Health and Physical Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Undergraduate Major
Allendale • Face to face • 130 Credits
The health and physical education major equips students with the skills to design and implement fitness programs, educate individuals on healthy lifestyle choices, and promote physical development across different age groups.
Overview
Students become certified teachers for preschool through 12th grade students and are prepared to be leaders in their field, positively impacting communities. The program combines scientific study and teaching pedagogy with high-impact experiences for students to become qualified and experienced educators.
Courses focus on early childhood movement, health and fitness concepts, rhythms and dance, and teaching students with disabilities. You will engage in outdoor education, sports skills teaching, and reproductive health courses. Additionally, you will gain practical experience through fieldwork with preschool through 12th grade students, ensuring a comprehensive and hands-on learning experience.
Faculty members offer personalized attention in both courses and field experiences, fostering a student-oriented, teaching-focused environment. You will have opportunities for student teaching and participating in state and national conventions, engaging with professional communities in health and physical education. Graduates consistently achieve high pass rates on the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification.
Department of Movement Science
Ingrid Johnson
4407 Kindschi Hall of Science
[email protected]
gvsu.edu/physicaleducation
Admissions and Recruitment Office
Career Opportunities
Assist in the provision of food service and nutritional programs, under the supervision of a dietitian. May plan and produce meals based on established guidelines, teach principles of food and nutrition, or counsel individuals.
Top skills- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Service Orientation
- Reading Comprehension
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 28,225.60 | 10% |
| $ 30,388.80 | 25% |
| $ 34,278.40 | 50% |
| $ 36,857.60 | 75% |
| $ 38,937.60 | 90% |
Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care.
Top skills- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Judgment and Decision Making
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 37,004.40 | 10% |
| $ 44,956.71 | 25% |
| $ 52,767.64 | 50% |
| $ 63,386.07 | 75% |
| $ 83,052.13 | 90% |
Provide individualized physical education instruction or services to children, youth, or adults with exceptional physical needs due to gross motor developmental delays or other impairments.
Top skills- Instructing
- Active Listening
- Social Perceptiveness
- Speaking
- Active Learning
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 50,921.49 | 10% |
| $ 62,410.52 | 25% |
| $ 78,758.57 | 50% |
| $ 91,233.01 | 75% |
| $103,240.15 | 90% |
Instruct or coach groups or individuals in the fundamentals of sports for the primary purpose of competition. Demonstrate techniques and methods of participation. May evaluate athletes' strengths and weaknesses as possible recruits or to improve the athletes' technique to prepare them for competition. Those required to hold teaching certifications should be reported in the appropriate teaching category.
Top skills- Instructing
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Learning Strategies
- Judgment and Decision Making
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 25,146.12 | 10% |
| $ 29,443.49 | 25% |
| $ 46,354.80 | 50% |
| $ 65,188.73 | 75% |
| $ 99,615.36 | 90% |
Plan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions. Activities include sports, trips, dramatics, social activities, and crafts. May assess a patient condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity.
Top skills- Service Orientation
- Social Perceptiveness
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Coordination
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 42,952.00 | 10% |
| $ 50,086.39 | 25% |
| $ 59,051.20 | 50% |
| $ 67,516.80 | 75% |
| $ 76,003.20 | 90% |
106K
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Graduates Employed
Scholarships
Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based
scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are
available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.
Grand Valley offers myScholarships
(a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match
with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities.
myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you
to scholarships for which you might qualify.
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