Program Overview

As a physical and health education major you’ll take courses to prepare you to teach physical education, health education and adapted physical education to students in grades Pre-K-12. Because of the requirements for the program, all physical and health education majors also pursue a major in secondary education. You’ll study exercise physiology, fundamental motor development, team sports and officiating, nutrition and community health, which will prepare you for licensing by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. When you complete our program you’ll also have all of the licenses required to be successful in your career as a teacher.

You’ll gain skills through a wide variety of experiences, including education classes that feature activities such as hiking, archery and indoor rock climbing. Every season in Wisconsin offers an opportunity to build your fundamental knowledge as you explore the Waukesha area, from Lapham Peak State Park to Retzer Nature Center.

You’ll gain practical understanding when you work in groups to create lesson plans for sports and games, which you’ll then share with classes. You’ll also observe and participate in physical and health education classes at local schools, leading physical education classes or presenting lessons on health topics such as alcohol education and bullying prevention. These assignments will help you build a set of lesson plans to work from before you begin your student-teaching hours.

If you’re interested in working with students with exceptional educational needs you may choose to further your physical education qualifications by gaining additional skills. In this emphasis, you’ll learn how to plan, organize, conduct and evaluate programs and activities for individuals who exhibit special physical, intellectual and/or behavioral traits. All of these components are important for students as they work to enjoy a life filled with sport and recreational experiences.

Beyond preparing and implementing coursework, you’ll learn about the growth and development of motor skills that will translate into the programs you’ll prepare for students in your professional career. Most importantly, you’ll work to understand how to effectively communicate and collaborate with families, colleagues and community agencies to ensure your students are succeeding at the highest level possible.

Through specific courses targeted to the adapted physical education license emphasis you’ll be confident in your ability to work with students with a wide range of special needs.