Undergraduate Programs

Since 1926 SRU has been a leader in Health, Wellness, and Fitness Education. The Department of Physical and Health Education at SRU prepares both undergraduate and graduate students to become leaders in the growing field of Health, Wellness and Physical Activity.

Students take courses rooted in theory and practical experience, which prepares them to teach, lead and manage health, wellness and physical activity in schools, community and commercial settings, or through entrepreneurial endeavors. Students can choose from two majors and four minors, which allow them to translate their personal interests and love of health and wellness into a career that benefits others.

Health and Physical Education Teacher Education (School Wellness Education)

Pioneering wellness logo The Health and Physical Education Teacher Education (School Wellness Education) program will prepare graduates to be certified to teach K-12 health and physical education in the state of Pennsylvaniawith a health and wellness focus. Graduates will advocate the benefits of healthy living and be qualified to coordinate school-wide wellness initiatives. The revised program is designed to prepare teachers to deliver lessons that give their students the skills, knowledge, and appreciation they need to be college, career, and life ready in terms of health, wellness, and physical activity.

The National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education in Physical Education accredited the School Wellness Education program at SRU based on the criteria developed by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education.

All candidates completing this program are eligible to achieve PA certification after achieving a passing score on the Praxis test. If you are interested in teaching in another state, please contact the Department of Education in that state.

Physical Activity and Fitness Management

The major in Physical Activity and Fitness Management (PAFM)
prepares students to teach, lead, and manage physical activity and fitness in community and commercial settings. This program is unique because students can choose two from the following five
areas of emphasis:

Adapted Physical Activity
Adventure Fitness
Aquatics
Coaching
Fitness Management

Students take courses that help them understand how to promote health, wellness, and physical activity, using
best practices and technologies. The PAFM program at SRU prepares students to address the nation's declining
health and increasing sedentary lifestyles.

Physical Activity and Fitness Management: Pre-Athletic Training

A degree in Physical Activity & Fitness Management (PAFM) with a focus on pre-athletic training is for people who are passionate about helping others reach their health, sports, and performance goals. This degree will combine academic content and practical application of learning. Pre-Athletic Training Club can provide camaraderie and networking opportunities. An education at SRU sets students apart and trains them to succeed in athletic training or other professions in the field of physical activity. We provide excellent opportunities for student-faculty research, internships, and other types of career development through the major.

Physical Activity and Fitness Management: Pre-Occupational Therapy

The Physical Activity & Fitness Management (PAFM): Pre-Occupational Therapy 3+3 program provides a path that will prepare students with an interest in teaching, leading, and managing physical activity for continued study to become an Occupational Therapist. PAFM/Pre-OT 3+3 students will become skilled in understanding the human body and how it responds and adapts to exercise and physical activity. Students will also understand the psychology of motivation and ways to help future patients reach their health-related goals. The PAFM concentration provides students with the knowledge base to work with people throughout their lifespan with an emphasis on physical activity and wellbeing. It then allows students to apply this knowledge.

Minor in Adapted Physical Activity

The minor in Adapted Physical Activity at SRU is the only program of its kind in Pennsylvania. It provides students with the theoretical and hands-on experience to promote health and wellness for people with disabilities. Students who wish to expand their health promotion knowledge take classes that focus on public policy and health promotion initiatives based on state and federal guidelines.

Minor in Adventure Fitness

Adventure fitness logo

The minor in Adventure Fitness at SRU teaches you the basics of physical activity programs in an exciting, adventurous setting. This is an 18-credit program with four core courses that will prepare you to lead, teach, and manage adventure activities. You'll develop your skills and activity-specific knowledge by selecting six additional credits from a variety of adventure activities including stand up paddle boarding, cross-country skiing, kayaking, rock climbing, and more.

Minor in Aquatics

Aquatics logo

The minor in Aquatics at SRU provides students with the proper certification to work in the aquatics industry. Students take a minimum of 19 credit hours in aquatic fundamentals, risk management, lifeguarding, swimming instruction, aquatic adventure sports, and leadership. A minor in Aquatics helps students secure careers in many positions, including aquatic director, training officer, recreation program manager, marine safety officer, and aquatic consultant, among others.

Minor in Coaching

Coaching logo

The minor in Coaching at SRU offers courses that prepare students to become youth, high school, college, or profesional coaches for a variety of athletic teams by teaching them how to make ethical decisions related to development, implementation, and evaluation of athletic programs and teams. Students must complete three practicum experiences (a total of 50 practicum hours for each), working with three different athletic teams at a minimum of two different levels.

Minor in Wellness

The minor in Wellness explores eight categories of wellbeing: physical, intellectual, social, emotional, spiritual, environmental, financial, and occupational. The coursework has been chosen to provide the knowledge, skill, and ability to choose health-enhancing behaviors for the individual and society.

Certificate in Living Well

The Living Well Certificate is a testament of your determination to live a healthy lifestyle full of energy with minimal illness or disease. Rather than following the newest trending health fad or product, we choose a global perspective from the world's healthiest people. The courses in this certificate will help broaden your perspective, manage your stress, enhance your mood, and improve every part of your health. We know that wellness is paramount to achieving your maximum potential.

Click here for a Living Well application.

Physical and Health Education

Undergraduate Programs

Physical and Health Education

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