students playing volleyball in intramural gym

Physical Education Major

Become a physical education teacher

Do you have a passion for teaching? Do you enjoy leading recreational activities with children? Are you interested in being a gym teacher or coach? SBU's physical education degree will equip you to become a physical education teacher in elementary or secondary schools.

When you graduate with a physical education degree from SBU, you will be certified to teach P.E. at all grade levels, K-12, giving you great flexibility when pursuing career opportunities.

The Physical Education bachelor's degree is offered through SBU's College of Professional Programs.

90%
placement
rate

(Over the past ten years, more than 90% of physical education graduates have received employment in their field or entered graduate school.)

The SBU Advantage

Benefit from the expertise of faculty in both the division of kinesiology and the division of education.
Field experience opportunities begin as early as your freshman year and culminate with a student teaching semester in your senior year.
Hands-on learning happens through peer teaching and instruction as you apply what you are learning in your methods courses.
All physical education faculty hold Missouri teaching certification.

Faith Integration

As a physical education major you will be challenged to consider how your faith influences your teaching and why you do what you do. Physical education stresses the importance of striving for healthy bodies. As Christians, we believe this is important because our bodies are God's temple.

The intentional integration of Christian faith with the education curriculum distinguishes SBU's education department. Christian principles are discussed in the classroom and applied to educational strategies, philosophies, and best practices. At SBU, we approach education and teaching from the basis of a Christian worldview.

As an education major at SBU, you will be challenged to consider your job to be more than just teacher but also role model and servant leader. You will learn to view the classroom as a mission field in which well-trained Christian teachers are desperately needed.

Department of education faculty live out their own walks with Christ in all they do - in the classroom, with advisees, with fellow faculty and in service to the University, community and their local churches.

"The greatest academic asset that SBU offered me was a chance to learn from passionate, professional individuals that not only cared for their students, but who strongly believed in the material they teach, and practice it in their daily lives. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to learn in a classroom where I knew I was valued!"

Zachariah Rippee '15

Youth Care Specialist at Good Samaritan Boys Ranch

Student Missouri State Teachers Association

As a physical education student, you are encouraged to join SBU's chapter of Student Missouri State Teachers Association (SMSTA) to benefit from professional development and networking opportunities as you prepare for your future teaching career.

Missouri Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance

Additionally, as a physical education major, you also are encouraged to join the Missouri Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (MOAPHERD). Joining this organization will provide you with field-specific networking and professional development opportunities.

Physical Education FOUR YEAR PLAN

Discover Core Curriculum