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Physical Education

Physical Education

All students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education complete the Kinesiology department’s common core of five classes (15 semester hours [sh]): Anatomy and Physiology I, Motor Behavior, Sport and Exercise Psychology, Physiology of Exercise, and Biomechanics. Physical Education majors also complete the following additional coursework for certification to teach grades K-12: activities courses (Swimming, Dance, Educational Gymnastics, Health-Related Fitness, Invasion Games, Target/Field Games, Contemporary Physical Activities, and Elementary Movement Fundamentals), Lifelong Leisure Activities, Introduction to Physical Education, Motor Development, Adapted Physical Education, Skill Analysis and Assessment in Physical Education, and Curriculum.

All students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education complete the Kinesiology department’s common core of five classes (15 semester hours [sh]): Anatomy and Physiology I, Motor Behavior, Sport and Exercise Psychology, Physiology of Exercise, and Biomechanics. Physical Education majors also complete the following additional coursework for certification to teach grades K-12: activities courses (Swimming, Dance, Educational Gymnastics, Health-Related Fitness, Invasion Games, Target/Field Games, Contemporary Physical Activities, and Elementary Movement Fundamentals), Lifelong Leisure Activities, Introduction to Physical Education, Motor Development, Adapted Physical Education, Skill Analysis and Assessment in Physical Education, and Curriculum.

Teaching experience is gained through completing three methods classes: Instructional Foundations, Elementary, and Secondary.

A field experience is completed in the final semester prior to 16 weeks of student teaching at both the elementary and secondary grade levels. Students must complete coursework offered through the Department of Education and Interdisciplinary Studies that is required of all students seeking certification in a teaching field.

Western Illinois University’s Teacher Education Program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and the Physical Education program is accredited by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE).

Possible Career Paths

  • Athletic training
  • Cardiac rehabilitation
  • Fitness
  • Health club management
  • Sports management
  • Sports information
  • Sports medicine
Why Choose Athletic Training at WIU?

The Department of Kinesiology offers small classes with accessible faculty in Brophy Hall, a modern and well-maintained facility located on the north edge of the campus. Several laboratory facilities provide opportunities for students to apply information presented in class to real-world situations. The Human Performance, Biomechanics, Perceptual Motor, Pedagogy, and Athletic Training Rehabilitation Labs contain state-of-the-art equipment. In addition, Brophy Hall has four electronic classrooms, a general-purpose computer lab, and wireless Internet access.

The Department of Kinesiology annually awards 19 scholarships that are named for distinguished former faculty, chairpersons, associate deans, and alumni.

Personal Training

Students from the Practical Experience course (KIN 463) are provided with opportunities to train clients on a one-on-one basis. For more information, please contact Cathy McMillan at (309)298-1758, CS-Mcmillan@wiu.edu.

Meet Some of Our Graduates
  • Joe Decker, "World's Fittest Man"

At A Glance

  • Degrees Available: Bachelor of Science, Master of Science
  • Minor Available? Yes
  • Graduate Degree Available? Yes
  • Campus: Macomb
  • Study Opportunities: Honors, Teacher Certification, Graduate Studies

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