Physical Education and Kinesiology, BS
Upon program completion, you’ll be eligible for certification in PreK-Adult Physical Education and may also pursue certification in Health Education.
Our Educator Preparation Provider is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the only nationally recognized accreditor for teacher education. The Physical Education licensure program is also approved by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America).
You can also save time and money and boost your credentials with our 4-year Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Program.
Your Degree Plan
Build a strong foundation in effective teaching, fitness education, adapted physical education/activity, and technology integration. You’ll also complete general education courses in communication, math, science, English, social sciences, and the humanities.
Foundation Coursework
Learn the science of human structure, human movement, and development across the lifespan. These foundational courses give you the vital tools to design inclusive, movement-based learning experiences that meet the unique needs of every learner.
Professional Coursework
Through hands-on experience with PreK through adult learners, you’ll learn to apply research-based curricular and instructional models for movement, sports, and physical activity. You’ll graduate with the skills to deliver high-quality instruction that motivates learners to be active and healthy for life.
Pedagogy Theory and Application
PET 233
Students gain hands-on experience in physical education settings by applying pedagogical theory. The course focuses on assessing, planning, designing, managing, and delivering effective instruction. Students will develop practical skills and effective teaching practices tailored to the needs of diverse learners in physical education.
Technology in Physical Education
PET 441
Introduction 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.
Adapted Physical Education Practicum
PET 477
A supervised practice teaching experience in adapted physical education.
Residency 2 in Physical Education
PET 488
A final, school-based practice teaching experience in the K-12 setting.
Physical Education Teaching
Required courses:
- PET 488: Residency 2 in Physical Education
- PET 489: Residency 2 Seminar
Sport Pedagogy
Required courses:
- ACE 256: Principles and Problems in Coaching
- ACE 310: Coaching Pedagogy
- CAHS 300: Career Exploration in Applied Human Sciences
- CAHS 489: Capstone Experience in AHS
PEK Accelerated BS/MS Program
Physical Education and Kinesiology offers the option to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in an accelerated time frame.
Honors
Expand your curiosity and enhance your curriculum through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations and Honors in Action.
The WVU Difference
What sets this program apart?
- 100% Exam Pass Rate: Achieved a 100% passage rate on the Physical Education Content Specialization test and edTPA for 10 consecutive years.
- Accelerated Master’s Degree: Save time and money by earning both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just four years.
- Professional Networking: Spend an entire school year embedded in the local education community, building a strong professional network and reputation with local schools that gives you a massive competitive advantage when job hunting.
- Immersive Classroom Experience: Gain extensive, real-world classroom experience to learn to design movement experiences for learners across the developmental spectrum and individuals of all abilities.
- National Alumni Network: Join a proud, national network of successful alumni who open doors for our graduates in schools and organizations across the country.
Learn by Doing
Get involved outside the classroom.
Research
- Instructional Technology Project: Plan and carry out an action research project in your Technology in Physical Education course, applying instructional technology in a real-world teaching setting.
- Residency Self-Study: Conduct an extensive self-study during your residency, analyzing your instructional planning, classroom management, teaching effectiveness, and assessment of student learning. This project also fulfills state teaching licensure requirements.
Hands-on Learning
- Early Classroom Experience: Complete more than 125 hours of hands-on teaching experience with learners across all developmental levels before your residency begins.
- Adapted Physical Education Practicum: Gain inclusive teaching experience through our community-based Adapted Physical Education practicum, where you’ll learn to differentiate instruction and adapt learning experiences for individuals of all abilities.
View all of the student organizations you can join.
- Leadership: Influencing or guiding others in their decision-making and action.
- Strategic Planning: Identifying outcomes and strategizing how to accomplish them.
- Collaboration: Engaging with others to accomplish individual and organizational goals.
- Fluency of Ideas: Generating a number of creative ideas about a topic or issue.
- Problem Sensitivity and Solving: Telling when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong and solving those problems using flexible approaches.
Careers and Outcomes
How does this degree prepare students for a career?
