Program Overview

Physical Education Program

The Physical Education Program at North Dakota State University offers two career-focused options: the K-12 Teacher Licensure option and the Coaching and Physical Activity Leadership option. The program emphasizes science-based knowledge, safety in practice, and professional ethics, with hands-on teaching and field experiences.

Program Options

K-12 Teacher Licensure Option

The licensure program equips future educators with the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience necessary for a successful teaching career in K-12 physical education. The curriculum is structured sequentially to build expertise through practical teaching experiences.

• Admission Requirements: Teacher candidates may enroll in select 300-level courses before formal admission to the School of Education. Admission to 400-level EDUC courses requires completion of the School of Education application, successful grades in core physical education courses, a minimum 2.75 GPA, and passing scores on the Core Academic Skills for Educators test (or ACT+ scores).
• Certification: Upon completing the program, graduates qualify for physical education licensure in most states, with accreditation by CAEP and ESPB.
• Double Major Recommendation: Students are encouraged to enhance their credentials through additional licensing, certification, or a double major, particularly in health education.

Coaching and Physical Activity Leadership Option

This option prepares students for careers in coaching, recreation, and youth physical activity programs. The curriculum emphasizes youth development, injury prevention, program planning, and instructional strategies. Field experiences lead to a culminating internship, with students required to maintain a 2.75 GPA for graduation.

Additional Program Information

Courses and Plans of Study

The program includes a range of courses that provide students with a comprehensive education in physical education.

Technology Integration

NDSU physical education majors gain experience with diverse technologies and software to analyze physical activity, track student/athlete progress, and assess teaching and coaching effectiveness.

Professional Education Courses

Teacher candidates may enroll in 300-level professional education courses before being formally admitted to the School of Education. Prior to enrolling in 400-level courses, teacher candidates must complete the application for admission to the School of Education, attain a minimum of a 2.75 grade point average overall in their course work, and pass the Core Academic Skills for Educators exam or meet minimum scores on the ACT+.

Student Teaching

Student teaching is the culmination of the teaching program. During the clinical practice, teacher candidates apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their college courses to real-world classrooms under the supervision of experienced P.E. teachers in middle or high schools.

Student Advisement

Students will be assigned individual advisors who will work closely with them in program planning. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor(s) at least once a semester.

Licensure

Upon completing this program, teacher candidates are eligible for certification to teach P.E. in most states. The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the North Dakota Education and Standards and Practices Board (ESPB).

Career Opportunities

Graduates find opportunities in teaching, coaching, and community programs within schools, parks, recreation facilities, and organizations like the YMCA. For those interested in coaching at the collegiate level, maintaining a 3.0 GPA is recommended for graduate school consideration.