Physical Education degrees in the USA

Physical education is a discipline that covers the teaching and provision of sports and exercise in schools and other education settings. A cross-discipline subject, physical education studies will develop your knowledge and skills in both teaching and education, and sports and coaching. These skills will mean that you are able to pursue a career of your choice, either within education or outside education.

Undergraduate

An undergraduate level degree in physical education will provide you with a foundation of knowledge in the area. You might study modules on the fundamentals of sport coaching, teaching physical education, sport and exercise science, the growth and development of children and adolescents, and physical activity and health.

Your degree will be delivered through a mixture of modes. These will include lectures and seminars, as well as incorporating practical sessions. Depending on your course, you may be presented with the opportunity to take part in a placement year or module. This will give you the chance to apply and develop your skills in a real teaching environment.

Postgraduate

A postgraduate degree in physical education will allow you to build on the knowledge you gained at undergraduate level. You will also be able to further develop your practical skills. Your modules will cover more complex and specialist areas of sport and physical education. These may include the psychology of physical education, contemporary issues in physical education, diversity and social justice within sports, and acquiring movement skills.

Your degree will be delivered through lectures and seminars, as well as practical sessions. It is likely that you will have the chance to take part in a placement, allowing you to gain more advanced and hands-on work experience.

Depending on where you choose to study, you may be able to specialise towards the end of your degree. This specialisation can influence the area in which you choose to work after you have graduated. It can also help you to decide which area you wish to write your research project or dissertation on. Common specialisations include:

• Physical Education in Secondary Schools
• Physical Education in Primary Schools
• Applied Pedagogy
• Outdoor Adventure Activities
• Sport, Deviancy and the Law
• Racism in Sport
• Sport for International Development and Peace

The accreditation of your degree programme will depend on where you choose to study. It will also be influenced by your level of study. At undergraduate level, you can expect to be awarded a Bachelor of Science (BSc), a Bachelor of Arts (BA), or a Bachelor of Education (BEd). At postgraduate level, you can expect to be awarded a Master of Science (MSc), a Master of Arts (MA), a Master of Education (MEd), or a PGCE (postgraduate certificate in education), or the international equivalent. If you choose to take a postgraduate research degree, you will be awarded a Master of Research (MRes), a Master of Philosophy (MPhil), or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Depending on your institution, your course may also be accredited by a professional or academic body. For example, if you are awarded a PGCE or QTS, you will graduate as a qualified teacher. Other courses may be accredited by bodies such as the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), as well as others.

Generally, an undergraduate degree will take three to four years to complete. Foundation degrees, diplomas and certificates can last up to two years, when studied full-time. A postgraduate degree will normally take one to two years. If your course includes a placement year, this will normally add another year onto your studies.

Some institutions might offer part-time study options. Studying a degree part-time normally means that your course will last anywhere between three and eight years, with some universities offering more flexible study options.

Graduates of a physical education degree will find that there are a wide range of career opportunities available to them. If you choose to work in a role directly related to your degree, jobs could include physical education teacher (primary, secondary, or higher education), physical fitness coach, sports tutor, or talent development officer. If you choose to work in a role not directly related to your degree, jobs could include performance analyst, nutritionist, or sports coach.

An undergraduate level degree in physical education will provide you with a foundation of knowledge in the area. You might study modules on the fundamentals of sport coaching, teaching physical education, sport and exercise science, the growth and development of children and adolescents, and physical activity and health.

Your degree will be delivered through a mixture of modes. These will include lectures and seminars, as well as incorporating practical sessions. Depending on your course, you may be presented with the opportunity to take part in a placement year or module. This will give you the chance to apply and develop your skills in a real teaching environment.