Core courses focus on principles of effective teaching, school-based physical activity and fitness education, adapted physical education, curriculum, teaching team and individual sports, and technology in sport and physical education. PEK students also take general education courses (GEF) in communication, basic math and science, English, social sciences and humanities.
Foundation Coursework
The PEK foundation courses provide an introductory understanding of human structure and movement, motor skills development across a life span and characteristics of individuals with disabilities. These concepts and principles serve as the building blocks for designing and delivering developmentally appropriate movement-based learning experiences for individuals of any age and ability.
Professional Coursework
Prepare for a career in physical education with a new perspective on what quality physical education entails. Students enjoy hands-on opportunities working with Pre-K through adult-aged learners in movement, physical activity, sport and physical education settings. Through these experiences, students learn what it takes to be an effective teacher and instruct using research-based curricular and instructional models to motivate learners to be physically active and fit for a lifetime.
Tailor this major to your interests by taking one of these courses as you pursue your degree:
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CHPR 271:
Health in the School Community
Students will develop an understanding of the organization, structure, and function of government, voluntary, and other professional community health agencies and their role in promoting the health of members of the school community. Additionally, students will examine the influence of a range of community and contextual factors related to student health outcomes, especially those associated with diversity and health disparities.
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PET 349:
Health-Optimizing Physical Education
Introduction to the foundations and components of health-related fitness, appropriate curriculum for K-12 programming, effective teaching principles and assessment of physical activity and fitness.
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PET 350:
Teaching Primary Physical Education
Students are introduced to the unique needs and characteristics of young children while getting hands-on experience creating developmentally appropriate practices, developing effective teaching practices, and learning important observation and assessment skills.
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PET 441:
Technology in Physical Education
Students introduced to technology literacy with a focus on the effective use of technology in physical education settings. Application of technologies related to professional development, advocacy, planning and instruction, and assessment of student learning.
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PET 477:
Adapted Physical Education Practicum
A supervised practice teaching experience providing adapted physical education to children with special needs.
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PET 488:
Student Teaching: Secondary Physical Education
Gain practical experience teaching physical education in secondary school settings.
Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in one of these areas:
Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in one of these areas:
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Physical Education Teaching
Required courses:
- PET 487 - Student Teaching: Elementary K-5 Physical Education
- PET 488 - Student Teaching: Secondary Physical Education
- PET 489 - Student Teaching Seminar
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Sport Pedagogy
Required courses:
- PASS 300 - Career Exploration in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences
- PASS 489 - Capstone Experience in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences
Take advantage of special options related to this major:
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Accelerated Program
Physical Education and Kinesiology offers the option to earn a bachelor's and master's degree in an accelerated time frame.
Accelerated Program Details
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Honors
Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations for first-
and second-year students and Honors EXCEL for third- and fourth-year students.
Explore Honors