Degree Description

Upon completion of a physical education teaching degree, students can obtain their license to teach grades P-12. Physical education teachers provide experiences that enable students to be physically educated persons who have learned skills necessary to perform a variety of physical activities, are physically fit, participate regularly in physical activity, know implications of and benefits from involvement in physical activities, and value physical activity and its contributions to a healthy lifestyle. Teacher preparation involves early and continuous field and classroom experiences designed to develop knowledge related to physical education and health content and skills in using teaching strategies. Teaching majors also are provided with classroom and field experiences related to growth and development, communication, management and motivation, diverse learners, assessment, reflection, and collaboration with others.

Careers
  • Public or Private School Teacher
  • Physical Education Director in Youth Agencies (YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs, etc)
  • Physical Education Director at Youth Camps
  • Coaching (Youth Sports, Community Clubs, High School, College/University)
  • Sports Retail Sales
  • University Professor


  • Changing your major to Physical Education Teaching
    CODO Process for Students Interested in Health and Human Sciences Majors

    Degree Requirement Sheet/Four Year Plan
    Physical Education Teaching Degree Requirement Sheet
    Physical Education Teaching Four Year Plan
    PE & Health Double Major Five Year Plan

    Additional Resources
    Boiler Bytes: Students reach out to the community through Pete's Pals
    Plan of Study Worksheet
    Registration Time Grid

    Audit Forms
    Physical Education Teaching
    Health & Safety and PE Teaching Double Major

    Links
    Purdue Office of Professional Preparation and Licensure (OPPL)
    American Alliance for Health Physical Education Recreation and Dance
    National Association for Sport & Physical Education
    Praxis I Sample Questions
    Praxis II Sample Questions
    Educational Testing Service (Praxis I & Praxis II Registration)