BS Major in Physical Education

The physical education and sport studies department prepares students for careers in physical education, coaching, and recreation with a broadly based, value centered liberal arts curriculum. The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in physical education leads to Kansas secondary teacher licensure, while the major in physical performance and sport studies does not lead to licensure.

B.S., Major in Physical Education

Important note: This major addresses physical education; it leads to Kansas K - 12 teacher licensure only in physical education.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates in Physical Education (B.S.) will:

• Demonstrate an understanding of common and specialized content, and scientific and theoretical foundations for the delivery of an effective preK-12 physical education program.
• Demonstrate physical literacy and skillful performance in physical education content areas and health-enhancing levels of fitness.
• Apply content and foundational knowledge to plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences aligned with local, state and/or SHAPE America’s National Standards and Grade-Level Outcomes for PreK-12 Physical Education through the effective use of resources, accommodations and/or modifications, technology and critical thinking strategies to address the diverse needs of all students.
• Engage all students in meaningful learning experiences through effective use of pedagogical skills. They use communication, feedback, technology, and instructional and managerial skills to enhance student learning.
• Select and implement appropriate assessments to monitor students’ progress and guide decision-making related to instruction and learning.
• Exhibit technological fluency, model appropriate digital citizenship, and engage students in technology use to enhance learning.
• Demonstrate behaviors is essential to becoming effective professionals. They exhibit professional ethics and culturally competent practices; seek opportunities for continued professional development; and demonstrate knowledge of promotion/advocacy strategies for physical education and expanded physical activity opportunities that support the development of physically literate individuals.

Major requirements*

• PHED212 Swimming (1 hour)
• PHED213 Principles of Physical Education (3 hours)
• PHED215 Applied Motor Learning (3 hours)
• PHED314 Measurement and Evaluation in Physical Education (3 hours)
• PHED325 Teaching Physical Education in the Elementary School (3 hours)
• PHED326 Adapted Physical Education (3 hours)
• PHED435 Organization and Administration of Physical Education (3 hours)

Cognate requirements

• HSCI226 Structural Anatomy (2 hours)
• HSCI323 Exercise Physiology (3 hours)
• HSCI332 Kinesiology (3 hours)
• PPSS126 First Aid and Safety (2 hours)
• PPSS225 Fitness Assessment (2 hours)
• PPSS420 Theory of Coaching (3 hours)
• PSYC335 Psychology of Sport (3 hours)

Teacher Education Licensure Requirements

• EDUC150 Introduction to Education (2 hours)
• EDUC215 Foundations of Education (3 hours)
• EDUC216 Diversity Field Experience (1 hour)
• EDUC220 Educational Technology (3 hours)
• EDUC238P Teaching Health and Physical Education in the Secondary Schools (3 hours)
• EDUC322 Educational Psychology (4 hours)**
• EDUC323 Introduction to Exceptionalities (4 hours)**
• EDUC343 Home, School, and Community (3 hours)
• EDUC344 Content Area Literacy (3 hours)
• EDUC352 Principles of Effective Secondary Instruction (3 hours)
• EDUC439 Secondary School Methods and Management (4 hours)**
• EDUC440 Student Teaching Seminar (1 hour)**
• EDUC449 Observation and Supervised Teaching in the Secondary School (4-12 hours)**

**Taken after formal admittance to the Teacher Education Program.

Cognate requirement

• MATH110 College Algebra (3 hours)
• PSYC112 General Psychology (3 hour)
• PSYC218 Child Psychology (3 hours) or PSYC252 Developmental Psychology (3 hours) 

*2026-2027 Course Catalog

Southwestern College offers a physical performance and sports studies major that is designed for students who are kinesthetically talented, academically prepared, and have developed strong interests in health, wellness, and assisting in the development of human performance for athletes and individuals. 

The physical performance and sports studies program includes a wide breadth of general and specific academic knowledge and skills across the fields of physical education, exercise, and athletic training.  There are four possible outcomes to the program depending upon the interests and academic abilities of the student:

1. Successful completion of the courses in the major and additional courses.  This approach earns a bachelor’s degree.
2. For students who desire more in-depth knowledge of weightlifting and training, additional coursework is added to the program to prepare for and take the certification exam to be a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) who is able to apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance.
3. Outcomes 1 and 2 plus additional courses in the sciences such as anatomy and physiology as well as nutrition.  Also, additional courses in athletic training are needed. Students completing this major and the additional courses will prepare to become an American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) certified health fitness specialist.
4. For those with a strong interest in learning science and medicine, an additional certification is possible and it represents the fourth outcome, which leads to the ACSM (Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist).

Career opportunities include assistant coaching in collegiate sports, being a certified strength and conditioning specialist (personal trainer), careers in health and wellness and graduate studies in exercise science.