Bachelor of Science (BS) in Physical Education Degree

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Overview

Physical Education Bachelor Degree Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Physical Education degree program offered by Grand Canyon University is a collaborative initiative from the College of Education and the College of Natural Sciences. The BS in Physical Education degree attracts teacher candidates who possess an enduring love of sports, physical fitness and wellness. Physical education (PE) teachers can serve as powerful role models and motivators for the next generation as they strive to make healthy choices and reach their full potential in the PK-12 grade school setting.

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Locations

Campus

Tuition Rate

Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]

Course Information

Credits: 120

Campus: 15 weeks 

[More Info]

Transfer Credits

Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division

Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

  • 16+ years old
  • High School Graduate
  • 3.0+ Unweighted GPA
  • OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

  • ACT: 19
  • SAT: 1000*

For high school students. Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status.
* Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
Why GCU

Benefits of Earning Your BS in Physical Education From GCU

GCU's major in physical education for bachelor-level students offers a modern curriculum that is fully aligned with Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) principles. All coursework adheres to the national standards for Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) as established by SHAPE America, which is the national organization for physical educators.

This physical education bachelor's degree enables teacher candidates to develop these core competencies:

  • Create a safe, positive learning environment
  • Meet the diverse needs of students with varying abilities
  • Empower students to thrive physically, and stay active in and out of school
image of kid playing basketball

Participate in Practical Student Teaching Opportunities

image of female coaching basketball

All teacher candidates working on a physical education degree are required to complete a student teaching experience. Under the supervision of a certified, experienced physical education teacher, our bachelor of physical education candidates will apply their knowledge to the classroom by completing a total of 105 practicum/field experience hours. In addition, in their final semester, each candidate will dedicate two 8-week sessions to supervised student teaching where each session focuses on teaching in a different setting, such as teaching elementary education and teaching secondary education.

By successfully completing this program, including the built-in practicum and student teaching experiences, physical education teacher candidates are eligible for a K-12 education teaching credential in the state of Arizona.

Develop Your Skills With a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education

Physical education teachers fulfill several roles within a school system. They assess and guide the physical development of students, provide nutritional guidance and inspire an enthusiasm for healthy exercise. Many physical education teachers also coach one or more school sports teams.

Additionally, a major in physical education can allow you to guide the socio-emotional development and ethical awareness of your students. Through your connection with students, instilling values such as good sportsmanship and teamwork is at the heart of your teachings. As a physical education instructor, you can help your students work toward a love of healthy competition, tempered by the humility to gracefully accept a loss.

Some of the responsibilities of a physical education teacher may include:

  • Developing a well-rounded curriculum
  • Organizing activities
  • Preparing and maintaining gym equipment
  • Teaching students how to play sports and other physically active games

Coursework

BS in Physical Education Course Topics

While you earn your bachelor's degree in physical education at GCU, some of the topics you study may include:

Human development and function
Fitness development and assessment
Biomedical principles
Techniques and best practices for safe movement
Physical education for students with disabilities
Instructional technology
Teaching methods for individual and team sports
image of yoga coach
Careers

Career Opportunities for BS in Physical Education Degree Graduates

As a bachelor's degree in physical education candidate, you can learn how to turn your passion for fitness and sports into a career with hopes of inspiring students. Graduates of the BS in physical education degree program may pursue job opportunities as instructors in elementary, middle or high school PE programs or direct physical activity programs.

The Bachelor of Science in Physical Education degree program at GCU leads to initial teacher licensure. A major in physical education gives candidates the opportunity to pursue all necessary certifications required by the state in which they wish to teach.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 11,100 new jobs are estimated to open for high school teachers from 2022 to 2032.1

BS in Physical Education Degree Program FAQs

If you're considering a physical education degree, we've gathered answers to your most frequently asked questions.

How long does it take to get a physical education degree?
Is a physical education degree hard?
Can you be a PE teacher without a degree?
Is a physical education degree worth it?
Courses

Course List

Credit Summary

General Education34-40 Credits

Open Elective Credits8-14 Credits

Major72 Credits

Degree Requirements120 Credits

General Education Requirements

General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.

Competency

4 Total Credits

University Foundations

View Course Description

Competency

9-12 Total Credits

Effective Communication

View Course Description

Competency

4 Total Credits

Christian Worldview

View Course Description

Competency

11-12 Total Credits

Critical Thinking

View Course Description

Competency

6-8 Total Credits

Global Awareness, Perspective and Ethics

View Course Description

Core Courses

PED-247

4 Total Credits

Teaching Strategy in Physical Education and Exercise Science

View Course Description

BIO-155

3 Total Credits

Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

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BIO-155L

1 Total Credits

Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology Lab

View Course Description

PED-263

4 Total Credits

Teaching of Team Sports and Individual Activities II

View Course Description

PED-251

4 Total Credits

Teaching of Team Sports and Individual Activities I

View Course Description

SPD-208

4 Total Credits

Survey of Special Education: Teaching Children with Exceptionalities

View Course Description

PED-275

4 Total Credits

Teaching Fitness and Wellness

View Course Description

EXS-340

3 Total Credits

Physiology of Exercise

View Course Description

EXS-340L

1 Total Credits

Physiology of Exercise-Lab

View Course Description

EDU-330

4 Total Credits

Social Justice for Educators

View Course Description

ESL-446N

3 Total Credits

Methods of Structured English Immersion for K-12 Education

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PED-420

4 Total Credits

Physical Education Teacher Education Methods: Elementary Grades

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GOV-260

1 Total Credits

Arizona Constitution & Government

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PED-430

4 Total Credits

Physical Education Teacher Education Methods: Middle Grades

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EXS-335

3 Total Credits

Kinesiology

View Course Description

EXS-335L

1 Total Credits

Kinesiology Lab

View Course Description

PED-370

4 Total Credits

Physical Education for Students with Disabilities

View Course Description

PED-440

4 Total Credits

Physical Education Teacher Education Methods: Secondary Grades

View Course Description

PED-450

4 Total Credits

Methods of Teaching and Assessing Health

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PED-480A

6 Total Credits

Physical Education Student Teaching I

View Course Description

PED-480B

6 Total Credits

Physical Education Student Teaching II

View Course Description
image kids playing basketball on court

Make an Impact on Future Generations

To get started on your BS in Physical Education degree, complete the form on this page to connect with a university counselor.

  1. COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, High School Teachers, retrieved on April 24, 2024.