Physical Education K-12

About this Composite Major

The Physical Education major is designed to prepare students for teaching physical education in grades K-12. Students will engage in content that includes the study of human anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, outdoor recreational pursuits, motor skills, and activities for the physical educator. At Valley City State University, our goal is to produce great physical educators who will make a difference in the lives of the students they teach. This goal is accomplished by providing students ample opportunities to practice and develop essential teaching skills while engaging in the physical education content. Students will become competent in the use of technology and will be able to demonstrate its application in the educational setting. Throughout the curriculum, learners will work with master teachers who will effectively prepare the students to teach in today's physical education classroom.

Flexible Degree Options

Online Physical Education
- VCSU offers a fully online Physical Education degree program for working students or students who live outside the VCSU area. We are focused on providing a comprehensive and interactive program that allows our online students to pursue their educational goals in a non-traditional manner.
Physical Education with Adapted Physical Education Minor
- This major and minor combination equips future educators with the skills needed to create inclusive learning environments for individuals with special needs. Through extended learning opportunities and practical experiences, students will develop an understanding of accommodating diverse needs, developing effective teaching strategies, and compliance with legal requirements. Students are encouraged to consider a minor in adapted physical education as it increases their employability and versatility as an educator.
Physical Education and Health Education Double Major
- With this dual focus, students develop a diverse skill set which prepares the future educator to teach a broad range of courses. With the addition of courses focused on mental health, community health, disease, and drug prevention, students have the opportunity to learn about and develop the skills needed to provide holistic health instruction inside and outside of the classroom.

Meet a Student

- Physical Education graduate Andrew Hirsch pitches during a VCSU baseball game.

I would say that if someone is looking for a place to become an outstanding teacher, VCSU is a terrific place to start that process. What I experienced in and out of the classroom has made me the teacher that I am today and has given me the tools to excel. One thing that always stuck out to me was how often we observed and taught lessons to live classes in the high school and elementary setting. It helped to build confidence throughout my 4 years and gave me firsthand experience of what it takes to be a great teacher. Learning how to create and teach lessons with valuable content was also a huge focus during my time at VCSU. Lesson planning opened my eyes to a variety of resources and gave me a firm foundation in what it takes to become a teacher. Lastly, the interaction with the professors was top notch. They were always available to help with any questions or concerns that came up and formed a great relationship with each student. Overall, my time spent at VCSU was exceptional and integral in becoming an educator. - Andrew Hirsch '18

Career Opportunities

Members of the VCSU Shape Club work with elementary school students as part of their educational experience.

Students in this degree path have career opportunities in physical education, fitness, recreation, and coaching.

K-12 Physical Education Teacher
Coach
Personal trainer
Activities coordinator

Accreditation

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

Teacher Education Requirements

Students must apply for and be accepted into the VCSU Teacher Education Program to complete courses required for teacher certification. Students should plan to apply for acceptance into the Teacher Education Program after their sophomore year or the beginning of their junior year. This program requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher and evidence of reading, writing, and math proficiency. Additional criteria for admission to Teacher Education can be found within the VCSU Catalog.

Get Involved in the Major

Students stand at their table for SHAPE club during the annual VCSU marketplace event.

The Kinesiology and Human Performance Club empowers students by providing invaluable opportunities such as attending professional conferences, crafting resume materials, preparing for exams like the GRE and PRAXIS, navigating the application processes for professional graduate programs, and studying for certifications and credentialing exams. The club is dedicated to cultivating students' growth and achievement within their discipline, fostering success in both academic and professional environments.

Contact Information

Department Chair

Dr. Rachelle Hunt, rachelle.hunt@vcsu.edu, (701) 845-7260

Faculty Contact

Amber Thompson, amber.thompson.1@vcsu.edu, (701) 845-7582

Department Location

Gaukler Family Wellness & Physical Education Center 149

Schedule your visit today!

