The department began offering a new Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in Fall 2004.

The core of the degree emphasizes the broad fundamental principles of physical education including scientific foundations, psychological and cultural aspects, assessment and testing methods, trends, and leadership development in a variety of physical activities.  Students may choose to pursue study in one of two emphasis areas within the degree:  health and fitness leadership or adventure leadership.  The health and fitness leadership emphasis and the adventure leadership emphasis prepare students for professional positions in rapidly growing fields.  Each emphasis focuses on developing leadership expertise as well as the knowledge, physical skills, and technical competencies to prepare graduates for the job market. 

The health and fitness leadership emphasis readies students for employment in hospital based health education and fitness programs, community or public health/fitness programs, private health clubs and fitness facilities, corporate fitness/wellness programs, military fitness centers, as personal trainers, or helps them prepare for further education in physical therapy while the adventure leadership emphasis readies graduates for employment with youth or recreational programs, adventure tourism, guide services, camps, schools, or a host of experiential education opportunities. 

The degree also serves as a foundation for teacher preparation in physical education.

Upon Graduation, you will have:

• Knowledge of physical education concepts as well as concepts related to a specific area of emphasis.
• Competency in many activity forms and proficiency in a few.
• Ability to apply established national standards in the field(s).
• Proficiency in entry-level discipline specific administrative skills.
• Proficiency in general and discipline specific technologies.
• Effective leadership skills including the ability to:
• • evaluate and direct/re-direct skillful movement,
  • lead a variety of activities,
  • use appropriate motivational strategies,
  • employ appropriate safety and prevention techniques,
  • exercise sound judgment and good decision-making skills, and
  • effective communication skills.