The Physical Education Program at NDSU offers two career-focused options: the K-12 Teacher Licensure option, preparing students for teaching roles in physical education, and the Coaching and Physical Activity Leadership option, geared towards careers in coaching, recreation, and youth physical activity. The program emphasizes science-based knowledge, safety in practice, and professional ethics, with hands-on teaching and field experiences. Graduates benefit from a robust curriculum that includes technology integration and real-world application, preparing them for diverse roles in education, coaching, and community recreation.

Contact Dr. Jenny Linker  (Program Coordinator) for more information.

K-12 Teacher Licensure Option

The licensure program equips future educators with the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience necessary for a successful teaching career in K-12 physical education. Aligned with SHAPE America’s Physical Education Teacher Education Standards and North Dakota’s ESPB standards, the curriculum is structured sequentially to build expertise through practical teaching experiences like the NDSU "Let’s Move in Homeschool" and the "Adopt-a-School" service-learning programs.

To join the program, students must meet School of Education (SOE) admission requirements. Program completion includes a full-semester student teaching experience, and graduates are eligible for K-12 physical education licensure.

Admission Requirements:Teacher candidates may enroll in select 300-level courses before formal admission to SOE. Admission to 400-level EDUC courses requires completion of the SOE application, successful grades in core physical education courses, a minimum 2.75 GPA, and passing scores on the Core Academic Skills for Educators test (or ACT+ scores). For details, see the full admission requirements here.

CertificationUpon completing the program, graduates qualify for physical education licensure in most states, with accreditation by CAEP and ESPB.

Double Major RecommendationStudents are encouraged to enhance their credentials through additional licensing, certification, or a double major, particularly in health education. This option broadens expertise and marketability.

Coaching and Physical Activity Leadership Option

This option prepares students for careers in coaching, recreation, and youth physical activity programs. Aligned with SHAPE’s National Standards for Sports Coaches, the curriculum emphasizes youth development, injury prevention, program planning, and instructional strategies. Field experiences lead to a culminating internship, with students required to maintain a 2.75 GPA for graduation.

Courses and Plans of Study

Learn more about our Courses and Plans of Study here

Technology Integration

NDSU physical education majors gain experience with diverse technologies and software to analyze physical activity, track student/athlete progress, and assess teaching and coaching effectiveness.

Professional Education Courses

Teacher candidates may enroll in the 300-level professional education courses before being formally admitted to the School of Education (SOE). Prior to enrolling in the 400-level courses, teacher candidates must complete the application for admission to the SOE; attain a minimum of a 2.75 grade point average overall in their course work and pass the Core Academic Skills for Educators exam or meet minimum scores on the ACT+.  

Student Teaching

Student teaching (clinical practice) is the culmination of the teaching program. During the clinical practice, teacher candidates apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their college courses to real-world classrooms under the supervision of experienced P.E. teachers in middle or high schools. Faculty members from NDSU conduct regular on-site visits to support, encourage, and evaluate teacher candidates so that they gain the confidence and ability to join the teaching profession after graduation.

Student Advisement

Students will be assigned individual advisors who will work closely with them in program planning. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor(s) at least once a semester.

Licensure

Upon completing this program, teacher candidates are eligible for certification to teach P.E. in most states. Our program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the North Dakota Education and Standards and Practices Board (ESPB).

For information regarding state authorizations please review: https://www.ndsu.edu/onestop/registration/authorization

Career Opportunities

Graduates find opportunities in teaching, coaching, and community programs within schools, parks, recreation facilities, and organizations like the YMCA. For those interested in coaching at the collegiate level, maintaining a 3.0 GPA is recommended for graduate school consideration.