Program Overview
MTSU's Bachelor of Science in Physical Education prepares students for teaching positions in elementary and secondary schools. The program offers two concentrations: Physical Education Teaching and Sports Pedagogy. Students gain practical experience through supervised field experiences and are mentored by experienced teachers and university professors. Graduates can pursue careers in teaching, fitness, recreation, therapy, coaching, and more.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Bachelor of Science in Physical Education at MTSU is designed to prepare students for teaching positions in public and private elementary and secondary schools in Tennessee. The program is unique in offering a substantial amount of supervised field experiences in schools, allowing students to gain practical experience while supervised by university professors and public school teachers. The program offers two concentrations:
- Physical Education Teaching: Prepares students for teaching positions in elementary, middle, and high schools.
- Sports Pedagogy: Focuses on the pedagogical aspects of physical education, research, and curriculum development.
Outline:
Physical Education Teaching Concentration
Curriculum:
- General Education (41 hours)
- Major Requirements (52 hours)
- Secondary Education Minor (27 hours)
Course Schedule:
- Freshman Year:
- Expository Writing
- Research and Argumentative Writing
- Humanities and/or Fine Arts (2 rubrics)
- Social/Behavioral Sciences
- Natural Sciences (Rubric 1)
- Introduction to Physical Education
- First Aid and Safety Education (or approved First Aid/CPR competency)
- Sophomore Year:
- Themes in Literature and Culture (or The Experience of Literature)
- World Literatures (Hum/FA)
- Natural Sciences (Rubric 2)
- Mathematics (statistics rec.)
- Social/Behavioral Sciences (Rubric 2)
- Fundamentals of Communication
- Skill Themes: Games, Gymnastics, and Rhythms
- Fitness Education K-12
- Concepts and Tactics of Teaching Games
- Applied Kinesiology and Biomechanics
- Teaching Territory Games
- Junior Year:
- Pedagogy of Physical Education and Practicum
- Adapted Physical Education
- Motor Behavior
- Educational Rhythms for Teachers
- Authentic Assessment in Teaching Physical Education
- Curriculum in Physical Education
- Classroom Management
- Problem-Based Instructional Strategies
- Senior Year:
- Elementary Physical Education Teaching Methods and Practicum
- Secondary Physical Education Teaching Methods and Practicum
- Seminar in Teaching Physical Education
- Residency I: Grades K-12
- Residency II
Sports Pedagogy Concentration
Teaching:
- The program is known for its emphasis on practical experience and field-based learning.
- Students gain supervised teaching experience in various school settings and are mentored by experienced teachers and university professors.
- Faculty members are highly qualified and experienced in the field of physical education.
Careers:
Graduates of the Physical Education program can pursue a wide range of careers, including:
- Elementary, middle, and high school physical education teachers
- Fitness/Health Center professionals (aerobics instructor, athletic clubs/center director, corporate fitness center manager, personal trainer, strength trainer, stress management consultant, weight management consultant)
- Recreation Careers (activities instructor, aquatics specialist, camp instructor/park ranger, commercial recreation instructor, facility manager, sports club instructor, YMCA/YWCA activities instructor)
- Therapy-Related Careers (dance therapist, movement therapist, physical therapist, recreational therapist)
- Coaching/Officiating
- Emergency services personnel instructor
- Military physical education specialist
- Professional dancer
- Protective services personnel instructor
