Physical Education - B.S. Download to print

The Bachelor of Science in Physical Education comprises three concentrations: Health and Physical Education, Physical Education Teacher Licensure and Physical Activity and Sport Performance. Only the physical education teacher education and health and physical education concentrations lead to a K-12 multi-age teaching licensure in Ohio.

A combined Health and Physical Education concentration in the physical education major is available to students who are seeking Ohio teacher licensure in both areas. The program is designed to be completed in five years and can allow students to satisfy up to 12 credit hours of program requirements with graduate courses. The program includes multiple field experiences in a variety of school districts, followed by a full semester of student teaching. Students teach in both subjects and are eligible to sit for the multi-age teacher licensing examinations.

The Physical Education Teacher Licensure program is a four year program for students who are seeking Ohio teacher licensure in physical education. The program includes multiple field experiences in a variety of school districts, followed by a full semester of student teaching. Graduates are eligible to sit for the multi-age teacher licensing examinations.

The Physical Activity and Sport Performance concentration is anchored by the notion that the study of physical activity and sport is important in and of itself, as these are important biological and social concepts. The PASP concentration shares the core course requirements of the Bachelor of Science degree in physical education. Students extend their area of study outside physical education through the selection of a minor. Popular minors include Athletic Coaching, Sport Administration, Sport Medicine, Recreation Management, Park Management, Event Planning and Community Health Education. However a minor can be selected from any offered at Kent State. Consultation with a faculty advisor is recommended in the selection of the minor. The PASP concentration provides students with the opportunity to design their educational experience by developing an individualized program of study.

The Health and Physical Education and Physical Education licensure concentrations prepare students for a career in teaching physical education. These concentrations prepare students to take the Ohio Assessments for Educators (in Physical Education), successful completion of which with lead to the granting of a teaching license. Many states have reciprocal agreements with Ohio, and so these concentrations can lead to a teaching career nationwide. Kent State University Physical Education graduates are generally successful in the job market, both in and out of the state of Ohio. Graduates from the Physical Activity and Sport Performance concentration will seek employment in many different areas, their choice often related to the selected minor. Career options include, but are not limited to, coaching, youth sport and leadership, recreation facilities, and the leisure industry.

For admissions, the College of Education, Health and Human Services considers a student to have established a Kent State University GPA after the student has successfully completed a minimum of 12 Kent State University credit hours. Undergraduate students who have not completed a minimum of 12 Kent State University credit hours will be evaluated for admission into programs, Advanced Study, and the Professional Phase based on their high school GPA for new freshmen, or transfer GPA for transfer students. Once a student has successfully completed a minimum of 12 Kent State University credit hours, only the student’s Kent State overall GPA will be considered for admission into a program, Advanced Study, and Professional Phase.

Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to a major and/or admission to professional coursework for a selective admission program. To be admitted directly into a teacher education program, it is required that new freshmen have a 2.750 high school GPA. Students who do not meet the GPA requirements of their intended major may enroll into EHHS General until which time they have established a Kent State GPA of 2.750.

Students seeking admission into the Health and Physical Education or the Physical Education Teacher Licensure concentration of this program must meet all professional requirements for admission to advanced study and have a minimum overall 2.750 GPA in all previous undergraduate coursework. Students should contact the Vacca Office of Student Services, 304 White Hall, during the first year of study to inquire into the procedures associated with admission to advanced study. Students transferring from another university should meet with an academic advisor in 304 White Hall at least one semester prior to transferring.

For more information about admission criteria for transfer, transitioning and former students, please visit the admissions website.

Minimum 120 credit hours required in the Physical Activity and Sport Performance concentration and the Physical Education Licensure concentration. Minimum 157 credit hours required in the Health and Physical Education concentration. All concentrations require a minimum of 39 upper-division credit hours.

Grade point average requirements vary by concentration. Minimum 2.750 GPA in major and minimum 2.750 overall GPA for the Health and Physical Education concentration and the Physical Education Licensure. Minimum 2.250 GPA in major and minimum 2.000 overall GPA for the Physical Activity and Sport Performance concentration.

Students in the Physical Education Licensure and the Health and Physical Education concentrations need to provide evidence of certification in First Aid, CPR and a minimum equivalence to level 5 competency in Red Cross swimming.

Licensure Requirement (not required for graduation):
Candidates seeking Ohio licensure are required to pass specific assessments in order to apply for licensure. See Ohio Department of Education-Educator Preparation website for more information on assessments specific to licensure type. Taking and passing the licensure tests prior to graduation is encouraged but not required.

Students must apply for State of Ohio Licensure (defined by completion of all licensure program requirements) within 12 months of program completion. After 12 months, applicants must meet State approved program/licensure requirements that are in effect at the time of application. This means that students who apply after the 12 month deadline may have to take additional coursework if the content, methods courses, program requirements, or licensure requirements have changed from the catalog in force.

Graduates of the Health and Physical Education and Physical Education Licensure concentrations will be able to:

1. Apply discipline-specific scientific and theoretical concepts critical to the development of physically educated individuals.
2. Plan and implement a variety of developmentally appropriate learning experiences and content aligned with local, state and national standards to develop physically educated individuals.
3. Use effective communication and pedagogical skills and strategies to enhance student engagement and learning.
4. Utilize assessments and reflection to foster student learning and inform instructional decisions.
5. Demonstrate dispositions essential to becoming effective professionals.

Graduates of the Physical Activity and Sport Performance concentration will be able to:

1. Demonstrate understanding and value of human diversity.
2. Apply their broad spectrum of knowledge of human movement in their capstone experience by being able to: a) describe and apply biophysical (anatomical, physiological, and biomechanical) and social-psychological concepts to skillful movement, physical activity, and fitness depending upon their area of focus; b) identify individual and group motives and opportunities and barriers to involvement in different types of human movement; and c) understand the historical significance of past events and how these events have shaped the present development of sport and physical education.

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education