http://visit.vcsu.edu/

(701) 845-7101 or (800) 532-8641

General Education Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
English Composition
Select one of the following:		6
ENGL 110	College Composition I
ENGL 120	College Composition II
or ENGL 125	Introduction to Professional Writing
or
ENGL 120	College Composition II
or ENGL 125	Introduction to Professional Writing
ENGL 210	College Composition III: Persuasive Writing
Speech Communication
Select one of the following:		3
COMM 110	Fundamentals of Public Speaking
COMM 212	Interpersonal Communication
COMM 216	Intercultural Communication
Mathematics
Select one of the following:		3
MATH 103	College Algebra
MATH 104	Finite Mathematics
MATH 107	Precalculus
MATH 110	Mathematics in Society
MATH 165	Calculus I
MATH 210	Elementary Statistics
Lab Science
Select two of the following, one must come from the Natural and Physical Sciences category		8
Natural and Physical Sciences (ND:LABSC)
BIOL 111	Concepts of Biology
BIOL 150	General Biology I
BIOL 151	General Biology II
BIOL 170	General Zoology
CHEM 115	Introductory Chemistry
CHEM 116	Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry
CHEM 121	General Chemistry I
CHEM 122	General Chemistry II
GEOL 100	Introduction to Earth Science
GEOL 106	The Earth Through Time
PHYS 100	Concepts of Physics
PHYS 110	Introductory Astronomy
PHYS 211	College Physics I
PHYS 212	College Physics II
PHYS 251	University Physics I
PHYS 252	University Physics II
Additional Sciences (ND:SCI)
PSYC 240	Cognition and Brain Science
TECH 161	Technology, Engineering, and Design
TECH 165	Technology Solutions for Society
Wellness
Select one of the following:		2
HPER 100	Concepts of Fitness and Wellness
HPER 212	Introduction to Stress Management
Computer Science and Literacy
Select one of the following:		3
CIS 147	Principles of Information Security
CIS 170	Introduction to Computer Information Systems ²
CSCI 120	Introduction to Programming
CSCI 127	Introduction to Programming in Java
CSCI 160	Introduction to Structured Programming I
CSCI 289	Social Implications of Computer Technology ²
SE 110	Discovering Computing
Digital Literacy
Select one of the following:
CIS 170	Introduction to Computer Information Systems ²
CSCI 289	Social Implications of Computer Technology ²
Humanities
Literacies
Select one of the following:		3
ASL 101	American Sign Language I
ASL 102	American Sign Language II
COMM 211	Oral Interpretation
ENGL 220	Introduction to Literature
ENGL 225	Introduction to Film
ENGL 231	Bible as Literature
ENGL 232	Mythology
ENGL 236	Women and Literature
ENGL 241	World Literature I
ENGL 242	World Literature II
ENGL 261	American Literature I
ENGL 262	American Literature II
HUM 201	Civilization, Thought, and Literary Heritage
PSYC 200	Ethics and Philosophy of Science
SPAN 101	1st Year Spanish I
SPAN 102	1st Year Spanish II
SPAN 201	2nd Year Spanish I
SPAN 202	2nd Year Spanish II
THEA 110	Introduction to Theatre Arts
Art and Music
Select one of the following:		3
ART 110	Introduction to the Visual Arts
ART 115	Introduction to Digital Media
ART 210	Art History I
ART 211	Art History II
ART 233	History of Craft
HUM 202	Fine Arts and Aesthetics
MUS 100	Music Appreciation
MUS 101	Music Fundamentals
MUS 201	World Music
MUS 207	History of Popular/Rock Music
Social Science
Select 6 credits from the following:		6
ANTH 111	Introduction to Anthropology
COMM 112	Understanding Media and Social Change
COMM 114	Human Communication
ECON 201	Principles of Microeconomics
ECON 202	Principles of Macroeconomics
GEOG 151	Human Geography
HIST 103	United States to 1877
HIST 104	United States to Present
HIST 211	World Civilizations to 1500
HIST 212	World Civilizations since 1500
HIST 267	Environmental History
HIST 270	Native American Studies
POLS 115	American National Government
POLS 116	State and Local Government
PSYC 111	Introduction to Psychology ¹
SOC 110	Introduction to Sociology
SOC 111	Introduction to Anthropology
Additional Humanities or Social Science
Select one additional course from Humanities or Social Science or select from the following:		2
ART 122	Two-Dimensional Design
ART 130	Drawing I
ART 150	Ceramics I
ART 180	Photography I
ART 182	Art With a Smartphone
GEOG 111	Survey of Geography
MUS 104	Group Piano for Non-Majors
MUS 105	Group Piano for Non-Majors
MUS 130	Valkyries
MUS 131	Concert Choir
MUS 140	Athletic Band
MUS 141	Concert Band
PHYS 275	Planetarium Science
THEA 201	Theatre Practicum
Total Credits		39

¹: Required
²: CIS 170 and CSCI 289 may be used to satisfy both the Computer Science and Literacy and the Digital Literacy requirement for Gen Ed.

