Health and Physical Education (BS)

Catalog Year 2025-2026

Program Requirements

Required General Education

Introductory course designed for students not majoring in science. Focuses on basic biological principles with special emphasis on the human species. Includes scientific problem solving, biodiversity, human and social aspects of biology, ecology, cellular processes and organ function, human reproduction, pre-natal development, and heredity. Lecture, laboratory, and small group discussions.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-03, GE-08

An introductory nutrition class which emphasizes the scientific method and natural science principles from biochemistry, physiology, chemistry, and other sciences to explain the relationships between food and its use by the human body for energy, regulation, structure, and optimal health. GE-3 non-lab

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-03

An introduction to the dimensions of wellness; physical, emotional, occupational, intellectual, financial, interpersonal, cultural, environmental, and spiritual health of the individual.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-10

Addresses drugs and drug use from psychological, behavioral, pharmacological, historical, legal and clinical perspectives - while examining the effects of drug use on personal health and social functioning.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-05

Fundamentals of physical education activities focuses on skill performance and analysis in a variety of physical education activities. Majors only. This course must be taken concurrently with HP 201.

Prerequisites:
none

The purpose of this course is for teacher candidates to engage in self-reflection to deeply explore their intersectional identity. Furthermore, teacher candidates will examine historic and ongoing systemic inequities in education. Finally, teacher candidates will analyze the implications of systemic oppression on pedagogy, curriculum, communication, relationships, and learning in classrooms.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-11, GE-7A
Diverse Cultures:
Gold

This course is designed to provide a thorough introduction to the broad spectrum of theories and applications that make up the field of psychology

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-05

Major Common Core

This course provides the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac, breathing, and first aid emergencies in order to provide immediate care to an injured or ill person, which include performing CPR/AED and first aid, and to decide whether advanced medical care is needed. This course includes a basic level of First Aid and CPR/AED certification, along with certification in bloodborne pathogens.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-11

Explores biological, physiological, and sociological perspectives of human sexuality. The course examines personal and family relationships and addresses family life and sex education teaching methods for school and community settings.

Prerequisites:
none

This course provides School Health teaching majors the knowledge, skills and dispositions they will need to be a part of a coordinated school health program team and teach comprehensive school health education in middle/junior and senior high schools. Spring

Prerequisites:
none

This course provides School Health teaching majors the knowledge and skills they will need to be a part of a coordinated school health program team and teach comprehensive school health education in middle/junior and senior high schools.

Prerequisites:
HLTH 320

Emphasis is on recognition of, and enhancing awareness about, how stress affects human health and performance. Stress management techniques such as relaxation, effective communication, cognitive-behavioral approaches, eating behaviors, regular exercise, and time management are explored.

Prerequisites:
none

The purpose of this course is to develop the knowledge and understanding of the causes, symptoms and methods of controlling and preventing chronic and infectious diseases. Primary and secondary prevention strategies will be identified. Emphasis will be placed on those behaviors that foster and those that hinder well-being.

Prerequisites:
none

This course will provide majors in the health and physical education program with an overview of historical, philosophical and social perspectives of physical education. Students will develop an understanding of instructional, managerial, and organizational components impacting physical education.

Prerequisites:
none

Study of lifespan motor development from prenatal through adulthood, including information on delayed development and the normal pattern of skill acquisition.

Prerequisites:
none

This course is designed to develop in-depth knowledge about Minnesota State Physical Education Standards and Benchmarks across the psychomotor, cognitive, and affective learning domains.

Prerequisites:
HP 202, HP 295

This course is designed to focus on three areas related to physical education, including net/wall games, aquatics, and fitness activities. Students will be expected to participate in these three focus areas while also demonstrating cognitive understanding for appropriate teaching practices in each.

Prerequisites:
HP 201, HP 295

This course is designed to focus on three areas related to physical education, including invasion games, dance & rhythmic activities, and individual performance activities. Students will be expected to participate in these three focus areas while also demonstrating cognitive understanding for appropriate teaching practices in each.

