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Physical Education Major

Become a physical education teacher

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Do you have a passion for teaching? Do you enjoy leading recreational activities with children? Are you interested in being a gym teacher or coach? SBU's physical education degree will equip you to become a physical education teacher in elementary or secondary schools.

When you graduate with a physical education degree from SBU, you will be certified to teach P.E. at all grade levels, K-12, giving you great flexibility when pursuing career opportunities.

The Physical Education bachelor's degree is offered through SBU's College of Professional Programs. 

Resources

Major Map (PDF)

Degree Plan

90%
placement
rate

(Over the past ten years, more than 90% of physical education graduates have received employment in their field or entered graduate school.)

SBU students

The SBU Advantage

  • Benefit from the expertise of faculty in both the division of kinesiology and the division of education.
  • Field experience opportunities begin as early as your freshman year and culminate with a student teaching semester in your senior year.
  • Hands-on learning happens through peer teaching and instruction as you apply what you are learning in your methods courses.
  • All physical education faculty hold Missouri teaching certification.

Faith Integration

As a physical education major you will be challenged to consider how your faith influences your teaching and why you do what you do. Physical education stresses the importance of striving for healthy bodies. As Christians, we believe this is important because our bodies are God's temple.

The intentional integration of Christian faith with the education curriculum distinguishes SBU's education department. Christian principles are discussed in the classroom and applied to educational strategies, philosophies, and best practices. At SBU, we approach education and teaching from the basis of a Christian worldview.

As an education major at SBU, you will be challenged to consider your job to be more than just teacher but also role model and servant leader. You will learn to view the classroom as a mission field in which well-trained Christian teachers are desperately needed.

Department of education faculty live out their own walks with Christ in all they do - in the classroom, with advisees, with fellow faculty and in service to the University, community and their local churches.

Zachariah Rippee
"The greatest academic asset that SBU offered me was a chance to learn from passionate, professional individuals that not only cared for their students, but who strongly believed in the material they teach, and practice it in their daily lives. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to learn in a classroom where I knew I was valued!"
Zachariah Rippee '15
Youth Care Specialist at Good Samaritan Boys Ranch

Full-Time Faculty

John Hinsley

John Hinsley, Associate Professor
Gina Whitehead

Gina Whitehead, Instructor
 

Student Missouri State Teachers Association

As a physical education student, you are encouraged to join SBU's chapter of Student Missouri State Teachers Association (SMSTA) to benefit from professional development and networking opportunities as you prepare for your future teaching career.

Missouri Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance

Additionally, as a physical education major, you also are encouraged to join the Missouri Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (MOAPHERD). Joining this organization will provide you with field-specific networking and professional development opportunities.

Physical Education Four-Year Plan

Freshman

Fall Semester

BIB 1013 Old Testament History 3
KIN 1163 Foundations of Physical Fitness for Professionals 3
ENG 1113 English Composition I 3
UNI 1111 University Seminar 1
EDU 2113 Educational Psychology 3
FAR 10_3 Intro. to Art, Fine Arts, Music or Theatre 3
Total hours 16

Spring Semester

BIO 1004 Principles of Biology 4
ENG 2213 English Composition II 3
COM 1103 Fundamentals of Speech Communication 3
ECO 2003 LIFE Economics 3
EDU 2313 Foundations of Education—Secondary 3
UNI 1121 Critical Thinking 1
Total hours 17
 

Sophomore

Fall Semester

HIS 2213/2223 U.S. History I or II 3
CIS 1103 Computer and Information Management 3
PHS 1114 Introduction to Physical Science 4
MAT 1143 College Algebra 3
SOC 2012 Human Diversity 2
SPF 2012 Introduction to Spiritual Formation 2
Total hours 17

Spring Semester

KIN 2243 Nutrition 3
KIN 2023 Perceptual Motor Development 3
BIB 1023 New Testament History 3
ECO 2003 LIFE Economics 3
EDU 2823 Technology for Educators 3
KIN 1023 Individual and Team Activities 3
Total hours 18
 

Junior

Fall Semester

KIN 2143 Lifetime Activities 3
POL 1113 American Government and Politics 3
EDU 2141 Field Experience I 1
KIN 3043 Analysis of Basic Rhythm
 3
KIN 3083 Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries 3
EDU 3043 Learner Development and the Classroom 3
Total hours 16

Spring Semester

KIN 3093 Responding to Emergencies 3
KIN 4013 Sport in American Society 3
KIN 3073 Physiology of Exercise 3
KIN 3053 Measurement and Evaluation in Sport 3
EDU 3613 Content Area Literacy 3
KIN 3133 Teaching PE in the Elementary School 3
Total hours 18
 

Senior

Fall Semester

KIN 4533 Secondary Methods of Teaching Physical
Education (1st 8 weeks)		 3
KIN 4043 Adapted Physical Education (2nd 8 weeks) 3
EDU 3333 Principles and Methods of Secondary
Instruction		 3
EDU 3341 Field Experience II 1
KIN 4003 Kinesiology 3
EDU 3833 Behavior and Classroom Management 3
Total hours 16

WinterFest

KIN 2133 Principles of Human Anatomy 3

Spring Semester

EDU 4959 Student Teaching in Secondary School 10
EDU 4691 Student Teaching Seminar 1
EDU 4832 Assessment and Evaluation of Learners 2
EDU 4623 Teaching Diverse Learners 3
Total hours 16

This is a proposed guideline. Please check the catalog and see your advisor for your final degree requirements.
Southwest Baptist University reserves the right to make changes to degree plans without advanced notice or obligation.
The student is responsible for understanding and completing all general education, degree, departmental and graduation requirements.

Download in PDF format:
Physical Education Plan (PDF)