Major Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Required Courses
HPER 108	Exercise Techniques for Resistance Training	1
HPER 206	Fundamentals of Teaching Health and Physical Education	3
HPER 207	Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries	2
HPER 210	First Aid & CPR	1
HPER 208	Introduction to Physical Education	3
HPER 215	Motor Behavior	3
HPER 220	Practical Application of Fitness Education	3
HPER 258	Applied Anatomy, Physiology, and Human Performance	3
HPER 259	Kinesiology	3
HPER 285	Introduction to Adapted Physical Education	3
HPER 314	Activities for the Physical Educator	3
HPER 325	Instructional Methods in the Elementary Physical Education Classroom	3
HPER 380	Instructional Methods in Human Sexuality	3
HPER 386	Adapted Physical Education Teaching Strategies	3
HPER 388	Outdoor Pursuits for the Physical Educator	2
HPER 402	Adapted Physical Education Program Planning	3
HPER 410	Organization and Administration of Physical Education and Sport	3
HPER 490	Methods of Teaching K-12 Physical Education	3
Total Credits		48

Total General Education 39 Hrs
Total Major Requirement 48 Hrs
Total Professional Education Sequence 32-33 Hrs
Total Credits Needed to Graduate 120 Hrs

Professional Education Sequence

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Professional Education Sequence
EDUC 240	Educating Exceptional Students	3
EDUC 250	Introduction to Education	3
EDUC 283	Understanding Cultural Diversity in Education	3
EDUC 300	Educational Technology	2
EDUC 351	Secondary Practicum and Classroom Management	2
EDUC 352	Culturally Diverse Practicum	1
or EDUC 464	Practicum in the EL Classroom
EDUC 375	Teaching Reading in the Content Areas	2
EDUC 400	Educational Psychology	2
EDUC 450	Trends in Assessment and Educational Issues	2
EDUC 480	Student Teaching (Secondary)	9
PSYC 250	Developmental Psychology	3
Total Credits		32

EDUC 351 and EDUC 480 should be taken the same semester. The field experience from 351 will occur prior to the student teaching experience from 480.

For degree and graduation requirements, visit degree requirements and graduation requirements.

Plan of Study for Physical Education Major

First Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HPER 108	1	HPER 206	3
HPER 207	2	HPER 215	3
UNIV 150	1	PSYC 111 (Gen Ed)	3
Computer Science and Literacy (Gen Ed)	3	English Composition (Gen Ed)	3
English Composition (Gen Ed)	3	Math (Gen Ed)	3
Lab Science (Gen Ed)	4	Speech Communication (Gen Ed)	3
Wellness (Gen Ed)	2
	16		18
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HPER 208	3	HPER 259	3
HPER 258	3	HPER 285	3
EDUC 250	3	HPER 314	3
Lab Science (Gen Ed)	4	HPER 388	2
Social Science (Gen Ed)	3	EDUC 240	3
		Art and Music (Gen Ed)	3
	16		17
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HPER 220	3	HPER 210	1
HPER 325	3	HPER 380	3
EDUC 283	3	HPER 402	3
EDUC 352	1	HPER 410	3
PSYC 250	3	EDUC 400	2
Literacies (Gen Ed)	3
	16		12
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HPER 386	3	EDUC 351	2
HPER 490	3	EDUC 480	9
EDUC 300	2
EDUC 375	2
EDUC 450	2
Additional Humanities	2
	14		11
Total Credits 120

Please note: This plan is intended for general information only. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their academic advisor each semester before registration.

