K-12 Physical Education Major, B.S.

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Department of Secondary, K-12 and Educational Technology

School of Education

Available Program Format(s): In-Person

About the Program

The Bachelor of Science in K-12 Physical Education prepares students to teach in public or private schools. Course work leads to elementary, secondary and K-12 physical education/ health education licensure in Colorado. In addition to the bachelor’s degree program, we offer a licensure-only option for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another discipline. Many of the classes are experience-based, meaning students are either physically active in our gyms, outdoor athletic facility or are in K-12 schools implementing teaching assignments. Additional opportunities are also provided by helping with field days and special events in schools and volunteer coaching opportunities. We prepare our students to teach diverse populations by giving them the opportunity to work and learn in urban, suburban, and rural environments. The core curriculum is designed to prepare candidates to pass the K-12 Physical Education PRAXIS exam and to utilize the Colorado Teacher Quality Standards. Licensure candidates need to meet with a K-12 Physical Education advisor. Candidates seeking teacher licensure must also gain admission to the Teacher Education Program. A grade of “C-” or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the bachelor’s degree. In addition to preparing students for entry into teaching and coaching positions in grades K-12, this degree provides students the prerequisites for advanced degrees in education, sports administration, and other related disciplines. Health and Physical Educators are making a lasting impact on the future health of America. We take pride in helping students understand the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle.

Student Outcomes

Demonstrate physical education content and scientific and theoretical foundations when delivering an effective K-12 physical education program aligned with local, state and/or national standards.
Exhibit skills of a physically literate individual who can demonstrate skillful performance in physical education content areas and health-enhancing levels of fitness.
Validate an effective use of resources, accommodations and/or modifications, technology to address the diverse needs of all students.
Engage students in meaningful learning experiences using communication, feedback, technology, and instructional and managerial skills to enhance student learning.
Display knowledge to select and implement appropriate assessments to monitor students’ progress and guide decision making related to instruction and learning.
Connect Literacy and Math-Connect literacy, including Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD), teaching strategies as well as mathematics to Physical Education teaching.
Create Inclusive Teaching Environment-Create a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment that facilitates learning for diverse populations, including CLD students.
Demonstrate professionalism through ethical conduct, reflection, and leadership.
Demonstrate knowledge of first and second language acquisition and teaching strategies for CLD students.

General Degree Requirements

To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the four areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements.

Program Requirements

A total of 120 semester hours are required for graduation.
A grade of C- or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the bachelor’s degree. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required.
A minor is not required for this program.

General Studies Requirements: 33 credits

Students should consult the General Studies Requirements for a list of courses that fulfill the General Studies Requirements for degree completion.

Written Communication (6 credits)
Oral Communication (3 credits)
- Recommended: COMM 1010 - Presentational Speaking
Quantitative Literacy (3 credits)
- Recommended: MTH 1610 - Integrated Mathematics I (Note: This course is required for the major/teacher licensure and can also meet general studies requirements in this category. However the credits for this course can only count toward the total credits for the degree once.)
Arts and Humanities (6 credits)
- Recommended: Two of the following courses:
  - CHS 2010 - Survey of Chicana/o Literature , COMM 2010 - Gender and Communication , GWS 2770 - Gender and Communication , GWS 3260 - Gender, Social Justice and the Personal Narrative , JMP 1010 - Critical Thinking through 21st Century Media , PHI 1010 - Introduction to Philosophy or HON 1011 - Introduction to Philosophy , PHI 1030 - Introduction to Ethics , PHI 1040 - Introduction to Eastern Religions , PHI 1050 - Introduction to Western Religions , PHI 2040 - Philosophy of Religion , SLHS 3000 - Foundations of Disability Studies through Media , SPA 1020 - Elementary Spanish II
Historical (3 credits)
- Recommended: One of the following courses:
  - AAS 1130 - Survey of African History , GWS 1600 - Women in World History , HIS 1150 - Multicultural America , HIS 1250 - China and East Asia , HIS 1270 - India and South Asia , HIS 1300 - Introduction to Latin American History , HIS 1600 - Women in World History , HIS 1940 - Survey of African History , HON 1040 - World History since 1500
Natural and Physical Sciences (6 credits)
- Recommended: BIO 1000 - Human Biology for Non-Majors and NUT 2040 - Introduction to Nutrition (Note: These courses are required for the major/teacher licensure and can also meet general studies requirements in this category. However the credits for these courses can only count toward the total credits for the degree once.)
Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits)
- Recommended: EDS 3130 - Foundations of Educational Psychology and Philosophy and ITP 1500 - Dynamics of Health (Note: These courses are required for the major/teacher licensure and can also meet general studies requirements in this category. However the credits for these courses can only count toward the total credits for the degree once.)
Global Diversity (0 or 3 credits**)

** Students will fulfill the global diversity requirement by taking an approved course within one of the following categories: arts and humanities; historical; natural and physical sciences; or social and behavioral sciences.

