Physical Education

Preparing you for a rewarding career in K-12 physical education
Next

Outer Wrapper

About The Program
School of Education

Physical Education

Request InformationSchedule a Visit Apply Now

As a student in our B.S.Ed. Physical Education program, you’ll learn scientific and fitness principles, pedagogy (the method and practice of teaching), and curriculum development from our diverse and experienced faculty.

Coursework within the major falls into three categories:

  • Physical education methodology
  • General teacher preparation
  • Exercise science

Physical education methodology courses train prospective teachers to promote physical literacy and are specific to the gymnasium.

Teacher preparation and physical education methods coursework, which are required for teacher licensure, prepare you for Praxis content exams and application for teacher licensure in South Dakota.

Students who graduate from this program will also have the strong science background necessary to be an exceptional physical educator, including coursework in anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and motor behavior.

 

 

Careers 

This major prepares you to for careers such as:

  • Teaching physical education in a K-12 setting - NSU teacher candidates have a 95 percent career placement rate.  
  • Employment opportunities with the YMCA or Boys and Girls Club.
  • Positions at fitness centers or recreation programs. 
  • You’ll receive career planning assistance from your academic advisor and HPE faculty. 
  • For more information on careers in your major or help choosing a major, contact the NSU Career Center.
Internships 

Physical education majors complete a semester of student teaching before graduation. We'll work closely with you and our connections to find internships and field experiences suitable to your interests.

Scholarships 

School of Education scholarships are available to incoming freshmen and upperclassmen. For details, please call the School of Education at 605-626-2415.  

Education Scholarships

NSU Scholarships

Courses 

Physical Education (BSEd) Course Requirements and Student Learning Outcomes

Physical Education Minor Course Requirements

Plans of Study 

Physical Education (BSEd) Plan of Study

Program Success/Outcomes 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

“College wasn’t initially a part of my plan when I graduated high school. As soon as I graduated, I started looking for work. None of the jobs in my area really interested me, so a previous teacher of mine helped me fill out an application to Northern on a whim—I didn’t even tell my mom that I had applied! I turned in my application to NSU in August of that summer on the week that applications were due. Receiving the acceptance letter truly changed me. Going to college was something that I dreamed about, but I never thought was a realistic option. I called my mom as soon as I found out that I was accepted and she was so thrilled for me. My mom has been a huge supporter of me, and I know that I wouldn’t have gotten here without her. Once I got here, it didn’t go as planned. I was on academic probation for my first semester, and ended up making the decision to go back home for a year after my first year at Northern. While I was at home I took classes at my local community college to try to get me GPA up, and eventually got to a place where I turned my grades around, got on the Dean’s list, and was finally able to apply to come back to Northern. Working that entire year at home was hard, but it helped straighten me out and get me on the right path. Native Americans have a 1.8 percent chance of coming back to the same university after taking a break, so to be able to beat the statistics and be a part of that 1.8 percent feels amazing.”—Keyshawn Peneaux, Rosebud #beNORTHERN #unleashYOURpotential #NorthernStateU #NAHeritage

A post shared by Northern State University (@northernstateu) on

Contact Information 

Ready to take the next step? Contact us today:

Want to learn more about living and learning at Northern? Contact NSU Admissions today 605-626-2544 or admissions@northern.edu!

Still unsure of a major? We can help! Contact NSU Career Services at 605-626-3007 or careerservices@northern.edu.

Explore More Degrees

 

 

LEARN MORE

Northern is known for being one of the best values in the region and is committed to student affordability.

Learn more about resources available as you take steps toward advancing your education and pursuing your dream career!

 

FINANCIAL AIDTUITION AND FEESSTUDENT SUCCESS