Physical Education
Prepare for a Career in Sports, Fitness, or Education
Make an impact in this movement-based field.
While jumping jacks and the crab walk are fun, there’s a lot more to physical education. The Physical Education program at Davis & Elkins College will prepare you to excel in teaching and other career fields by providing you with broad, practical knowledge in sports, fitness, and education.
Through the physical education program at Davis & Elkins College, in addition to physical activity, you’ll learn about psychomotor development, exercise testing, administration, human anatomy, and much more. In addition to learning from experienced and dedicated faculty members who will inspire you to achieve your goals, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art facilities. Plus, you’ll be provided with a variety of engaging experiences, both on and off campus, to help you build a strong résumé to fuel your professional success.
Physical education teachers are required to complete a teacher certification program with a specialty in physical education and another minor subject. If you’re not pursuing teacher certification, you’ll complete a practicum in a work-related field of study.
Baccalaureate Programs (B.S.)
Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Education
The bachelor’s degree in Physical Education requires 47-62 semester hours of specified courses in sport science, education, biology, and psychology. A minor in education is required for a teaching certification. Upon completing the program, you’ll be certified to teach elementary, middle, or high school in West Virginia and other states where the certificate is reciprocal.
Courses
What We Offer
- Wellness Education
- Fitness Activities
- Individual and Dual Sports
- Rhythms
- Aquatics I, II & III
- Foundations of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science
- Outdoor Physical Education
- Gymnastics and Movement Skills
- Psychomotor Development
- Facilities
- Exercise Testing and Prescription
- Team Sports I & II
- Sport Organizational Technology
- Safety, First Aid & CPR
- Principles of Athletic Training
- General Medical Conditions
- Psychosocial Aspects of Sport
- Organization and Administration
- Adapted Physical Education
- Kinesiology
- Measurement in Health and Physical Education
- Physiology of Exercise
- Stress Testing
- Research Methods and Interpretation
- The Law in Sport and Physical Education
- Therapeutic Rehabilitation
- Personal Training Certification
- Physical Education Assisting
- Independent Study
- Practicum
Careers in Physical Education
Throughout your studies as a Physical Education major, you’ll complete student teaching or practicum assignments under professional supervision. Our relationship with the local school system and strong alumni connections will provide you with opportunities to engage with leaders working in the field.
Once you earn your degree, you’ll be prepared for a teaching career in physical education, as well as for a career in related areas such as:
- Coaching at a variety of different levels
- Youth work
- Various health fields
- Sports and athletic programs
- Management of sport- and athletic-related businesses
What Our Alumni Say
“Throughout my time at Davis & Elkins College, I developed many close working relationships with faculty, staff, and student members. I established new learning and studying strategies, participated in professional leadership opportunities within the community, and completed my primary and secondary student teaching.”
– George Wager, Class of 2003
Why Physical Education at D&E
You’ll prepare to excel in dynamic sports and wellness professions through a program that combines evidence-based practice and technology. You’ll engage in experiential learning while fostering ethical leadership and lifelong learning opportunities. Small class sizes and accessible faculty facilitate learning, understanding of complex concepts, and professional development. Classes are held in facilities that promote and streamline your learning experiences, including:
- Memorial Gymnasium/Martin Field House, the college’s indoor athletic facility
- The George A. Myles Pool, the college’s aquatic center
- The Robbins-Madden Fitness Center, a comprehensive exercise facility outfitted with strength and aerobic equipment
- Outdoor facilities that include Nuttall Field, The Joni Smith Softball Field, the Katherine S. Thomas Tennis Center, and the college’s baseball field and cross-country course
- You can also gain experience in Randolph County Schools classrooms, the Elkins-Randolph County YMCA, and other nearby athletic facilities.