Prerequisites:
HP 201, HP 295

Introduction to teaching physical education for students with disabilities. Concepts include, but not limited to, history, legal mandates, due process, categorical disabilities, & universal design. Fieldwork hours required.

Prerequisites:
none

This course is designed to focus on three areas related to physical education, including outdoor pursuits, fielding/striking games, and target games. Students will be expected to participate in these three focus areas while also demonstrating cognitive understanding for appropriate teaching practices in each.

Prerequisites:
HP 201, HP 295

Tools and techniques for assessing learning and performance of children in physical education. Procedures for assessing motor performance of children with disabilities emphasizing available assessment tools, interpretation of data, preparation of Individualized Educational Programs (IEP), and due process.

Prerequisites:
HP 295, HP 313, HP 333

This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of Mosston's teaching styles. Students will gain knowledge in the spectrum of teaching styles and their application in the teaching of physical education.

Prerequisites:
HP 201, HP 295, HP 330

Study of how children learn motor skills in physical education during the developmental stages. Basic principles of the human body as they relate to the physical, physiological, and psychological factors that affect motor skill acquisition, performance, retention, and transfer in the teaching of physical education and DAPE.

Prerequisites:
Majors only

This course is designed to prepare teacher candidates to recognize, understand, apply, and analyze critical methodologies within the K-12 physical education setting. Students will develop an understanding regarding how to provide practical procedures and practices for teaching essential content within the K-12 physical education setting. Students will further develop an understanding of organizational and managerial practices in the teaching environment. Students will apply this knowledge in various teaching situations.

Prerequisites:
HP 201, HP 295, HP 388

This course is designed to prepare teacher candidates for the physical education teaching environment. Students will be required to take part in a K-12 physical education practicum experience. Students will apply various physical education teaching methodologies learned during their K-12 Methods in Physical Education course.

Prerequisites:
HP 201, HP 295, HP 388

Considerations and issues of standards-based physical education curricula in the PK-12 schools. Focus on components, development, implementation, management, and assessment of widely used curricula in physical education.

Prerequisites:
HP 449, HP 450

Other Graduation Requirements

K-12 Education: Refer to the list of required professional education courses. KSP 220W Human Relations in a Multicultural Society is included in the required general education section. Therefore, total professional education credits counted in this section will be 27 instead of 30.

4-Year Plan

The 4-Year Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual 4-Year plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan.
* Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.

First Year

Fall - 15 Credits

Students in this course approach writing as a subject of study by investigating how writing works across a variety of contexts.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-1A

An introduction to the dimensions of wellness; physical, emotional, occupational, intellectual, financial, interpersonal, cultural, environmental, and spiritual health of the individual.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-10

This course is designed to provide a thorough introduction to the broad spectrum of theories and applications that make up the field of psychology

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-05
General Education Course * 4 credits

Spring - 16 Credits

Introductory course designed for students not majoring in science. Focuses on basic biological principles with special emphasis on the human species. Includes scientific problem solving, biodiversity, human and social aspects of biology, ecology, cellular processes and organ function, human reproduction, pre-natal development, and heredity. Lecture, laboratory, and small group discussions.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-03, GE-08

A course in communication principles to develop skills in the analysis and presentation of speeches.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-1B

An introductory nutrition class which emphasizes the scientific method and natural science principles from biochemistry, physiology, chemistry, and other sciences to explain the relationships between food and its use by the human body for energy, regulation, structure, and optimal health. GE-3 non-lab

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-03

Addresses drugs and drug use from psychological, behavioral, pharmacological, historical, legal and clinical perspectives - while examining the effects of drug use on personal health and social functioning.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-05
General Education Course * 3 credits

Second Year

Fall - 16 Credits

This course will provide majors in the health and physical education program with an overview of historical, philosophical and social perspectives of physical education. Students will develop an understanding of instructional, managerial, and organizational components impacting physical education.

Prerequisites:
none

In this course, teacher candidates will explore the equitable use of current and new technologies to support the wide range of student learning variability, while addressing safe, culturally responsive, and ethical use. Teacher candidates will also discuss innovative educational technologies to reflect on their use for professional, personal, and community purposes.

