Physical Education Major

Become a Physical Education teacher and take action against one of our nation’s most critical health problems. As a P.E. teacher, you play a direct role in the lifetime health of your students. With childhood obesity rates on the rise, it’s more important than ever for young people to understand the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and discover activities they actually enjoy. Grand View's accredited program prepares you for a career as a P.E. teacher in elementary, middle, and secondary schools.

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

Discover Student Success Stories

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.
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.
Earn graduate credit: eligible undergrads can dual-enroll in up to six hours of graduate coursework to count toward both their undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Career Options

You will be doing more than just teaching with a degree from Grand View. You will be changing lives through education when you work as a:

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

What Can I Do With This Major?

Course Requirements

Download Degree Checklist

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

GV Degree Combinations

You may also be interested in one or more of our Teaching Endorsements that we offer.

Did You Know?

Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States due to a decline in physical activity kids experience. One important way to address this decline is through strong physical education programs in our nation's schools. To arrest the rise in obesity, children must be physically active during the school day and learn about keeping healthy through exercise and eating a balanced diet.

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.