Skills for Success

The Physical Education Program at NDSU offers two career-focused options: the K-12 Teacher Licensure option, preparing students for teaching roles in physical education, and the Coaching and Physical Activity Leadership option, geared towards careers in coaching, recreation, and youth physical activity. The program emphasizes science-based knowledge, safety in practice, and professional ethics, with hands-on teaching and field experiences. Graduates benefit from a robust curriculum that includes technology integration and real-world application, preparing them for diverse roles in education, coaching, and community recreation.

Contact Dr. Jenny Linker , Program Coordinator, for more information.

Student running through a gym while teaching a gym class with young students.

K-12 Teacher Licensure

The licensure program equips future educators with the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience necessary for a successful teaching career in K-12 physical education. Aligned with SHAPE America’s Physical Education Teacher Education Standards and North Dakota’s ESPB standards, the curriculum is structured sequentially to build expertise through practical teaching experiences like the NDSU "Let’s Move in Homeschool" and the "Adopt-a-School" service-learning programs.

To join the program, students must meet School of Education (SOE) admission requirements. Program completion includes a full-semester student teaching experience, and graduates are eligible for K-12 physical education licensure.

Explore the curriculum

Students begin as pre-physical education majors, completing content-specific coursework while applying for admission to the School of Education. Admission requires passing scores on the Core Academic Skills for Educators (or qualifying ACT + scores), a minimum 2.75 GPA, and successful completion of required field experience hours.

Upon completing the program and passing licensure exams, graduates are eligible to teach K-12 in most states. Learn more about state authorizations. The physical education program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the North Dakota Education and Standards and Practices Board (ESPB).

Recommendation Students are encouraged to enhance their credentials through additional licensing, certification, or a double major, particularly in health education. This option broadens expertise and marketability.

Student teaching (clinical practice) is the culmination of the teaching program. During the clinical practice, teacher candidates apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their college courses to real-world classrooms under the supervision of experienced P.E. teachers in middle or high schools. Faculty members from NDSU conduct regular on-site visits to support, encourage, and evaluate teacher candidates so that they gain the confidence and ability to join the teaching profession after graduation.

Coaching & Physical Activity Leadership

This option prepares students for careers in coaching, recreation and youth physical activity programs. Aligned with SHAPE’s National Standards for Sports Coaches, the curriculum emphasizes youth development, injury prevention, program planning and instructional strategies. The program culminates in a required internship experience, and students must maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA to graduate.

Explore the curriculum
Student working with bow and arrow in gym class.

Additional Program Information

Graduates find opportunities in teaching, coaching, and community programs within schools, parks, recreation facilities, and organizations like the YMCA. For those interested in coaching at the collegiate level, maintaining a 3.0 GPA is recommended for graduate school consideration.

Students will be assigned individual advisors who will work closely with them in program planning. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor(s) at least once a semester.

NDSU physical education majors gain experience with diverse technologies and software to analyze physical activity, track student/athlete progress, and assess teaching and coaching effectiveness.

Let's Move in Homeschool

Explore the Let's Move in Homeschool program

School of Education

Email: marie.champagne@ndsu.edu Phone: (701) 231-7101 Page Manager Facebook