Prerequisites:
none

Fundamentals of physical education activities focuses on skill performance and analysis in a variety of physical education activities. Majors only. This course must be taken concurrently with HP 201.

Prerequisites:
none

Explores biological, physiological, and sociological perspectives of human sexuality. The course examines personal and family relationships and addresses family life and sex education teaching methods for school and community settings.

Prerequisites:
none

Introduction to teaching physical education for students with disabilities. Concepts include, but not limited to, history, legal mandates, due process, categorical disabilities, & universal design. Fieldwork hours required.

Prerequisites:
none
General Education Course * 3 credits

Spring - 17 Credits

The purpose of this course is for teacher candidates to engage in self-reflection to deeply explore their intersectional identity. Furthermore, teacher candidates will examine historic and ongoing systemic inequities in education. Finally, teacher candidates will analyze the implications of systemic oppression on pedagogy, curriculum, communication, relationships, and learning in classrooms.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-11, GE-7A
Diverse Cultures:
Gold

The purpose of this course is for teacher candidates to apply a critical lens to unit and lesson planning to foster critical thinking, discussion, engagement, and inquiry. Teacher candidates will examine cognitive processes associated with learning. Teacher candidates will also explore theory and methods to develop equitable, accessible, and culturally sustaining learning experiences to eliminate barriers to learning, including asset-based pedagogy, and identity affirming classroom environments.

Prerequisites:
none

Study of lifespan motor development from prenatal through adulthood, including information on delayed development and the normal pattern of skill acquisition.

Prerequisites:
none

This course is designed to develop in-depth knowledge about Minnesota State Physical Education Standards and Benchmarks across the psychomotor, cognitive, and affective learning domains.

Prerequisites:
HP 202, HP 295

This course is designed to focus on three areas related to physical education, including net/wall games, aquatics, and fitness activities. Students will be expected to participate in these three focus areas while also demonstrating cognitive understanding for appropriate teaching practices in each.

Prerequisites:
HP 201, HP 295

This course is designed to focus on three areas related to physical education, including invasion games, dance & rhythmic activities, and individual performance activities. Students will be expected to participate in these three focus areas while also demonstrating cognitive understanding for appropriate teaching practices in each.

Prerequisites:
HP 201, HP 295
General Education Course * 3 credits

Third Year

Fall - 14 Credits

This course provides School Health teaching majors the knowledge, skills and dispositions they will need to be a part of a coordinated school health program team and teach comprehensive school health education in middle/junior and senior high schools. Spring

Prerequisites:
none

This course is designed to focus on three areas related to physical education, including outdoor pursuits, fielding/striking games, and target games. Students will be expected to participate in these three focus areas while also demonstrating cognitive understanding for appropriate teaching practices in each.

Prerequisites:
HP 201, HP 295

Tools and techniques for assessing learning and performance of children in physical education. Procedures for assessing motor performance of children with disabilities emphasizing available assessment tools, interpretation of data, preparation of Individualized Educational Programs (IEP), and due process.

Prerequisites:
HP 295, HP 313, HP 333

This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of Mosston's teaching styles. Students will gain knowledge in the spectrum of teaching styles and their application in the teaching of physical education.

Prerequisites:
HP 201, HP 295, HP 330

Emphasis is on recognition of, and enhancing awareness about, how stress affects human health and performance. Stress management techniques such as relaxation, effective communication, cognitive-behavioral approaches, eating behaviors, regular exercise, and time management are explored.

Prerequisites:
none

Spring - 16 Credits

In this course teacher candidates will critically explore asset-based pedagogy grounded in anti-racist, culturally relevant, and responsive practices to differentiate instruction. Additionally, teacher candidates will explore their intersectional identity and the importance of ongoing self-reflective practices necessary to cultivate identity affirming learning environments and experiences for students. Finally, teacher candidates examine instructional strategies that model and explain concepts and skills in multiple ways to support the diverse needs of students.

Prerequisites:
none

This course provides School Health teaching majors the knowledge and skills they will need to be a part of a coordinated school health program team and teach comprehensive school health education in middle/junior and senior high schools.

