Health and Physical Education

This degree program primarily is designed to prepare students for a career in teaching physical education and health education. A unified conceptual framework guides the University of Delaware’s programs in teacher education. The National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) accredits the professional education unit. The Health and Physical Education program is approved by the state of Delaware and is recognized by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) and the Association for the Advancement of Health Education (AAHE), the national specialty organizations.

Interest Groups: Entering freshmen and transfer students are admitted to Health and Physical Education Interest (HPEI) and may apply for the major after their freshman year.

What’s Special About The Program?

There are several features that distinguish this program from those at other institutions. First, all students completing the program receive an institutional recommendation for certification to teach both Health Education and Physical Education. Second, the endorsement received is not specific to the elementary or secondary level, but is valid for grades K-12. And finally, beginning in the first year, and continuing throughout their academic preparation, majors in health and physical education participate in multiple field experiences, working directly with students and teachers at local elementary, middle, and high schools. This early and frequent exposure to the “real-life” experience of teaching in the schools helps to assure superior preparation for graduates of the program. In the final year, a capstone seminar, held concurrently with a fourteen-week student teaching internship, prepares students for the transition from college student to teacher.

Current Degree Requirements

How Do I Transfer Into This Major?

The department reviews applications from University of Delaware students who wish to change majors twice a year-December 15th and June 1st. Students interested in the Health and Physical Education Major must first apply for admission to the Health and Physical Education INTEREST area. Review of applications occurs after final semester grades are posted. Electronic forms must be submitted along with a paper application. Paper applications are available in the departmental offices 30 days prior to the deadline. A 2.5 minimum GPA is required to transfer into the Health and Physical Education Interest. To be eligible to apply for the Health and Physical Education Major the following criteria must be met: 2.5 overall GPAnd a 2.75 in the major, as well as successful completion of IFST 201, ENGL 110, MATH, NTDT 200, HESC 140, HESC 141, HESC 145, HESC 155, HESC 220 and HESC 230. Completion of the PRAXIS I exam, online acceptance of the Professional Dispositions, as well as a satisfactory portfolio are also required for admission. A commitment to teaching is required. This is a four year program and cannot be completed in any less time. Applications to the Health and Physical Education Major are accepted only once a year-June 1st.

Health and Physical Education Requires a Formal Application Process

A faculty admission committee for Health and Physical Education will make decisions on acceptance based on the following criteria:

• Successful completion (minimum grade C-) of the following required Freshman year courses:
• English 110 – Critical Reading and Writing
• MATH
• IFST201 - Life Span Development
• HESC140– Fundamental Skills Analysis
• HESC141– Adventure Challenge and Outdoor Recreation
• HESC145– Introduction to Physical Education
• HESC155– Personal Health Management
• HESC220 – Anatomy and Physiology
• HESC230 – Group Facilitation Skills in Health and Physical Education
• NTDT200 - Nutrition Concepts
• BISC104 – Principles of Biology w/laboratory**
  (**BISC with lab is recommended during the first year for a total of 32 credits, in order to complete the program in eight semesters, but not required for admission to the program)
• Minimal cumulative grade point average of 2.5 and major GPA of 2.75, including 28 credits of required course work above and all completed course work.
• Completed PRAXIS I with a passing score prior to being admitted to the major
• Online acceptance of the Professional Dispositions
• Submission of a satisfactory Introductory Portfolio (see Program Director for details)

Acceptance into the program is based upon the stated criteria. Offers of admission into the Health and Physical Education Teacher Education Program are presented to those students who have demonstrated a commitment to teaching.

Career Opportunities

Employment opportunities for Health and Physical Education graduates are diverse and rewarding. Some examples of potential careers are:

• Teaching (Elementary/Secondary)
  This degree program is primarily designed to prepare students for a career in teaching at the elementary and secondary levels. Study of prevalent abnormalities found in a general population including causes, prevention, care, and treatment can lead to a career in Adaptive Physical Education.

• Curriculum Development
  The study of curriculum design content, foundations and related topics, as well as principles of supervision is appropriate background for the head of a Physical Education department.

• Program Administration
  Provides the basic knowledge and principles for careers in the administration of Physical Education and athletics.

• Human Movement and Sport
  Elementary, secondary, or college positions in physical education and coaching. Oriented towards a practical application and offers an opportunity for the in-depth research needed for (a) teaching Physical Education at all levels; (b) coaching at the secondary and post-secondary levels, as well as with private and municipal agencies; and (c) continued work at other institutions.
  

For further information about the major of Health and Physical Education please contact:
Dr. Jan Bibik at 831-3537 or pirwet@udel.edu