Bachelor's in Health & Physical Education
About the Health & Physical Education Program
Slippery Rock University's Bachelor of Science in Education (BSED) in Health and Physical Education is a dynamic program designed to prepare you for a career promoting lifelong health and wellness. You can tailor your degree to your passion through two distinct concentrations: Physical Activity and Fitness Management (PAFM), which focuses on designing and leading fitness programs in corporate, community, and non-profit settings, or School Wellness Education, which prepares you to inspire healthy habits in K-12 students. For those with clinical aspirations, the PAFM concentration also serves as a robust foundation for graduate studies, offering dedicated pathways to careers in Athletic Training and Occupational Therapy through both accelerated and traditional timelines. This versatility ensures you can build a career that matches your unique goals in the ever-growing field of health and wellness.
What Can I Do With a Health & Physical Education Degree?
A degree in Health and Physical Education from SRU opens the door to a wide range of impactful careers. Graduates from our Physical Activity and Fitness Management concentration are qualified for roles such as Community Recreation Director, Fitness Director, Personal Trainer, and Aquatics Director in settings like corporate fitness centers, community organizations, and YMCAs. The School Wellness Education concentration leads to certification as a K-12 Health and Physical Education teacher, where you can inspire the next generation to lead healthy lives. Furthermore, our dedicated pre-professional tracks provide the perfect foundation for graduate studies, preparing you to become a licensed Athletic Trainer or Occupational Therapist. The leadership, communication, and program management skills you'll gain are highly valued across the entire health and wellness industry.
Why Choose a Health & Physical Education Degree?
- Nationally Recognized and Accredited Program
Our teacher education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), ensuring your degree meets the highest national standards for excellence. - Versatile Career and Graduate School Pathways
Choose the path that fits your goals, whether it's managing a fitness center, teaching in a school, or preparing for an advanced degree in Athletic Training or Occupational Therapy through our accelerated and traditional tracks. - Expert Faculty with Real-World Experience
Learn from professors who are not just academics, but also experienced teachers, coaches, and fitness professionals. Our small class sizes ensure you get personalized mentorship and support. - State-of-the-Art Facilities for Hands-On Learning
You'll gain practical experience in our modern facilities, including multiple gymnasiums, a dedicated aquatic center, and advanced fitness and human performance laboratories. - Extensive Field and Student Teaching Experience
We believe in learning by doing. Our program provides extensive opportunities for internships, practicums, and a full semester of student teaching to ensure you graduate with confidence and experience.
