PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The physical education teacher education (PETE) program provides opportunities for students to become critical thinkers, creative planners and effective practitioners.

The Physical Education Program

To be successful in the field, a physical education student must like to work with people, be adequately skilled in physical activities, have a commitment to fitness and be interested in the physical, biological and social sciences.

 

The PETE program emphasizes teaching and provides students with skills and techniques necessary to begin a successful career in K-12 physical education. The PETE program is aligned with the National Standards Guidelines for Physical Education Teacher Education. The courses are strategically structured to be sequential in nature.

 

Students initially take courses through the Department of Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences (HNES) and complete their degree requirements through the School of Education (SOE). Students are admitted upon meeting the criteria established by the SOE. Completing the degree requirements for a physical education degree in the SOE certifies a graduate to teach physical education from kindergarten through grade 12.

 

The student majoring in physical education will be studying the art and science of human movement, which includes classes in elementary, middle and high school activities; motor learning, physiology and the psychology of human movement; the art of teaching and motivating students; and an appreciation of the individual differences of all people.

 

Students will successfully complete all HNES 100-level core courses before advancing to the HNES 200-level core courses, etc. These core courses provide content knowledge, scientific foundations and pedagogical training, while providing substantial experience in practice teaching. Students must earn a grade of B or better in all core physical education courses and must maintain at least a 2.75 cumulative grade point average (GPA) to stay in full-standing in the program.

 

A graduate leaves prepared to teach in a professional manner, while demonstrating exemplary ethical behavior and displaying current best practices. Graduates are expected to be positive role models for K-12 students in the area of physical education, physical activity and sports.

Technology in Physical Education

Physical education majors at NDSU are taught how to use and apply heart rate monitors and pedometers in activity settings. The TriFIT computer-based health management system allows for exercise evaluation, nutrition evaluation and health-risk assessments. Students will use video cameras and computer software to analyze sport skills and improve teaching effectiveness, K-12 student accountability and personal reflection.

Double Major

It is recommended that physical education majors obtain a degree enhancement through licensing, certification or a double major. The physical education curriculum has been structured to allow PETE students to obtain a health education major during the same four year time frame. The acquisition of additional credentials helps to prepare future professionals, giving them a broader area of expertise and making them more marketable. For further information about school health education, please refer to the Health Education Fact Sheet.

Career Opportunities

Graduates in physical education find career opportunities teaching in public or private educational settings, coaching within the community, athletic programs including coaching at higher education institutions, community sports positions with parks and recreation facilities, and/or local organizations like the YMCA. If interested in coaching at the higher education institutions, students are encouraged to maintain a 3.0 GPA to ensure acceptance into graduate school to pursue the necessary master's degree required to coach at this level.

Sample Curriculum

This sample curriculum is not intended to serve as a curriculum guide for current students, but rather an example of course offerings for prospective students. For the curriculum requirements in effect at the time of entrance into a program, consult with an academic adviser or with the Office of Registration and Records.

Contact Information

Connie Eggers, Academic Advisor
College of Human Development and Education
North Dakota State University
Dept #2600
PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050

Tel: (701) 231-9847
Email: Connie.Eggers@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ndsu.edu/education/teacher_education/

or

Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences
North Dakota State University
Dept #2620
PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 5810-6050

Tel: (701) 231-5687
Email: :Joe.Deutsch@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ndsu.edu/hnes/

Office of Admission

North Dakota State University
Ceres 114
Dept 5230, PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050

Tel: (701) 231-8643
Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ndsu.edu/admission/

(09/12)