Physical Education Major
Introduction
The Physical Education Program prepares individuals to effectively teach physical education in schools utilizing curricula based on movement science principles. Program curricula are designed to challenge students to discover, experience, and reflect upon the study of movement through theory and practical experiences. The Physical Education Program content is aligned with two sets of standards: The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and the Content Standard in Physical Education of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education. The program is arranged sequentially to help students acquire and gradually refine the planning, instructional, and interpersonal skills needed to be effective teachers. A series of clinical and field experiences are critical to achieving this goal. These experiences have specific objectives to help students obtain the necessary knowledge and skills needed to be highly effective physical educators in the 21st century. Physical education majors must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better with no grade lower than a C in major classes.
Benefits and distinctives:
- Study such topics as fitness and wellness development and assessment, movement exploration, motor development, anatomy, physiology, scientific techniques in observing and analyzing skill performances, as well as a thorough preparation in teaching methods.
- Engage in multiple service-learning endeavors in order to practically apply new skills and knowledge.
- Foster a desire to share the importance of lifetime physical activity with future generations.
Career opportunities:
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What about internship opportunities?
Students find internships with school athletic and physical education departments as interns, teachers, and coaches.
“Through service learning, peer teaching, health/fitness and skills classes, I am fully prepared to begin teaching a wide demographic of children and adults. Without the guidance and support of APU faculty, I would not be ready to take on teaching in the physical education field.”
Michelle Lovejoy ’05
Physical education
