With the Bachelor of Science in Education with a concentration in Physical Education degree program, our goal is to prepare you to meet the needs of your students in the gym and the classroom and exhibit leadership in your school district. All of our education students learn the foundational skills to be an effective teacher in today’s schools, including:

  • Planning and strategizing lessons
  • Developing appropriate assessments of students’ skills
  • Creating productive learning environments
  • Collaborating with administrators and fellow educators
  • Building relationships with students and their family members

Our physical education degree program combines those education principles with elements of a kinesiology degree to help you develop a lifelong love of active living and wellness in students. The Bachelor of Physical Education coursework will cover topics like physical and mental human development, foundations of how our bodies and muscles move and interact, how sports contribute to socialization and growth, how to establish and maintain healthy habits, and more. If you are passionate about helping students connect to the ideas of fair play, hard work, and healthy living, then a physical education degree might be the major for you.

Why Pursue a Physical Education Degree?

Like all our teacher education programs, our bachelor’s degree in physical education program is delivered in a blended format that includes both on-campus and online classes to offer our students maximum flexibility. Courses are delivered monthly, and our online offerings are designed to work around busy schedules and full-time employment. You can also pursue your physical education degree entirely in person and reside at our 100-acre campus in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains.

The Salem School of Education is nationally accredited through the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Salem University was founded in West Virginia in 1888 and has a long-established history of producing graduates who think critically, communicate effectively, demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, and demonstrate leadership in their fields.

What You’ll Take

The Bachelor of Science in Education degree program includes courses like:

  • EDU101 Foundations of Education
  • SPE120 Areas of Exceptionality in Special Education
  • EDU222 Technology Integration in the Classroom
  • EDU271 Human Development
  • EDU272 Educational Psychology
  • EDU362 Reading across the Content Areas
  • EDU370 Schools, Families, and Communities
  • EDU376 Materials & Methods of Teaching
  • SPE390 Inclusive Curriculum, Materials & Methods
  • EDU416 Educational Assessment Strategies
  • EDU436 Classroom Environment & Management
  • EDU490 Student Teaching 1
  • EDU491 Student Teaching 2
  • EDU492 Student Teaching 3

Students pursuing their physical education degree will also take:

  • PED101 Individual Sports
  • PED102 Team Sports
  • PED209 Adapted Physical Education and Sport
  • PED250 Kinesiology and Biomechanics
  • PED377A/B Materials and Methods of Teaching Physical Education
  • PED422 Advanced Topics in Physical Education

The specialization is offered in three modalities:

  • Campus-based – classes are taught on campus, and successful completion will lead to WV teacher licensure.
  • Hybrid – classes are taught online with licensure residency requirements met at your home location with K12 schools in your area.
  • Non-Licensure – classes are taught online without any licensure requirements.

Career Opportunities

With a physical education degree, you can pursue paths like:

  • Teaching health education in public or private schools (Grades Pre-Kindergarten – 12/Adult)
  • Working for healthcare-related or non-profit organizations (e.g., charities, policy-focused, advocacy)
  • Wellness counseling (e.g., fitness, nutrition)
  • Community, school, college, or professional coaching
  • Advanced studies in education, kinesiology or exercise physiology

Why Should I Choose Salem University?

Since 1888, Salem University has built upon our tradition of accessible, affordable higher education by constantly innovating and looking to the future. We aim to develop lifelong learners who embrace problem-solving with a global perspective. We offer:

  • Accelerated undergraduate and graduate programs of study with continuous enrollment via distance education or on-campus
  • A unique one-course-a-month format that allows students to focus on a single subject at a time and build their knowledge in a way that feels natural
  • Online courses are structured to work within the constraints of full-time employment, allowing you to earn your degree with minimum disruption to your busy schedule
  • Supportive faculty and staff who serve as thought leaders and mentors
  • A beautiful 100-acre campus situated in the Smoky Mountains where programs of study are available for campus residents and commuter students

Admission Requirements

Admission to Salem is open to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or ability/disability. Anyone wishing to attend Salem can obtain the necessary application from the Office of Admissions or apply online. The completed application should be submitted to the Office of Admissions at the earliest possible date. The University admits students on a rolling, monthly start basis. Acceptance is within the discretion of Salem University; some programs have additional admissions requirements.

Additional Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Education – Physical Education program:

  • Complete 24-36 hours of coursework, including EDU101, SPE120, or EDU272
  • Earn a minimum GPA of 3.0 in content courses, in the professional educator core courses, and overall
  • Meet the required passing scores on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CORE)
  • Pass a criminal background check

Professional Licensure Notification
CAEP Annual Reporting Measures