Physical Education (K-12 Professional Instruction)

Degree offered: B.S. in physical education. Certification: Teacher certification K-12 in the physical education major with K-12 Professional Instruction emphasis. Secondary level teachable minor in physical education.

The Department of Movement Science serves the diverse pre professional needs of Grand Valley State University students who are accepted as majors or minors in physical education. The department also provides skills development courses in fitness, wellness and leisure sport activities for the personal enrichment of Grand Valley State University students, faculty, and staff.

The goal of the core curriculum is to provide students with a broad theoretical and conceptual foundation.  The curriculum is designed to encourage the examination of the philosophical, historical, psycho-social, scientific, ethical, and legal constructs of the profession.  In addition, the curriculum provides the opportunity for majors to complete at lease one of four emphasis areas within the major:  K-12 Professional Instruction, Fitness/Wellness, Athletic Training and Sport Pedagogy (Coaching).  The combination of the core curriculum plus one or more areas of emphasis is intended to accommodate the diverse professional preparation needs of our undergraduate students.

Career Opportunities: Physical Education

The degree in Physical Education is designed for the preparation of teachers, coaches, athletic trainers, and fitness/wellness leaders.  Career opportunities include positions as; teachers (K-12), coaches, intramural directors, recreation leaders, athletic officials, athletic administrators, consultants, camp directors, youth leaders, wellness/fitness leaders and administrators, athletic trainers, and personal trainers.

Major Requirements: Physical Education

Students seeking a major in Physical Education must complete the following:

1. University degree requirements as identified in the General Academic Regulations.
2. Core curriculum for the major in Physical Education (19 Credit Hours)

   MOV 101 Foundations of Physical Education and Sport	3 Credits
   PED 102 First Aid	2 Credits
   MOV 201 Psycho-social Aspects of Phys Ed & Sport	3 Credits
   MOV 300 Kinesiology	3 Credits
   MOV 309 Measurement and Evaluation	3 Credits
   MOV 310 Motor Skills Development	2 Credits
   PED 401 Organization and Administration of Physical Education and Sport (SWS) (Capstone)	3 Credits

3. Skills development activity courses (five credits hours) selected from PED 120 through 179, one of which must be aquatics.  Each skills course must be from a different numerical category.
4. Emphasis areas are designed to allow students to pursue in-depth knowledge in one or more areas, which will provide a specialized focus for their professional preparation.  There are four emphasis areas available:  Athletic Training, Coaching, Fitness/Wellness, and K-12 Education.  A Teaching minor is also available.
5. Advising sheets for each emphasis area can be found at the CLAS Advising Center