Physical Education
About Us:
We have a passion for physical activity, sports, physical fitness and health. Our faculty make a positive impact on quality of life for students of all ages. Together, we gain skills and knowledge necessary for optimal learning for children, adolescents, and young adults.
Thank you for visiting the WKU Physical Education website.
We are in the School of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport and offer a Bachelor of Science degree with three concentrations:
- Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE)
- Physical Education Health Education (HETE)
- Physical Education Movement Studies (PEMS)
We also offer a minor and certificate in Athletic Coaching.
We prepare students for many occupations and professions. One of the most frequently pursued is teaching in K-12.
However, many other options exist such as:
- corporate wellness
- fitness
- wellness instructors
- activity directors
- school and community-based programs
- other PE and Health teaching focused occupations
Students who complete the teacher certification process will be eligible to be recommended for a teaching endorsement in the State of Kentucky.
Learn more about the major!
Athletic Coaching, Minor (320)
The minor in Athletic Coaching is designed to develop positive teaching/coaching skills in athletics and to meet the need for qualified coaches in public/private schools, business settings or community agencies. The minor requires 21-24 semester hours. Students must maintain a “C” or better in each course in the minor.
This minor provides students with the credentials necessary to immediately be eligible for any coaching position in Kentucky (and other states) from youth sports to high school level.
Contact: Dr. Brian Myers
Required Courses: | Hours | |
PE 211 | Net / Wall and Target Sports | 3 |
PE 212 | Striking / Fielding and Invasion Sports | 3 |
PE 290 | Foundations of Coaching Principles | 3 |
PE 291 | Scientific Base/Conditioning | 3 |
PE 310 | Kinesiology | 3 |
PE 311 | Exercise Physiology | 3 |
PE 497 | Advanced Principles of Coaching | 3 |
Electives - Students may select 1 course from below: | 0-3 | |
Coaching of Volleyball | ||
Football Coaching | ||
Basketball Coaching | ||
Track and Field Coaching | ||
Baseball Coaching | ||
Total Hours | 21-24 |
Health Education, Minor (389)
The minor in health education requires a minimum of 23 semester hours. This minor provides a basic foundation for students desiring preparation in health promotion and disease prevention. The minor in health education may be used in combination with many majors to enhance student’s career opportunities and as preparation for graduate study in a variety of health disciplines. Completion of the minor along with a teaching certifiable major leads to certification in health education. Contact: Dr. Grace Lartey
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
BIOL 131 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
SFTY 171 | Safety and First Aid | 1 |
PH 261 | Foundations of Public Health Education | 3 |
PH 365 | Human Sexuality | 3 |
PH 381 | Public and Community Health | 3 |
PH 461 | Comprehensive School Health Program | 3 |
PH 467 | Drug Abuse Education | 3 |
Select one of the following (with approval of the academic advisor): | 3 | |
Environmental Health | ||
Independent Study in Health and Safety | ||
Consumer Health | ||
Health and Safety in the Elementary School | ||
Human Nutrition | ||
Total Hours | 23 |
Athletic Coaching, Certificate (1770)
The Athletic Coaching certificate is designed to develop positive teaching/coaching skills in athletics, and to meet the need for qualified coaches in public/private schools, business settings or community agencies. The certificate requires 12 credit hours (see program requirements below).
This certificate program provides students with the credentials necessary to immediately be eligible for any coaching position in Kentucky (and other states) from youth sports to high school level.
For more information, contact Dr. Brian Myers.
Program Requirements (12 hours)
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
PE 290 | Foundations of Coaching Principles | 3 |
PE 291 | Scientific Base/Conditioning | 3 |
PE 497 | Advanced Principles of Coaching | 3 |
Select 1 Coaching Elective course from the list below: | 3 | |
Coaching of Volleyball | ||
Football Coaching | ||
Basketball Coaching | ||
Track and Field Coaching | ||
Baseball Coaching | ||
Total Hours | 12 |
Further Your Education!
Career Opportunities
The Physical Education Teacher Education program (PETE) and the Physical Education Health Education (HETE) at WKU prepares students for a considerable number of occupations and professions. One of the most frequently mentioned is teaching from K-12. There is, however, a wide variety of other areas open to students of physical education and health education: corporate wellness, fitness and wellness instructors, activity directors and a host of others PE and Health teaching focused occupations in the business community. Those students who complete the teacher certification process will be eligible to be recommended for a teaching endorsement in the State of Kentucky.
The Physical Education Movement Studies program at WKU prepares students for a considerable number of occupations and professions. A wide variety of areas open to students in physical education: corporate wellness, fitness and wellness instructors, activity directors and a host of other occupations in the business community.
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