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Physical Education

Shape the health and well-being of the next generation by becoming a Physical Education teacher. At Grand View, you'll gain the skills to help students discover the joys of staying active and embracing healthy lifestyles. Through our accredited program, you'll be prepared to make a positive impact in elementary, middle, and secondary schools, empowering students to build habits that contribute to lifelong wellness. Join us in creating a brighter, healthier future for all.

Grand View University offers college credit for students who have earned the Iowa Seal of Biliteracy.

Discover Student Success Stories

Degree Level:

Undergraduate Programs

Program Type:

Major

Format:

Full Time, In-Person

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Why Grand View?

Faculty members nurture individual students while holding them accountable on their path to becoming a professional educator.
We are uniquely positioned in Des Moines, Iowa, which allows students to experience urban, suburban and rural classrooms in practicum and student teaching.
We are committed to developing teachers who are empowered to meet the diverse needs of today's students.
You have the opportunity to participate in a one-of-a-kind, research-based grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This five-year grant will prepare teachers with ESL endorsements. You will gain cutting edge skills, marketability and other incentives.
You’ll work closely with an experienced physical education teacher for two entire semesters prior to student teaching.
The Grand View teacher education program is accredited by the Iowa Department of Education.
Eligible undergrads can dual-enroll in up to six hours of graduate coursework to count toward both their undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Student Testimonial

Dr. Jaclyn Easter

“Dr. Easter has gone above and beyond for me on too many occasions to mention. She has encouraged me to present with her at a statewide teacher's conference, encouraged me to take multiple education practicum opportunities, and has overall pushed me to be the strong, confident student teacher I am today. She is truly an amazing woman. My Grand View experience simply would not have been nearly as remarkable without her. That is why Dr. Easter is absolutely deserving of the mentor appreciation award.”

- Madison Green

Program Details

Students who are interested in Physical Education (K-12) must earn a minimum 3.0 GPA in a prescribed liberal arts pre-education program and have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA before they are formally admitted to the teacher education program of the University. (See Pre-Education Program and Application for Admission to Teacher Education sections of the catalog).

Physical Education students must earn a minimum 3.0 GPA in coursework required for the major and a minimum 3.0 GPA in coursework required for each additional endorsement pursued. A grade of B or above must be earned in designated courses (Bor above in ENGL-101), and students must earn a grade of C or above in all other courses required for the major, each endorsement, and prerequisite courses. Students must earn a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA in all college work. Any request for a change in the sequence of curriculum for the Teacher Education Program must be submitted to the Education Department chair for consideration by the Education Department faculty. Successful completion of these requirements and all other University graduation requirements will lead to program completion, which is required for recommendation for licensure in most states including Iowa.

Course Requirements (79-80 credits)

Pre-education Requirements/Pre-requisites for courses in the major: Minimum 3.0 GPA required (9 credits toward the major plus 12-13 credits toward General Education Core Requirements)

ENGL 101 or ENGL 220	First Year Composition or Academic English for Multilingual Students II	3 credits or 4 credits
A math course	Must meet GV General Ed Core	3 credits
A science course	Must meet GV General Ed Core (reminder: one Gen Ed Core course needs to be from a subject other than BIOL)	3-4 credits
PSYC 101	General Psychology	3 credits
SPCH 103 or SPCH 126	Making Connections or Speaking of Faith and Meaning	3 credits or 3 credits
EDUC 111	Introduction to Education	3 credits
EDUC 146	Psychology and Development for Educators	3 credits

Additional Prerequisites for the major: 7 credits

BIOL 101	General Biology I	4 credits
KINH 188	Personal and Community Health	3 credits

*These courses will not be counted in computing the GPA for the major, unless required for the content major or endorsements sought.