Plan of Study for a Physical Education Major and Adapted Physical Education Minor

*Opportunities for summer courses

First Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HPER 100 (Gen Ed)	2	HPER 206	3
HPER 108	1	HPER 215	3
HPER 207	2	PSYC 111 (Gen Ed)	3
HPER 210	1	English Composition (Gen Ed)	3
UNIV 150	1	Math (Gen Ed)	3
Computer Science and Literacy (Gen Ed)	3	Speech Communication (Gen Ed)	3
English Composition (Gen Ed)	3
Lab Science (Gen Ed)	4
	17		18
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HPER 208	3	HPER 259	3
HPER 258	3	HPER 285	3
HPER 386	3	HPER 314	3
EDUC 250	3	EDUC 240	3
Lab Science (Gen Ed)	4	Art or Music (Gen Ed)	3
		Social Science (Gen Ed)	3
	16		18
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HPER 220	3	HPER 380	3
HPER 325	3	HPER 388	2
HPER 485	3	HPER 402	3
EDUC 283	3	HPER 410	3
EDUC 352	1	EDUC 400	2
HUM 201 (Gen Ed)	3	SPED 310 (APE Minor)	3
PSYC 250	3	SPED 340 (APE Minor)	3
	19		19
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HPER 490	3	EDUC 351	2
EDUC 300	2	EDUC 480	9
EDUC 375	2
EDUC 450	2
SPED 380 (APE Minor)	3
HPER 488 (APE Minor)	2
Additional Humanities (Gen Ed)	2
	16		11
Total Credits 134

Plan of Study for a Physical Education Major and a Health Education Major

*Opportunities for summer courses

First Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HPER 100 (Gen Ed)	2	HPER 206	3
HPER 108	1	HPER 215	3
HPER 207	2	PSYC 111 (Gen Ed)	3
HPER 210	1	English Composition (Gen Ed)	3
UNIV 150	1	Math (Gen Ed)	3
Computer Science and Literacy (Gen Ed)	3	Speech Communication (Gen Ed)	3
English Composition (Gen Ed)	3
Lab Science (Gen Ed)	4
	17		18
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HPER 208	3	HPER 285	3
HPER 212 (Health Ed Major)	2	HPER 259	3
HPER 258	3	HPER 300 (Health Ed Major)	3
EDUC 250	3	HPER 314	3
Lab Science (Gen Ed)	4	EDUC 240	3
Social Science (Gen Ed)	3	Art or Music (Gen Ed)	3
	18		18
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HPER 220	3	HPER 240 (Health Ed Major)	3
HPER 325	3	HPER 315 (Health Ed Major)	3
HPER 386	3	HPER 380	3
HUM 201 (Gen Ed)	3	HPER 388	2
EDUC 283	3	HPER 402	3
EDUC 352	1	EDUC 400	2
PSYC 250	3
	19		16
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
HPER 390 (Health Ed Major)	3	EDUC 351	2
HPER 400 (Health Ed Major)	3	HPER 410	3
HPER 490	3	EDUC 480	9
EDUC 300	2
EDUC 375	2
EDUC 450	2
Additional Gen Ed	2
	17		14
Total Credits 137

Program Learning Outcomes

PLO 1: Content and Foundational Knowledge
Demonstrate understanding and application of content knowledge and the scientific, theoretical, and philosophical foundations of physical education, including motor learning, motor development, biomechanics, and the historical and social significance of the discipline.
PLO 2: Planning and Implementation
Plan and implement developmentally appropriate, standards-based learning experiences that address diverse student needs, promote physical literacy, and foster positive attitudes toward lifelong physical activity.
PLO 3: Instructional Delivery and Management
Demonstrate effective pedagogical skills through clear communication, purposeful demonstrations, and equitable management strategies that create safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments.
PLO 4: Assessment of Student Learning
Develop, administer, and analyze authentic assessments to monitor student progress, guide instruction, and enhance student learning and motivation in physical education settings.
PLO 5: Professional Responsibility
Exhibit professionalism through ethical behavior, cultural competence, reflection, collaboration, and advocacy for quality physical education programs at the local, state, and national levels.
PLO 6: Technology Integration
Utilize technology and digital tools to support instruction, assessment, professional communication, and advocacy for physical education and lifelong health.
PLO 7: Working with Diverse Learners
Design, modify, and apply adaptations to activities, games, and sports in the physical education curriculum to ensure safe and meaningful participation for all students.