Multicultural Requirement: 0 or 3 credits

Students should consult the Multicultural Graduation Requirements for a list of courses that fulfill the Multicultural Requirement for degree completion.
Many programs include courses that meet this requirement. Students should consult with their advisor to determine what program courses may fulfill this requirement.
- Recommended: EDS 3150 - Issues in Multicultural Education in Urban Secondary Schools (Note: This course is required for teacher licensure and can also meet the Multicultural requirement. However the credits for these courses can only count toward the total credits for the degree once.)

Required K-12 Physical Education Major Courses: 64 credits

BIO 1000 - Human Biology for Non-Majors Credits: 3
HPS 4500 - Motor Learning and Development Credits: 3
ITP 1500 - Dynamics of Health Credits: 3
NUT 2040 - Introduction to Nutrition Credits: 3
PETE 1601 - Introduction to Teaching Physical Education Credits: 3
PETE 1665 - Methods of Teaching Outdoor Education Credits: 3
PETE 1670 - Curricular Aspects of Elementary Physical Education Credits: 3
PETE 1680 - Curricular Aspects of Secondary Physical Education Credits: 3
PETE 2010 - Methods of Teaching Team Activities Credits: 3
PETE 2030 - Teaching Weight Training and Fitness Education Credits: 3
PETE 2040 - Methods of Teaching Individual/Dual Activities, Level I Credits: 3
PETE 2090 - Methods of Teaching Individual/Dual Activities, Level II Credits: 3
PETE 3000 - School Health Education Credits: 3
PETE 3010 - Clinical Experience in School Health Education Credits: 2
PETE 3200 - Movement Science for Teacher Education Credits: 4
PETE 3400 - Methods of Teaching Secondary Physical Education Credits: 3
PETE 3410 - Clinical Experience in Secondary Physical Education Credits: 2
PETE 3460 - Health and Physical Education Assessment Credits: 3
PETE 3500 - Methods of Teaching Elementary Physical Education Credits: 3
PETE 3510 - Clinical Experience in Elementary Physical Education Credits: 2
PETE 3800 - Risk Prevention, Assessment, and Intervention for Teacher Education Credits: 3
PETE 4620 - Methods of Teaching Adapted Physical Education Credits: 3

Additional Requirements for K-12 Physical Education Teacher Licensure: 26 credits

All students must complete the following courses in teaching foundations and strategies. Before registering for these courses, students should obtain admission to the School of Education. Please consult with an academic advisor.

CLD 3310 - Integrated Methods of Teaching English as a Second Language Credits: 3
or
CLD 3910 - Assessment of English Language Learners Credits: 3
CLD 3510 - Perspectives in Education for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners Credits: 3
EDS 3130 - Foundations of Educational Psychology and Philosophy Credits: 4 *
EDS 3140 - First Field Experience in Secondary Education Credits: 1 *
EDS 3150 - Issues in Multicultural Education in Urban Secondary Schools Credits: 3 (satisfies Multicultural)
EDS 3280 - Disciplinary Literacy in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Schools Credits: 3
EDT 3010 - Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching Credits: 3
MTH 1610 - Integrated Mathematics I Credits: 3
* EDS 3130 and EDS 3140 must be taken concurrently.
SED 3600 - Exceptional Learners in the Classroom Credits: 3

Senior Experience: 12 credits

Students may take 6 credits of EDU 4190 and EDS 4290 or 12 credits of either student teaching course. Please consult with an academic advisor.

EDU 4190 - Elementary Student Teaching and Seminar: K-6 Credits: 6,12
EDS 4290 - Student Teaching and Seminar: Secondary 7-12 Credits: 6,12

Summary of Requirements

General Studies Requirements	33 credits
Multicultural Requirement	0-3 credits
Required Major Courses	64 credits
Additional Requirements	26 credits
Senior Experience	12 credits
Total for the K-12 Physical Education Major, B.S.	Minimum 120 credits

Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and Multicultural requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.