About

The Health and Physical Education, K-12 (BS) degree at Appalachian State University prepares students for teaching careers in physical education and/or health education. The program promotes the development of highly qualified professionals who will advance the fitness, psychomotor, cognitive and affective learning of school-aged children.

In this program, you’ll be taught by faculty in the Department of Recreation Management and Physical Education and the Reich College of Education, so that you learn from a broad spectrum of experts in the field. Students who complete the program graduate with a K–12 Health and Physical Education professional educator’s license.

Appalachian has a longstanding tradition in teacher preparation, offering many opportunities to engage in progressively complex authentic teaching opportunities before you graduate. You’ll also participate in service-learning, which expands your education while benefiting the local community.

After Graduation

Employment: Graduates are employed as elementary, middle and high school physical education specialists, health educators, coaches, athletic directors and other positions.

Graduate School: Many students choose to pursue graduate degrees in higher education, administration or public health.

Career Exploration website

Professional Licensure

This is a program that can lead to licensure or certification in North Carolina. Appalachian State University cannot confirm whether this program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in other states or territories.

If this applies to you, check the Professional Licensure webpage for information on licensure requirements and licensing agencies in other states. Or, you may address questions to State Authorization at App State at stateauthorization@appstate.edu or 828-262-7559.

People

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  Faculty Profile: Dr. J. Scott Townsend

  “We are a field that considers itself the ultimate in preventative medicine… We literally have the ability to impact almost every child in the nation.”

  - Dr. J. Scott Townsend

  Meet more faculty

Minors

HPE majors select an 18-semester hour Second Academic Concentration in either Sport Science and Coaching or Public Health and complete 24 semester hours of Professional Education coursework, which includes a 12-semester student teaching internship as part of the degree requirements.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

HPE majors select an 18-semester hour Second Academic Concentration in either Sport Science and Coaching or Public Health and complete 24 semester hours of Professional Education coursework, which includes a 12-semester student teaching internship as part of the degree requirements.

Students have opportunities to join numerous professional organizations providing resources, services and support for future teachers and educators. See a list >>

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.

Admission Requirements

Admission to Appalachian’s Teacher Education Program is required.