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Majoring in Physical Education
With a degree in Physical Education, you’ll go on to teach and coach students in grades pre-kindergarten through 12.
Classes for Physical Education Majors
This Physical Education degree program, accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, will prepare you for initial certification in New York State pre-K through 12th grade PE.
You will learn how to effectively instruct and assess in PE and best practices in coaching for youth and scholastic sports.
In the third and fourth years, our program utilizes a Professional Development School model, where faculty work with public school partners to prepare future teachers.
Students gain clinical experience during methods courses to train as teachers and to build a professional network.
Program Distinctions
You’ll gain hands-on experience early on within this program through field experiences and culminating with student-teaching placements — and in doing so, network with area school district administrators, coaches and physical educators.
Small class sizes ensure that you’re not just a number.
This program also puts an emphasis on adapted PE, with eight credits earned from this area. This emphasizes the growing need of inclusive practices within schools.
Pathway Programs
Sage maintains an articulation agreement with Hudson Valley Community College to simplify enrollment for transfer students with an associate degree in Physical Education.
Another partnership between Sage and East Greenbush Central School District allows students in grades 9-12 to earn up to 30 college credits. Graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education or a bachelor’s degree Physical Education from Russell Sage College in just three years, saving time and money.
The Power in Positive Ed
Well-being matters, and today’s students and teachers need the tools to manage today’s world.
That’s why Russell Sage College became the first college in the nation to partner with The Center for Positive Education. Each student in the Esteves School of Education graduates with training in Positive Education, and Russell Sage will extend the training to the greater education community with professional development opportunities.
Students and Teachers Thrive with Positive Education
Hear from Dr. Steven Hoff how positive education helps teachers and students build resilience, feel a sense of belonging and mattering, and create classroom environments where students can thrive academically and personally. Russell Sage students Aaliyah and Jada also share how their experiences studying education are helping them bring positivity, wellness and gratitude into their future classrooms.
Master the Perfect Pushup
Learn how to perform a proper pushup with Russell Sage College Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy Lauren Tourtellotte and Sage graduate and physical therapist Ason Farrell. Discover tips for improving your form, building strength, and progressing from incline pushups to more advanced variations.
“We offer Physical Education majors the opportunity to learn from a board-certified behavior analyst, which gives you that extra edge …”
Peter Stapleton, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Education
Physical Education Major Spotlights
Russell Sage Physical Education Major Named Section 2 Wrestling’s Assistant Coach of the Year
Victoria Judy, assistant coach for New York’s Burnt Hills-Scotia-Ballston Spa girls wrestling program and a Physical Education major at Russell Sage College, was named Section 2 Wrestling’s Assistant Coach of the Year.
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Read More
Alumni
ZaQuan Irby
ZaQuan Irby had been a varsity athlete in high school and knew he wanted athletics to be part of his …
Student
Holly Feit
“My love for Physical Education started at community college, when I was a Health and Wellness major,” says Holly Feit. …
Affordability, Admissions, and Transferring
Affording a Physical Education Degree
We understand that cost and value are top concerns when choosing a college. That’s why we work with every student as an individual in the admission process — whether they’re a transfer student or a student coming straight out of high school.
What to Know:
Don’t forget! You have to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid — or FAFSA — to receive a complete financial aid package from any college.
Apply to Russell Sage’s Physical Education Program
Full application details and next steps are available through the Admissions Office.
Careers with a Physical Education Degree
Physical Education majors go on to teach PE and coach sports in schools and private clubs in New York and surrounding states. They have also become athletics directors, district superintendents and personal trainers.
Graduate Studies with a Physical Education Degree
Russell Sage College’s M.S. in Sport Science: Coaching & Mental Performance and M.S. in School Health Education is the next step for many Physical Education majors and a pathway to professional licensure.
Alumni Spotlights
A degree in Physical Education prepared these Sage graduates for success.
Alumni
Daniel Bentley
“Physical Education gives me the opportunity to teach students how to live a healthy and well-rounded lifestyle,” said Daniel Bentley …
Alumni
Amy Monroe-Langworthy
Amy Monroe-Langworthy is superintendent of the Warrensburg Central School District in New York’s southern Adirondack region. She earned her bachelor’s …
Alumni
ZaQuan Irby
ZaQuan Irby had been a varsity athlete in high school and knew he wanted athletics to be part of his …
Faculty
Kelly Brock, Ph.D., BCBA, LBA
Back in high school, Professor Kelly Brock, Ph.D., BCBA, LBA was constantly on the move and involved in many different …
Have questions?
Associate Professor of Education, Program Director of Graduate Special Education, and Program Director of Undergraduate Physical Education
Next steps?
It’s time to take the next step. Choose yours today.