Bachelor of Science - Health Education and Physical Education

Program Description 

The Department of Teaching and Learning offers a highly respected dual undergraduate major in health education and physical education that prepares students to teach both disciplines in elementary, middle and high schools. The redesigned 127-credit 4-year Bachelor of Science Degree in the Health Education and Physical Education program will provide students with greater career flexibility and will lead to New York State Initial Teaching Certification in two distinct disciplines. 

Students in the program learn effective techniques of classroom management, curriculum design, and lesson planning for children in Kindergarten through Grade 12.  Liberal arts courses in biology equip students with knowledge in human anatomy and physiology. 

The Health Education component examines nutrition, health care services, sexuality and family planning, personal well-being, and drugs in contemporary society. Students will learn how to encourage children and teenagers, in a non-judgmental approach, to discuss their experiences, attitudes and values related to health issues.

The Physical Education portion shows students how to create a program that motivates children and adolescents to stay fit. students will learn how to organize movement activities, create rules and regulations, conduct lessons that allow for maximum practice opportunity, analyze student performance and identify sports-related injuries. 

In both disciplines, students will gain extensive field-based experience through methods classes and student teaching in local school districts. 

Program Goals:

• To produce qualified and competent educators to meet the health and physical education needs of students in a diverse society.
• To provide educational experiences that promote physical and health literacy, fitness, and skill proficiency for K-12 students. 
• To prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed to sit for the New York State Teacher Certification Exams in both disciplines and qualify to teach health education and physical education on the elementary, middle, and high school levels.