Bachelor of Arts in Health and Physical Education
Become an effective K-12 health and physical educator who uses innovative and collaborative practices.
About this Program
The B.A.Ed. in Health & Physical Education prepares candidates to become effective K-12 health and physical educators who use innovative and collaborative practices. As local, state, and national advocates, graduates will promote healthy and active lifestyles to foster health and wellbeing for future generations.
- Health & Physical Education students will complete three phases. During Phase I, candidates will observe and teach in select classrooms to gain professional experiences alongside experienced educators and K-12 students. Phase II will consist of specialized coursework designed for the 21st century health and physical educator.
- During Phase III, students will serve as health and physical education teachers in both elementary and secondary settings and finish all requirements for the degree.
Teacher education candidates are required to observe and teach in selected classrooms, learning about effective teaching, developing professional dispositions, and working directly with practitioners and school students at varying grade and developmental levels.
The Student Advising and Field Experience (SAFE) office works with school partners in establishing placement for these observations.
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Program Information
Program Type
Major
Area of Study
Education
School
Duration
4 Years
Degree
B.A.Ed. in Health and Physical Education
Program Location
Required Credit Hours
123 Hours
Degree Requirements
To complete the BA in Health and Physical Education, students must complete the following coursework:
English Composition (6)
- WRIT 101 (3)
- WRIT 101 or LIBA 102 (3)
Social / Behavioral Science (6)
- PSY 201
- HST (100 level suggested) (3)
- HST (100 level suggested) (3)
- Mathematics / Science (15-18)
- MATH 121 - College Algebra (not to include MATH 245 or 246)
- Physical Science w/lab (CHEM 105/115, GEOL, 101/111, GEOL 104/1114, GEOL 105/115, PHYS 107, PHYS 108, PHYS 211/212, PHYS 213/223, CHEM 105/115 (required for ES 248/249) (3-4)
- Biological Science w/lab - BISC 102/103 (3-4)
- BISC 206 (3-4)
- Science or Math Elective (lab not required) CHEM 105, GEOL 101, GEOL 102, GEOL 104, GEOL 105, PHYS 107, PHYS 108, PHYS 211) (MATH 123 or MATH 125) (3)
Humanities / Fine Arts (9)
- English Literature (ENG 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226) (3)
- English LIterature (ENG 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226) (3)
- Fine Arts (DANC 200; MUS 102, 103, 104; THEA 201 (3)
General Education (9-10)
- BISC 207 (3-4)
- EDWP 340 Integrated Music and Movement (3)
- EL Activity Courses (choose 3-1 hr courses) (3)
Professional Education Requirements (71)
- HP 191 Personal and Community Health (3)
- HP 203 First Aid and CPR (3)
- EDWP 240 Intro to Health and Physical Education (3)
- EDWP 241 Movement Fundamentals and Applied Motor Learning in PE (3)
- NHM 311 Nutrition (3)
- EDCI 352 Education, Society, and the K-12 Learner (3)
- EDSP 308 Intro to Special Education (3)
- EDWP 344 Physical Literacy: LIfetime Fitness, Exercise, and Physical Activity (3)
- EDWP 345 Educational Dance, Gymnastics, and Mindful Movement (3)
- ES 346/347 Kinesiology (4)
- EDSP 327 Classroom Management and Behavioral Interventions (3)
- EDWP 346 Teaching Fitness, Outdoor, and Adventure Education (3)
- ES 348/349 Physiology of Exercise (4)
Admission to Phase II required
- EDWP 347 Inclusive Health and Physical Education (3)
- EDCI 353 Effective Classroom Practices (25 hrs field experience) (3)
- EDWP 440 Elementary PE Methods (Action Lab - Pedagogy Application in Elementary Setting (3)
- EDWP 441 Secondary PE Methods (Action Lab - Pedagogy Application in Secondary Setting (3)
- EDWP 442 Coordinated School Health (WSCC) and Comp School PA (Health Practicum) (3)
- EDWP 445 Assessment and Evaluation PE (3)
- EDWP 446 Student Teaching - Elementary/Secondary PE (9)
Applicants to the program must meet the following requirements. Students must have a:
- 2.5 grade point average (entry admission for transfer students and change of major)
- 2.75 grade point average (admission for Phase II: Teacher Education Program) and appropriate scores on either the ACT, SAT or CORE* (More Info…). Must complete education courses with a "C" of better to move forward.
*Praxis Core Exemption: Students are exempt from taking the Praxis CORE exam for admission to Phase II if they have:
- An ACT score of at least a 21 composite (or SAT equivalent; View the SAT Equivalency Scoring sheet for more information) OR
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a minimum of 60 hours of completed coursework
Did You Know?
in Mississippi for licensure preparation and first-time pass rates.
undergraduate scholarships are awarded each year.
We're here to help!
If you have any questions or need more information, don't hesitate to reach out!
Laura F Prior
Associate Professor of Teacher Education
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