Exercise, sport and health sciences | Physical education teacher certification emphasis
Bachelor of Science
Teaching through fitness
Share your love of health and physical activity by becoming a certified physical education teacher. Youth in kindergarten through 12th grade can benefit from your expertise in living a healthy, active lifestyle and learn how to live their best life. Learn to improve fitness and health through games, sports and other physical activities by taking courses that blend classroom teaching and hands-on learning.
Experiences in the physical education program provides students with physical education certification at the elementary and secondary level and health certification at the secondary level. We take a holistic approach in producing physical activity specialists for the school district.
Wrap up an extensive program exploring exercise and human biomechanics with an internship in physical education teaching and make a lasting impact on the health of youth.
Why choose U of I for your physical education degree?
- Our graduates experience a 92% hiring rate.
- Receive clinical experiences at elementary, middle and high school levels prior to your internships.
- Our physical education program is accredited by CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation)
Overview
Related Topics
Shape the future of fitness
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Want to make a difference in the health of youth of all ages.
- Enjoy sports and physical activities.
- Want to teach others how to live healthy, active lives.
- Want a career with growth opportunities and security.
- Want a fun work environment with summer flexibility.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
2,657 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and starting salaries
- Elementary School Teachers
$53,111 - Secondary School Teachers
$51,531 - Coaches and Scouts
$31,003 - Middle School Teachers
$52,900 - Adapted Physical Education Specialists
$54,975
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
To maximize aid and scholarship possibilities, be sure to complete your FAFSA. For information on FAFSA deadlines and answers to common questions, visit the University of Idaho FAFSA website.
Plan ahead — estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Scholarships
Unlock scholarship opportunities at University of Idaho! When you apply to U of I, you're automatically considered for scholarships. We also offer a variety of scholarships based on experience, background and academic programs that student can apply for to help pay for college.
Explore available scholarships on our Scholarships website.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Hands-on learning opportunities
You can learn, play and work on a residential campus. We offer unique opportunities in practicums at the elementary, middle and high school levels prior to your 120-hour internship/student teaching. Students also work specifically with individuals with disabilities.
We will develop your leadership and collaborative skills to enhance physical activity in schools and in the community. Students work with school administrators to deliver workshops for classroom teachers and provide organized activity before school and during recess. You will also collaborate with city of Moscow officials to help deliver Safe Routes to School.
Internships
All students must complete a student teaching internship before completing their degree.
Application information
Undergraduate applications open each September and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.
Explore admission requirements and apply on our Admissions website.