B.S.Ed.Health and Physical EducationMajor

Western Carolina University’s Health and Physical Education Program is the perfect fit for students who want to teach these disciplines in elementary, middle and secondary school settings. Known for its outstanding professional preparation of North Carolina’s physical educators, the program is taught by highly qualified faculty with years of public school teaching and higher education experience. Under their invaluable mentorship, students receive the personal attention they need at every step of their professional development. Graduates go on to teach and administer health and physical education programs in schools and colleges and in community, corporate and private settings.

What You'll Learn

The program prepares students for teaching careers in health and physical education. Successful completion of the program leads to a Bachelor of Science in Education and an initial North Carolina K-12 teaching license. The curriculum combines the university’s liberal studies requirement with the major requirements and a professional education sequence. Major courses include Foundations of Health and Physical Education, Fitness Concepts, and Healthy Living Concepts. The professional education sequence includes special education, psychology, and curriculum and instruction courses, and an internship experience. Among WCU’s most engaged and enthusiastic community members, health and physical education students regularly enhance their educational experience by participating in clubs and activities, attending conferences, and volunteering.

Where You'll Go

WCU’s rate of teacher placement is one of the best in North Carolina. With their degree and initial teaching license in hand, health and physical education graduates pursue careers as K-12 physical education teachers, intramural program directors, varsity sports and athletics coaches, and athletics program administrators. Places of employment can include public and private schools, colleges and universities, community recreation programs, adult education programs, fitness clubs, and professional and semi-professional sports associations. Many graduates choose to further their education by enrolling in a graduate degree program such as the Master of Arts in Comprehensive Education.