Remaining Requirements for Physical Education majors (69-70 credits):

EDUC 243 or EDUC 244	Instructional Planning & Assessment or Planning and Assessment for Art, Music, and Physical Education	3 credits or 2 credits
EDUC 280	Social Issues in Education	3 credits
EDUC 245	Instructional Technologies	2 credits
EDUC 342	Pedagogies of Exceptional Learners	3 credits
BIOL 160	Human Anatomy	4 credits
BIOL 165 or KINH 391	Human Physiology or Exercise Physiology	4 credits or 3 credits
KINH 281	Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries	3 credits
KINH 205	Lifetime Fitness and Wellness	3 credits
KINH 213	Theories and Techniques of Teaching Team Sports	3 credits
KINH 214	Theories and Techniques of Individual Sports	3 credits
KINH 215	Concepts in Movement Education	3 credits
KINH 304	History, Organization, and Administration of Physical Education	3 credits
KINH 335	Adaptive Physical Education	3 credits
EDUC 326	Physical Education and Health Methods in the Elementary School	3 credits
EDUC 327	Elementary Physical Education/Health Practicum	2 credits
EDUC 328	Physical Education and Health Methods in the Secondary School	3 credits
EDUC 329	Secondary Physical Education/Health Practicum	2 credits
EDUC 415	Mental Health First Aid/Trauma-Informed Care	1 credits
EDUC 421	Content Area Reading	3 credits
EDUC 442	Elementary Classroom Management	2 credits
KINH 371	Kinesiology	3 credits
EDUC 420	Elementary Student Teaching	6 credits
EDUC 425	Secondary Student Teaching	6 credits
CPR and Concussion Training Certificates are required to be on file with the Education Department at Grand View in order to obtain licensure.

Students pursuing a Physical Education degree will obtain a K-12 Coaching Endorsement as part of their coursework.

Students wishing to add the K-8 and 5-12 Health Endorsements should take the following:

PSYC 277	Addictive Behaviors	3 credits
PSYC 322	Marriage and Family	3 credits
BIOL 140	Introduction to Nutrition	3 credits
EDUC 415	Impact of Mental Health and Trauma on Children/Youth: What to Know to Help	1 credit

After completing the Physical Education major at Grand View, you will:

Graduate certified to teach PE to all grades.
Graduate with your coaching endorsement.
Be just three classes from also getting the health endorsement.

Explore Teaching Endorsements

NET PRICE CALCULATOR

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Tuition & Scholarships

At Grand View University, your tuition supports instruction delivered by knowledgeable and experienced faculty who uphold our tradition of exceptional teaching. Additionally, we are dedicated to offering a high-quality education at the most affordable cost.

Transfer Credits

No matter what major you’re thinking about, you may be able to transfer in as many as 75 credits from a community college or junior college. If you have an A.A. or A.A.S. from an Iowa community college, you will be automatically admitted at junior status.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Becoming a Physical Education teacher is your opportunity to inspire students to lead active, healthy, and fulfilling lives. You’ll be the guide who helps them discover activities they enjoy, build confidence through movement, and understand the lifelong benefits of wellness. As a P.E. teacher, you’re not just teaching sports or fitness—you’re fostering teamwork, resilience, and a love for health that can shape their future. It's a rewarding career where you can make a lasting impact, one student at a time.

You Can Make a Difference

Research shows that healthy children learn more effectively and achieve more academically. If the lessons of lifetime physical activity and healthy food and beverage choices are modeled at home and reinforced in school, children will have the optimal foundation for healthy living.

Physically active and educated children are more likely to thrive academically and socially. Through effective physical education, children learn how to incorporate safe and healthy activities into their lives. Physical education is an integral part of developing the "whole" child in social settings and the learning environment.

IS PHYSICAL EDUCATION RIGHT FOR YOU?

Physical education teachers are usually employed to teach children from the kindergarten level through high school. They promote physical activity and well-being through a variety of physical activities and sports. Students also might learn about CPR, first aid and overall health during their physical education period.

Physical education teachers also might serve as coaches for schools' sports teams or as health teachers. They must be physically fit, as most of their days are spent on their feet, and an overall knowledge of sporting and physical activity equipment is necessary.

Physical education teachers must develop lesson plans and prepare materials and equipment just as any other teacher would. They must assure that their lesson plans are appropriate and effective for all students.

Career Options

Physical Education Teacher
Activities Director
Adventurer/Risk Trainer
Aquatic Management
Athletic Director/Trainer
Camp Director
College/University/High School Coach
Community/Commercial Recreation Director
Corporate Fitness Instructor
Exercise Physiology
Health Educator
Health/Fitness Consultant
Park Manager
Personal Trainer