The Physical Education major is an interdisciplinary program that integrates coursework in exercise science and education to prepare students to promote physical activity, health, and lifelong movement skills. The program combines the scientific study of human movement -- including anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, motor development, and exercise physiology -- with educational theory and teaching methodology. Students learn how the body responds and adapts to physical activity while also developing the skills needed to effectively teach, assess, and design engaging physical education programs.
Through a combination of classroom learning, laboratory experiences, and practical teaching opportunities, students gain the knowledge and applied skills necessary to work in school and community settings. The curriculum emphasizes physical literacy, inclusive instruction, curriculum development, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles across the lifespan.
Graduates of the Physical Education program will be prepared to support the development of motor skills, physical fitness, and wellness in diverse populations while fostering positive learning environments that encourage lifelong participation in physical activity.
Program of Study
PSYCH 101 with a C or higher is a prerequisite for all psychology courses in the program.
A 'C' or better in EXSC 200, EXSCL 200, EXSC 201 and EXSCL 201 is required prior to taking EXSC 275.
Registration in EXSC 200 and EXSC 201 requires concurrent registration in the lab components of these courses (EXSCL 200/201).
Students in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences must complete all science courses at SXU.
Requirements (45 credit hours)
Students who major in Physical Education must take all of the following courses from the program's three cores:
Behavioral Kinesthetics Core (15 credit hours)
- PE 116: Contemporary Topics in Health and Physical Education (3)
- PE 117: Principles of Coaching (3)
- PE 225: Individual Sports (3)
- PE 226: Team Sports (3)
- PE 300 Measurement and Evaluations for PE (3)
Methods Core (22 credit hours)
- EXSC 112: Health and Fitness (3)
- EXSC 120: First Aid and Athletic Injuries (3)
- EXSC 130: Introduction to Exercise Science (3)
- EXSC 203 Nutrition for Sport (3)
- EXSC 210: Motor Behavior (3)
- EXSC 275: Exercise Physiology for Sport (3)
- EXSCL 275 Exercise Physiology for Sport Lab (1)
- EXSC 319 Biomechanics for Sport (3)
Anatomy and Physiology Core (8 credit hours)
- EXSC 200: Anatomy and Physiology I (4)
- EXSCL 200: Anatomy and Physiology I Lab (0)
- EXSC 201: Anatomy and Physiology II (4)
- EXSCL 201: Anatomy and Physiology II Lab (0)
The School of Nursing and Health Sciences reserves the right to amend policies, procedures and other program information as necessary. All changes will be communicated promptly.