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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. 

 

college students studying PE
What do we offer?

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:

We also offer a minor and certificate in Athletic Coaching.

Students in PE class at WKU
Career Opportunities

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!

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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

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)

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

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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 Last Modified 1/24/24