Physical Education
Earn a degree from our top-ranking physical education program, learning to teach and advocate for fitness and wellness.
Why Earn Your BS in Physical Education?
Physical education majors learn to use exercise, sports, games, and dance in age-appropriate programs for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. After earning your teaching certification, you can focus on improving the health of individuals and communities as a physical education teacher, health teacher, or coach, or pursue graduate study in related fields, such as health education.
Why Major in Physical Education at Adelphi University in New York?
- Receive personalized attention in a small class setting, learning from distinguished faculty who are committed to your success.
- Gain hands-on experience teaching diverse populations how to adopt and value an active, healthy lifestyle.
- Graduate ready to earn your New York state teacher certification for physical education for grades Pre-K through 12.
What Can You Do with a Degree in Physical Education Teaching?
After you earn your teaching certification, you can focus on improving the health of individuals and communities as a physical education teacher, health teacher or coach. Many physical education degree students also pursue graduate study in related fields, such as health education.
Degree Options
Earn a BS in Physical Education, or explore our accelerated degree option. You can also pair a minor in physical education with another area of interest
Major in Physical Education
Teach children in grades pre-K through 12 how to adopt a more active and healthy lifestyle. You’ll graduate ready to earn your New York state teacher certification for physical education, and launch a rewarding career improving the lives of others.
Minor in Physical Education
Get a taste of what our program is all about with a physical education minor. To minor in physical education, you are required to take 21 credits and a specific plan of study approved by faculty in the physical education program.
4+1: BS in Physical Education/MA in Health Education
Earn two degrees in just five years and land your dream teaching career with expertise in improving the health of individuals and communities.
Adelphi’s 4+1 pathway is the perfect option for aspiring educators who want a clear, efficient and affordable path to certification. You will graduate with a BS in Physical Education after four years, then spend one additional year earning your MA in Health Education—this is one year less than if you were to earn each degree separately.
Exceptional Hands-On Learning in our Physical Education BS Program
Hands-on experience is a major part of the physical education teaching program at Adelphi. As part of your student teaching requirement, you will be placed in a school district for student teaching and practicum experiences throughout Long Island and New York City schools where you will spend eight weeks in a K–6 setting and eight weeks in a 7–12 setting, full time, five days per week.
Physical Education BS Program Info
Physical Education Degree Application Requirements
To apply for this program, submit the appropriate application requirements:
Transformative Educational Opportunities
All undergraduate physical education majors have the opportunity to apply for the following programs to expand their educational landscape:
- The Honors College – fostering intellectual perspectives and critical skills
- Levermore Global Scholars – preparing students to become global thinkers and leaders
- Study Abroad – providing opportunities to experience another culture and see the world from a new perspective
Frequently Asked Questions About a Physical Education Degree
After you earn your teaching certification, you can focus on improving the health of individuals and communities as a physical education teacher, health teacher or coach. Many physical education majors also pursue graduate study in related fields, such as health education.
Generally, it will take four years to earn a bachelor’s degree in physical education.
Awards & Recognition