Physical Education

Step Up and Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education

Are you passionate about promoting healthy habits for people of all ages? Join us at South Carolina State University and earn a degree for physical education that will effect a positive change in your life and the lives of others.As the only public, historically black college and university (HBCU) in the Palmetto State, South Carolina State is known for offering a quality, affordable education.

Upon graduating with a bachelor’s degree in physical education from our accredited program, you’ll have developed the necessary skills to hit the ground running in a variety of careers — including becoming a physical education teacher, as our program meets all physical education teacher requirements. Students also go on to become leaders in fields ranging from government to health care.Our highly experienced, caring faculty focus on experiential learning opportunities to help you fulfill your physical education degree requirements, as well as individualized advising to help you score when it comes to reaching your career goals. 

Method of Instruction

• Face-to-face
• Online
• Hybrid

Physical Education Options

Physical Education Program Highlights

At SC State, our program is all about the fusion of skill development and experiential learning as you work toward your physical education teacher requirements. The benefits of earning your bachelor’s degree in physical education from South Carolina State include:

• Putting your learning into action

You’ll fulfill your physical education degree requirements via supervised, pre-professional experience hours.

• Networking and career-building with aspiring professionals

Physical education and health education services majors have the opportunity to join the Health and Physical Education Majors’ Society. Students can also connect with professionals and peers via the South Carolina Public Health Association and the South Carolina Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance to explore career growth opportunities and resources.

• Gaining a top-notch education that is also affordable

As you pursue your bachelor’s degree in physical education at South Carolina State, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for financial assistance, ranging from Bulldogs on the Run Scholarships to the Ken D. Mosley Award.

• Learning from supportive experts

Our esteemed faculty are certified by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. Whether you aim to become a physical education teacher or go on to graduate school, you’ll be assured the most up-to-date knowledge and expertise from our committed health education professionals.

What Can You Do With a Physical Education Degree?

A bachelor’s degree in physical education is the ideal warmup for exercising your career muscles. And, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, health education jobs are expected to grow 12% over the next decade—much faster than other fields.

Physical education careers

Many students earn a degree for physical education from South Carolina State to become physical education teachers. In addition to fulfilling physical education teacher requirements, students go on to work in academia, state and local health departments, universities and public or private schools, hospitals, insurance companies, community centers, coalitions, nonprofit organizations, and businesses. Upon earning your degree for physical education, you may opt to pursue employment as a K–12 health teacher, a senior living community health coordinator, or in coaching and fitness.
South Carolina State graduates with a degree for physical education hold titles such as:

• Middle school athletic director
• Recreation supervisor
• Strength coach
• School principal
• Urban strategist for parks and recreation department

Graduate school is also a common next step for graduates of our degree program, with students earning their master’s degrees in health care management, speech and audiology, teaching, and public health, as well as certifications as strength and conditioning specialists.

What You Will Study in Physical Education

In as little as four years, you can complete your bachelor’s degree in physical education and move on to a rewarding career of your choice.
From critical thinking to research and communication to public speaking and writing, students leave South Carolina State with a base of knowledge that satisfies all physical education teacher requirements and makes them ideal candidates to become a physical education teacher. You can also go on to specialize in any health-related field.
Coursework centers around issues of community and public health. You’ll address current challenges in health care as well as gain safety skills in areas such as first aid, CPR, and automatic external defibrillator operation. Specific courses you’ll take while working toward your physical education degree requirements include:

• Health Education Services Seminar
• Contemporary Health Problems
• Concepts of Community Health Education

Beyond traditional physical education degree requirements, we arm our students with real-world expertise. Applied learning happens via your practicum experience, which will connect you with opportunities and contacts that can shape your career. Meanwhile, you’ll gain valuable experience with developing responsibility and demonstrating competence in key areas such as the planning, implementation, and evaluation of health programs.