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Health and Physical Education, K-12 (BS)

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

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. J. Scott Townsend
    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

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide
  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

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.

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Costs and Aid

Why Appalachian?

  • HPE majors are given a variety of early, frequent and progressively complex authentic teaching opportunities to develop the skills needed for success in teaching and coaching.
  • The program provides a comprehensive, innovative educational experience that is grounded in the synergy of teaching, scholarship and service.
  • Appalachian has been training quality educators for more than 100 years and is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Location

Boone and Hickory*

*The Hickory Campus location is pending accreditation from SACSCOC for this program. Accreditation is expected in summer 2023.

Careers

  • School physical education specialist
  • Health educator
  • Coach
  • Athletic director

View more career possibilities

Contacts

Beaver College of Health Sciences

Department of Recreation Management and Physical Education

Byron Towner
Program Director
townerbj@appstate.edu
828-262-8560

  • Department of Recreation Management and Physical Education

    The Department of Recreation Management and Physical Education in Appalachian State University’s Beaver College of Health Sciences is an innovative, diverse and forward-thinking academic unit consisting of two undergraduate programs. The recreation management program prepares students for careers as professionals in three concentrations: commercial recreation and tourism management, outdoor experiential education, and recreation and park management. The health and physical education program prepares students for careers as K-12 health and physical educators, school-based activity directors and coaches. Learn more at https://rmpe.appstate.edu.

  • Beaver College of Health Sciences

    The Beaver College of Health Sciences opened in 2010 as the result of an Appalachian commitment to significantly enhance the health and quality of life for individuals, families and communities in North Carolina and beyond.

    Exciting, Growing Career Fields

    • Nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs are in fields recognized as growing “faster than average for all occupations” by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
    • Currently over 3,700 students pursue degrees in 16 undergraduate and graduate programs
    • Students who graduate are successfully prepared for a variety of general and advanced careers in health care

    Real-World Training and Experience

    • Programs emphasize coursework, research and clinical outreach with a dedication to cultivating life-long learners and practical skills for the field
    • Internships, field experiences and clinical placements in real-world settings in the community and surrounding areas ensure students are prepared to meet existing and future health-related workforce needs, particularly in rural areas
    • Interprofessional and collaborative research between students and faculty gives students unparalleled experience in working together with other health and wellness professionals
    • Research opportunities alongside over 150 nationally and internationally trained faculty mean students have opportunities to contribute to finding innovative solutions to regional and national problems in their field

    Advanced Laboratories and Facilities

    • Over 20 laboratories and additional locations for simulated research and applied laboratory training experience
    • Partnerships and opportunities with the Wake Forest Physician Assistant Program
    • The new Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences that opened in the fall 2018 with innovative classrooms and state-of-the-art labs
    • Continued main campus connection through the Holmes Convocation Center, which houses the RMPE Department and the Advising Satellite Office

Appalachian Cares

It's up to me|us

Appalachian Cares is a place to find resources and support available for our students faculty and staff regarding student health and safety.

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