Why study physical education and health education at BGSU in Ohio?
- One of the top programs in the state. Our Ohio PEHE graduates are highly sought after for PreK-12 teaching positions.
- Integrative and experiential learning. Health and PE teachers prioritize active, hands-on learning – and so does this program. You will participate in school-based observations starting freshman year and continue with co-teaching opportunities as a sophomore and junior. Senior year, you will teach a physical education and health education class.
- Make a difference. Our program prepares new teachers to lead effectively in diverse communities where they’re most needed. Get more classroom time, field coaching and experienced teacher mentorship.
- Minor in coaching. The School of Inclusive Teacher Education offers a 21-hour coaching minor with its own unique field experiences for those hoping to pursue extracurricular athletic coaching. Courses include Care and Prevention of Sports Injuries, Applied Sport Sciences, and Principles, Ethics and Problems in Sport Coaching.
BGSU hosts one of the largest teacher job fairs in the U.S., attended annually by hundreds of employers from across the country.
Career - what can you do with a physical education and health education degree?
Demand for health education and physical education teachers is expected to grow 7% faster than other occupations over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
PEHE students from BGSU graduate with over 500 hours of field experience – making them highly-qualified for competitive teaching positions.
Physical education focuses on sport sciences, pedagogy (the science of teaching) and skillful movement to be able to teach a host of physical activities such as basketball, pickleball, dance and gymnastics.
Health education more broadly encompasses overall wellness. It focuses more on learning social and emotional health, nutrition, body functions and safety/injury prevention.
The dual licensure of the PEHE program at BGSU empowers graduates to teach physical and health education courses to children in preK-12 settings. Professionals with these credentials are also employable as public health specialists and advocates in healthcare facilities, non-profit organizations and public health agencies.
Typical daily tasks of physical education and health education teachers include:
- Planning and implementing effective physical education and health education lessons
- Assessing student needs and learning outcomes
- Developing a coordinated school health program
- Cultivating personal meaning and enjoyment of physical activity for ALL students – including the ability to set goals, manage emotions, exhibit empathy, make decisions and develop positive relationships
Career paths
- Physical education teacher
- Health education teacher
- Sports coach
- School administrator
- Public health advocate
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Curriculum
The physical education and health education degree curriculum consists of a minimum 122 credit hours, designed to be completed within four years.
Physical education courses encompass:
- Foundations of human movement
- Professional education
- Movement performance
Health Education coursework includes:
- Personal health
- Nutrition
- Mental health issues
- Drug use and abuse
- Social health
- Reproductive health
- Health behavior theory
The PEHE major completes more than 500 hours of extensive hands-on, field-based experience in supervised settings within local schools.
Sample courses
- Performance and Content Development in Invasion Games
- Introduction to Human Nutrition
- Health Issues in PreK-12 Environments
- Educational Games Teaching to Children
- Adapted Physical Activity
- Drug Use and Abuse
- Teaching & Learning Process in Early-Middle Childhood PE
Enrichment opportunities for physical education and health education majors
Carve out a competitive edge in your health and physical education teacher job search by participating in student organizations and professional development initiatives on campus.
- The student-led Inclusive Culturally Responsive Educators organization strives to promote the educational resources and value of students and teachers in diverse racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
- Student Nutrition Association promotes an interest in the field of dietetics, nutrition and food. In addition to professional opportunities within the field of food and nutrition, members participate in community outreach to promote healthy eating and lifestyle habits.
- The Changing Health, Attitudes + Action to Recreate Girls is a student-led organization that aims to support and empower girls and women to live happier, healthier lives.
- The Student Wellness Network is a student-led organization focused on the prevention, education and advocacy of health and wellness initiatives on campus.
- The Outdoor Adventure Club at BGSU promotes awareness and appreciation of the outdoors, with outings that include hammocking, slacklining, hiking and more.
There are also dozens of BGSU student organizations dedicated to club sports, such as rugby, volleyball, basketball, soccer, softball, wakeboarding, powerlifting, skating and more.
Professional licensure
Teacher licenses are regulated by state-level agencies. Licensure applicants must meet all requirements and follow all procedures of the state agency from which licensure is sought. In Ohio, the Ohio Department of Education serves as the licensing agency. The Office of Student and Academic Service assists students with the licensure application process.
The Physical Education and Health Education program is part of the School of Inclusive Teacher Education in the BGSU College of Education & Human Development
Updated: 04/18/2024 09:43AM