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Median Salary: $62,340
Possible Job Titles: Classroom Teacher, Elementary School Teacher, Elementary Teacher, Teacher
Middle School Teachers
Median Salary: $62,970
Possible Job Titles: Language Arts Teacher (LA Teacher), Math Teacher (Mathematics Teacher), Science Teacher Teacher
Secondary School Teachers
Median Salary: $64,580
Possible Job Titles: English Teacher, Mathematics Instructor (Math Instructor), Social Studies Teacher, Teacher
Adapted Physical Education Specialists
May Require Graduate Degree
Median Salary: $67,430
Possible Job Titles: Adapted Physical Education Specialist (APE Specialist), Adapted Physical Education Teacher (Adapted PE Teacher), Adapted Physical Educator, DAPE Specialist (Developmental Adapted Physical Education Specialist)
Health Education Specialists
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $63,000
Possible Job Titles: Clinical Instructor, Health Education Specialist, Health Educator, Public Health Educator
Education Teachers, Postsecondary
May Require Graduate Degree
Median Salary: $72,090
Possible Job Titles: Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Education Professor, Professor
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Median Salary: $75,890
Possible Job Titles: Health and Physical Education Professor (HPE Professor), Instructor, Physical Education Professor (PE Professor), Professor
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
May Require Graduate Degree
Median Salary: $104,070
Possible Job Titles: Elementary Principal, Middle School Principal, Principal, Superintendent
Where our grads work
The majority of our graduates pursue careers in K-12 school settings and have been successful in starting their careers in districts across the country, including:
- Florida: Duval County
- Ohio: Franklin and Cuyahoga counties
- Maryland: Baltimore and Frederick counties
- New Jersey: Middlesex County
- Virginia: Fairfax and Prince William counties
- North Carolina: Mecklenburg County
We take particular pride in the number of alumni who have continued on to become school leaders in our West Virginia communities as well, such as Harrison, Kanawha, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, Raleigh, Taylor, and Wood counties.
Further your education
Master’s in Physical Education Teacher Education
Designed for teaching professionals to enhance their ability to design and implement curriculum and physical activity programs for school-aged children.
Prepare you to be a lifelong learner who can adapt to contemporary demands in the coaching profession.
Prepares you to be a special education teacher and other professionals to provide high-quality educational programs and services in elementary and secondary schools.
Prepare you to work behind the scenes of the sport industry, 1 of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S.
Master’s in Leadership Studies in Education
Equip you to meet the unique needs of your local school community while advancing your career.
Meet Your Community
The Physical Education and Kinesiology family will inspire you.
Sean Bulger
Professional Highlights
- Received the 2016 Ray O. Duncan Award from the state HPERD association for outstanding service and leadership.
- Co-authored more than 70 books, chapters, and journal articles on physical activity promotion and best teaching practices.
- Collaborated on over $6 million in external funding to support physical activity in school, community, and family settings.
- Delivered over 130 presentations at state, regional, and national conferences/conventions.
Emi Tsuda
Professional Highlights
- Certified physical education teacher with extensive experience teaching and coaching across diverse developmental levels and abilities.
- Guided and prepared more than 100 physical education preservice teachers.
- Co-authored over 80 book chapters and journal articles and delivered 120 presentations on PE pedagogy and physical activity promotion.
Ryan Wamsley
Professional Highlights
- Multiple years of teaching experience in both public and higher education, receiving the 2018 SHAPEWV Elementary PE Teacher of the Year Award.
- Oversees senior PEK students in the year-long residency in Morgantown and surrounding area schools.
- Teaches courses in motor development, motor learning, lifetime fitness, public health, and health education.
James Wyant
Professional Highlights
- WVU Teacher of the Year Award, and CPASS award for excellence in teaching for the 2018-2019 academic year.
- WV Department of Education Teacher Credentials: Physical Education PreK-Adult, Health Education grades 5-12.
- Coordinator of the physical education teacher education student teaching capstone experience.
Xioxioa Zhang
Professional Highlights
- Certified Adapted Physical Activity Educator
- Research emphasis on promoting physical activity and reducing health disparities for individuals with disabilities
- 2023 Recipient of SHAPE America Thomas L. McKenzie Research Award
"This program incorporates hands-on learning to go along with lectures, and the classes are smaller so you can more easily build strong relationships with the faculty and peers."
Tyler Derkotch
"This program is a very tight-knit community and creates close bonds. The faculty within the program actively make time for you and want to get to know you as a person. They don’t see you as just another body going through their program, but as an equal."
Noah Miller
"I think our program has the best professors, and that really sets us apart from other programs. The professors spend time with us and they truly shaped my time at WVU. I think they are what makes our program stand out amongst others."
Emily Faddis
"What sets this program apart is how helpful the professors and administration are. They build true professional relationships and networks within the program."
Darius Redman
"The courses and professors really equip us with the knowledge, resources and experiences that we need to excel in whatever pathway we may choose, especially since this field has a plethora of opportunities to pursue post-graduation."
Anthony Richards II
BS, Physical Education and Kinesiology
"WVU taught me how to quickly modify lessons and create extensions on the fly to meet the needs of different students. That flexibility has been crucial in helping me teach and engage young students every day."
Jaron Summers
FAQs
Common questions and answers about Physical Education and Kinesiology.
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Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the Physical Education and Kinesiology major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.
Tuition and Aid
How much does Physical Education and Kinesiology at WVU cost? And how can you save?
Tuition and Fees
Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.
Ways to Save
Beyond scholarships, here are other ways to reduce your cost of attending WVU.
Financial Aid
The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Physical Education and Kinesiology, BS is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
Ohio Tuition Reciprocity
As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to Physical Education and Kinesiology can enroll at WVU and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.
Start at Another WVU Campus
You can start your career with WVU at another campus and transfer to WVU Morgantown.
Transfer Articulation Agreements
To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.
Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.
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Want to know more about Physical Education and Kinesiology at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.
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