The University of Wisconsin-Madison has been offering quality physical education (PE) teacher education programs and preparing excellent physical educators since 1911. Since the beginning, UW-Madison PE program has provided innovative programming that promotes lifelong physical activity and well-being. We are committed to transforming Physical Education into a powerful experience in which students develop physical, mental and social skills for life.
The bachelor of science degree in physical education prepares individuals for careers in a variety of areas. At the heart of the degree is the physical education teacher education program, which has been preparing excellent physical educators since 1911. The bachelor of science degree in physical education is the key to obtaining physical education teaching positions in Wisconsin, other states, and internationally.
A degree in physical education also readies individuals for teaching positions outside of school settings. Graduates of UW-Madison PETE are changing the world through a variety of professions including health care, business, and recreation. Check out our Alumni Page to learn more about the ways a degree in Physical Education can be your ticket to a fun and fulfilling career.
Program Overview
Recent research indicates that an individual’s positive memories of physical education are the most important factor in shaping future attitudes toward, and participation in, physical activity.
Our program is committed to developing professionals who will provide the best physical, mental, and psychological experiences possible. Improvements in physical education experiences can inspire increased physical activity with the potential to benefit the health of millions of people.
A degree in physical education also readies individuals for teaching positions outside of school settings. Graduates of the program have pursued successful careers in many positions unrelated to teaching. Program alumni are well represented in the areas of coaching and officiating, recreation, fitness, healthcare, and sport management.
Curriculum
The Physical Education program has six components:
- Liberal studies courses expose students to a broad range of academic disciplines. The university-wide General Education requirements also encourage this breadth of study.
- Science Core coursework offers in-depth study of the basic sciences and mathematics.
- Kinesiology Core courses look at how the body responds and adapts to exercise, the role of psychological factors in sports and exercise, mechanics applied to biological systems, and how movement is controlled, learned, and developed over the life span.
- The Physical Education requirements focus on advanced study in Physical Education pedagogy, including teaching methods coursework and field experiences in the schools.
- Education coursework includes an examination of the school’s relationship to our society and also of the processes by which students grow and learn.
- Elective coursework is taken to reach the minimum of 120 credits required for the degree.
While not required, teaching certifications in Adapted Physical Education and Health Education are also offered
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Communication A (fall or spring semester) | 3 | Communication A (fall or spring semester) | 3 |
| KINES 121 – Foundations of Physical Education | 2 | KINES 116 – First Aid & Basic Life Support | 2 |
| POLI SCI 104 – Introduction to American Politics & Government | 4 | KINES 119 – Introduction to Kinesiology | 2 |
| Liberal Studies course work | 7-10 | CHEM 108 – Chemistry in Our World | 5 |
| MATH 112 – Algebra (also meets Quantitative Reasoning A) | 3 | ||
| Liberal Studies course work | 0-3 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| KINES 325 – Group Development & Behavior Management | 3 | KINES 315 – Assessment & Research in Physical Activity Pedagogy (meets Quantitative Reasoning B) | 3 |
| ANAT&PHY 337 – Human Anatomy | 3 | KINES 316 – Adapted Physical Activity | 3 |
| ED PSYCH 301 – How People Learn | 3 | ED POL 300 – School & Society -OR- ED POL 412 – History of American Education |
3 |
| Ethnic Studies | 3 | Liberal Studies or General Elective course work | 8 |
| Liberal Studies course work | 3 | ||
| 15 | 17 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| KINES 318 – Biomechanics of Human Movement | 3 | ANAT&PHY 235 – Human Physiology & Health | 4 |
| KINES 353 – Health & Physical Education in a Multicultural Society | 2 | KINES 350 – Introduction to Exercise Psychology | 3 |
| KINES 361 – Motor Learning & Performance | 3 | KINES 372 – Methods & Practicum of Teaching PK-12 Educational Games & Fitness | 3 |
| KINES 370 – Planning, Facilitating & Assessment in Movement & Health Professionals | 3 | CURRIC 305 – Integrating the Teaching of Reading with Other Language Arts (also meets Communication B) | 3 |
| KINES 371 – Methods & Practicum of teaching PK-12 Dance & Gymnastics | 3 | Liberal Studies or General Elective course work | 3 |
| 14 | 16 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| KINES 314 – Physiology of Exercise | 4 | KINES/CURRIC 478 – Elementary School Physical Education Student Teaching | 6 |
| KINES 373 – Methods & Practicum of Teaching Secondary Sport Concepts & Skills | 3 | KINES/CURRIC 479 – Middle School or High School Physical Education Student Teaching | 6 |
| KINES 412 – Organization & Administration of Physical Education | 2 | ||
| Liberal Studies or General Elective course work | 6 | ||
| 15 | 12 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
Mission Statement
The Physical Education major prepares future physical educators and other physical activity specialists with culturally relevant knowledge, skills, strategies, methods, and philosophies. These attributes enable future professionals to create, organize, manage, facilitate, and assess learning for diverse groups of individuals to promote lifelong physical activity and well-being.