Help children and teens have happy, productive lives into adulthood by introducing and building upon one of the most important fundamentals—their health.
Our teaching major in physical education and health prepares you to teach:
- physical education from pre-kindergarten through grade 12
- health from grades 5 through 12
In this major, you will get to learn from leading subject experts (content courses) in our School of Kinesiology while learning about the fundamentals of classroom instruction (pedagogy courses) through Ball State’s nationally recognized Teachers College.
All semesters include practical teaching experiences with public school children.
National Recognition
The Health and Physical Education Teacher Education Program has earned National Recognition from the National Association for Sport and Physical Education. The review for this honor is rigorous and extensive as programs must demonstrate that all teacher candidates have met the national standards for teaching physical education.
What You Will Learn
The program emphasizes topics such as:
- fitness and instructional technology
- observational analysis and assessment
- content and curriculum
- motor development
- methods of teaching
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Ball State University Teaching Major in Physical Education and Health, teacher candidates:
- will demonstrate an understanding of common and specialized content, and scientific and theoretical foundations for the delivery of an effective preK-12 physical education and health program. (Scientific and Theoretical Knowledge)
- are physically literate individuals who can demonstrate skillful performance in physical education and health content areas and health-enhancing levels of fitness as delineated in the SHAPE K-12 Standards. (Skill-Based and Fitness Based Competence)
- are able to apply content and foundational knowledge to plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences aligned with local, state and SHAPE America National Standards and Grade-Level Outcomes for K-12 Physical Education and Health through the effective use of resources, accommodations, and/or modifications, technology and metacognitive strategies to address the diverse needs of all students. (Planning and Implementation)
- will engage students in meaningful learning experiences through effective use of pedagogical skills. They use communication, feedback and instructional and managerial skills to enhance learning. (Instructional Delivery and Management)
- are able to select and implement appropriate assessments to monitor students’ progress and guide decision making related to instruction and learning. (Impact on Student Learning)
- demonstrate dispositions essential to becoming effective professionals. They exhibit professional ethics and culturally competent practices; seek opportunities for continued professional development; and demonstrate knowledge of promotion/advocacy strategies for physical education and health and expanded physical activity opportunities that support the development of physically literate individuals. (Professionalism)
What It’s Like to Major in Teaching Physical Education and Health at Ball State
Upon completion of the physical education undergraduate degree, all students will be licensed to teach pre-kindergarten through grade 12 physical education in the state of Indiana.
Our department has a 100-percent pass rate in the physical education, teacher education licensure exam prior to graduation.
We offer a variety of opportunities to work with (and expose students to) pioneering equipment and technology (e.g., Dartfish TV, accelerometers, activity monitors, heart rate monitors, and pedometers).
Explore Our Facilities
The Physical Education Student Association (PESA) fosters professional partnerships, social gatherings, and community outreach programming for students enrolled in the health and physical education program.
Students majoring in health and physical education will gain practicum and experiential learning experiences with Pre K-12 students in a public and or private school setting. These opportunities are available all semesters of our curriculum.
You’ll have the chance to gain immersive learning experiences led by our undergraduate students and supported by our PETE faculty that provide community outreach and support for youth living in Muncie.
Major Requirements
Our bachelor’s degree in teaching physical education and health blends courses in general teaching methods with ones unique to our own field, along with the University Core Curriculum required of all Ball State students.
In addition to core degree requirements, you must:
- demonstrate basic swimming competencies
- provide documentation of current and ongoing CPR and First Aid certification
The degree is designed so that you can complete it in four years if you take classes full time. Completion time will vary if you attend part time. We encourage you to speak with your advisor about your workload and your timeframe goals for completing your degree.
We are one of only three universities in Indiana to earn National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) recognition for physical education teacher education. Learn more.
Credits
Total: 120
- general education courses: 15 credits
- core credits: 65 credits
- student teaching: 12 credits
Courses
A few of the classes you will take include:
- Teaching Fitness Activities
- Motor Development
- Foundations of Physiology and Exercise
- Methods & Curriculum/Teaching Health Education
- Intro to Curriculum Design in Physical Education
Program Advisor: Barb Weyenberg
For a complete list of all the courses you will take and their descriptions, please see our Course Catalog.
View Catalog
As a student in our teaching program, you’ll get the best of both worlds. You’ll take your content courses with our department’s professors, giving you the benefit of learning from experts directly in the field. And you’ll take classes on pedagogy—the art and science of classroom instruction—from both department faculty and with our nationally renowned Teachers College’s faculty. Learn more about the Teachers College.
What Can You Do with a Degree in Teaching Physical Education and Health?
A degree in teaching physical education and health can be utilized for careers in more than just teaching. Potential careers can include:
Organizational Opportunities
- Athletic/Activities Director
- Community Health Fair Coordinator
- Recreational Sports or Program Coordinator/Director (with a city, club, YMCA, etc.)
- Educational Consultant to Health and fitness promotion organizations (American Heart Association, Presidential Youth Fitness Program, etc.)
- Corporate Wellness/Recreation Director
- Activities/Recreation/Fitness Director at a Camp
- State Department of Health (Physical Activity/Nutrition Division)
- Obesity-Focused Projects
- Community Recreation Facilities
- District Wellness Coordinator
Educational Setting Opportunities
- Health Teacher
- Physical Educator
- Before/After School Activity Director
- Coach
Sports/Fitness Opportunities
- Referee
- Strength & Conditioning Coach
- Health/Life Coaching
- Personal Trainer
Paying for Your Education
On top of the dozens of funding options offered through Ball State’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, our department awards scholarships to our own students. Find a scholarship.
Apply to Ball State
Admission to Ball State is selective, and we carefully evaluate all applications on an individual basis. Applying is easy. Use our convenient, comprehensive, and secure online application.
Apply Now
Connect with Us
Want to Learn More?
The best way to get a true feel for Ball State is to spend some time here, so we encourage you and your family to schedule a campus visit. Take a tour, attend an information session, meet with a professor in our area, and ask plenty of questions. Or, if you’d rather speak to someone directly by phone or email, please feel free to contact us.