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Develop the Next Generation.
Teach and coach students in grades pre-kindergarten through 12.
Majoring in Physical Education
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 K-12 Physical Education. Physical Education majors go on to teach PE and coach interscholastic sports in a variety of schools in New York and surrounding states — as well as in private clubs.
Faculty
Our faculty are a blend of full-time college professors and adjuncts who have a breadth and depth of experience. Our adjunct faculty have backgrounds in public school teaching and administration. Some are current teachers and others have recently retired from teaching and administration throughout the Capital District.
In the third and fourth years, the program utilizes a Professional Development School model, where faculty work very closely with public school partners in the preparation of our teachers. Students gain clinical experience during methods courses to train them as teachers and to build their professional network.
Program Distinctions
You’ll have the opportunity to 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 physical education, with eight credits earned from this area. This emphasizes the growing need of inclusive practices within schools.
“We offer the opportunity to learn from a board-certified behavior analyst, which gives you that extra edge …”
Peter Stapleton, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Education
Spotlights
Read more from students, faculty and alumni.
Your Future
You can go on to pursue what comes next — whether that’s a graduate degree or a career in the field. Our Physical Education degree program focuses on teacher preparation, but there are a wealth of positions to apply your training in.
Careers in Physical Education
With this degree, you can work in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 in the public, private and charter schools as a teacher, coach and physical educator. You can also pursue adapted physical education, coaching private club teams and private health companies, as well as careers in the fitness industry.
Graduate School
An undergraduate Physical Education degree will prepare you for an M.S. in School Health Education degree, which is a pathway to professional licensure.
Have questions?
Assistant Professor, Department Chair, and Director: Center for Teaching and Learning