Prerequisites:
HLTH 320

Study of how children learn motor skills in physical education during the developmental stages. Basic principles of the human body as they relate to the physical, physiological, and psychological factors that affect motor skill acquisition, performance, retention, and transfer in the teaching of physical education and DAPE.

Prerequisites:
Majors only

In this course, teacher candidates will explore strategies to build strong relationships with and advocate for students, families, and the community. Candidates will examine ways that the curriculum addresses multiple perspectives, cultures and backgrounds to emphasize culturally sustaining learning experiences. They will explore professional responsibilities and teacher leadership roles. Finally, teachers will examine ways to use data and information gathered from the students, school, and caregivers to advocate and support students for positive change.

Prerequisites:
none

This course is designed to prepare teacher candidates to recognize, understand, apply, and analyze critical methodologies within the K-12 physical education setting. Students will develop an understanding regarding how to provide practical procedures and practices for teaching essential content within the K-12 physical education setting. Students will further develop an understanding of organizational and managerial practices in the teaching environment. Students will apply this knowledge in various teaching situations.

Prerequisites:
HP 201, HP 295, HP 388

This course is designed to prepare teacher candidates for the physical education teaching environment. Students will be required to take part in a K-12 physical education practicum experience. Students will apply various physical education teaching methodologies learned during their K-12 Methods in Physical Education course.

Prerequisites:
HP 201, HP 295, HP 388

Fourth Year

Fall - 14 Credits

This course provides the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac, breathing, and first aid emergencies in order to provide immediate care to an injured or ill person, which include performing CPR/AED and first aid, and to decide whether advanced medical care is needed. This course includes a basic level of First Aid and CPR/AED certification, along with certification in bloodborne pathogens.

Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-11

In this course teacher candidates will explore strategies to cultivate learning experiences that are equitable, culturally relevant, justice-oriented, student-centered, and meaningful. Candidates will have an opportunity to create a unit plan, formative and summative assessments, and rubrics that emphasize multiple ways of expressing learning. Furthermore, candidates will examine grading practices and methods for providing/sharing feedback that supports learner variability and facilitating student ownership of their learning.

Prerequisites:
none

In this course, teacher candidates investigate how traditional methods of reading instruction can contribute to systemic oppression in classrooms and how anti-oppressive methods can help break the cycle of inequities in education. Teacher candidates apply understanding of systemic oppression and inequity to provide asset-based, ongoing support for students. This includes knowledge and implementation of content area reading instruction, recognizing the characteristics of reading disabilities and implementing accommodations to meet student needs, and using the language development framework to support multilingual learners.

Prerequisites:
none

The purpose of this course is to develop the knowledge and understanding of the causes, symptoms and methods of controlling and preventing chronic and infectious diseases. Primary and secondary prevention strategies will be identified. Emphasis will be placed on those behaviors that foster and those that hinder well-being.

Prerequisites:
none

Considerations and issues of standards-based physical education curricula in the PK-12 schools. Focus on components, development, implementation, management, and assessment of widely used curricula in physical education.

Prerequisites:
HP 449, HP 450
General Education Course * 1 credits

Spring - 12 Credits

In this seminar, teacher candidates will reflect upon and assess /discuss practices, experiences, challenges, and success in their student teaching experience.

Prerequisites:
none

In this course, teacher candidates apply learning from coursework to practice in the K-12 classroom.

Prerequisites:
Admission to student teaching.

Policies

Competitive Admission Standard: a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.

Program Progression Standards:

  • "C-" in all required general education courses.
  • "C-" in all pre-requisite courses.
  • "C-" grade in major common core courses.
  • Minimum of 2.5 cumulative GPA.

All students seeking a teaching license must meet and maintain the requirements to be admitted into professional education. See the 5-12 or K-12 Teaching Programs section in the catalog for admission requirements for professional education and for a list of required professional education courses. 

Degree
Bachelor of Science

Major Credits
81

Total Credits
120

Locations
Mankato

Career Cluster
Education and Training

Accreditation
CAEP
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation


This program satisfies licensure-to-practice standards for Minnesota and may satisfy standards for other states or US territories.

Licensure/Certification Disclosure