Bachelor of Science (BS) in Physical Education Degree
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Physical Education Degree
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Physical education teachers fulfill several roles within a school system. They assess and guide the physical development of students, provide nutritional guidance and inspire an enthusiasm for healthy exercise. Many physical education teachers also coach one or more school sports teams.
Additionally, a major in physical education can allow you to guide the socio-emotional development and ethical awareness of your students. Through your connection with students, instilling values such as good sportsmanship and teamwork is at the heart of your teachings. As a physical education instructor, you can help your students work toward a love of healthy competition, tempered by the humility to gracefully accept a loss.
Some of the responsibilities of a physical education teacher may include:
All teacher candidates working on a physical education degree are required to complete a student teaching experience. Under the supervision of a certified, experienced physical education teacher, our bachelor of physical education candidates will apply their knowledge to the classroom by completing a total of 105 practicum/field experience hours. In addition, in their final semester, each candidate will dedicate two 8-week sessions to supervised student teaching where each session focuses on teaching in a different setting, such as teaching elementary education and teaching secondary education.
By successfully completing this program, including the built-in practicum and student teaching experiences, physical education teacher candidates are eligible for a K-12 education teaching credential in the state of Arizona.
GCU’s major in physical education for bachelor-level students offers a modern curriculum that is fully aligned with Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) principles. All coursework adheres to the national standards for Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) as established by SHAPE America, which is the national organization for physical educators.
This physical education bachelor’s degree enables teacher candidates to develop these core competencies:
If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the Accreditation and Compliance/State disclosures link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).
1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, High School Teachers, retrieved on April 24, 2024.
Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
If you’re considering a physical education degree, we’ve gathered answers to your most frequently asked questions.
This depends on your personal goals and interests. If you are someone who enjoys sports, health and wellness and physical challenges, you may be on the right path. If you thrive on inspiring others to love the challenge of competition and to be team players and good sports, then choosing to major in physical education may be the right choice for you. Great PE teachers are fascinated with kinesiology and learning about the connection between the physical and the psychological. If this sounds like you, you may find the BS in Physical Education degree worth your time and effort.
For those who wish to teach physical education in the public sector, a minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required. In addition, all public school PE teachers must have a state-issued license accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) in order to teach physical education.
Those who have a physical education degree are typically interested in educating young minds on the importance of good physical health and well-being. A physical education degree may provide you with valuable skills and knowledge that can positively impact the lives of future generations.
To get started on your BS in Physical Education degree, complete the form on this page to connect with a university counselor.
As a bachelor’s degree in physical education candidate, you can learn how to turn your passion for fitness and sports into a career with hopes of inspiring students. Graduates of the BS in physical education degree program may pursue job opportunities as instructors in elementary, middle or high school PE programs or direct physical activity programs.
The Bachelor of Science in Physical Education degree program at GCU leads to initial teacher licensure. A major in physical education gives candidates the opportunity to pursue all necessary certifications required by the state in which they wish to teach.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 11,100 new jobs are estimated to open for high school teachers from 2022 to 2032.1
The Bachelor of Science in Physical Education degree program offered by Grand Canyon University is a collaborative initiative from the College of Natural Science and the College of Education. The BS in Physical Education degree attracts teacher candidates who possess an enduring love of sports, physical fitness and wellness. Physical education (PE) teachers can serve as powerful role models and motivators for the next generation as they strive to make healthy choices and reach their full potential in the PK-12 grade school setting.
Read through some of the subjects you will be taught while you earn your bachelor’s degree in physical education at GCU.
Some of the topics you study may include:
Human development and function
Fitness development and assessment
Biomedical principles
Instructional technology
Physical education for students with disabilities
Techniques and best practices for safe movement
Teaching methods for individual and team sports
Number of new jobs estimated to open for high school teachers from 2022 to 20321
