lead dynamic and inclusive physical education programs.

Comprehensive teacher education requirements, including field experiences, student teaching, and coursework in educational psychology, instructional design, and classroom technology, complement the curriculum. This well-rounded program ensures students are subject-matter experts and skilled educators ready to thrive in various educational settings.

Deeper Learning through Hands-On Experiences

The Sports Sciences Department highly values experiential learning at Northern State University as it offers numerous benefits beyond the traditional classroom setting. Encouraging students to engage in hands-on experiences actively fosters a deeper understanding of the subject, as well as critical thinking and practical skills application. Northern State University offers experiential learning in various forms, exemplified by partnerships with esteemed organizations such as the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the South Dakota Special Olympics, and the Northern State Athletics Department. These collaborations allow students to work directly with diverse populations, honing their empathy, adaptability, and cultural competence. Additionally, students benefit from immersion in real-world scenarios, such as conducting research in the Nora Evert Staale Human Performance and Sports Biomechanics Lab and the Digital Arts Green Screen Lab, where they can apply theoretical knowledge to solve practical problems. Through experiential learning, Northern State University ultimately empowers students to become versatile professionals equipped with the skills and insights needed to excel in their chosen fields and make meaningful contributions to society.

Get Involved on Campus

Build skills outside the classroom and get involved with the Aberdeen community with clubs and organizations.

 

Student Involvement and Leadership