In addition to having the region’s most affordable tuition, we offer thousands of dollars in scholarships every year. Learn more about scholarships and financial aid to help you pursue a Health and Physical Education degree.
Health and Physical Education Degree (PK-12)
About the Health and Physical Education Degree
If you have a love of health and fitness and would like to teach its importance to the next generation, consider a Health and Physical Education degree for grades PK-12 from Wayne State College. Today’s culture places much importance on a healthy lifestyle. What better way to further that purpose than to become a health and P.E. teacher? At Wayne State, you’ll study anatomy, exercise physiology, and biomechanics – all important things to understand as a teacher of health and physical education. With a Health and Physical Education degree (PK-12), you’ll be prepared to teach all ages.
Percent of recent WSC graduates employed or in graduate school
based on the most recent graduate survey
Our Focus is Results
Wayne State has the keys to your success and offers just what you need to become well prepared for the real world.
Skills Learned
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Elementary school health and physical education
- Motor learning and development
- Athletic performance and nutrition
- First aid and CPR
- Strategies in drug education
- Exercise physiology
- Biomechanics
- Fitness evaluation and assessment
- Body testing and measuring
- Curriculum development for grades K-12
- Teaching and instruction methods
- Adapting curriculum to special needs
- Public speaking and presentation
- Oral and written communication
- Leadership and organization
- Time management
- Critical thinking and problem solving
Possible Careers
- Elementary physical education teacher
- Middle school physical education teacher
- High school physical education teacher
- Health educator
- Camp director
- Health studies teacher
- Park manager
- Fitness consultant
- Athletic director
- Fitness instructor
- Rec center manager
- Sports referee
- Health club manager
Employers
- Elementary schools
- Middle schools
- High schools
- Colleges and universities
- Youth sports clubs
- Recreation centers
- Health clubs
- Fitness centers
- Sports leagues
- Youth camps
- Rehabilitation centers
- Resorts and spas
- Non-profit organizations
Learn From the Best
Our faculty are accomplished. Several are highly regarded as experts and have been recognized with notable honors and awards. And with a low student-to-faculty ratio, you'll be sure to receive an excellent education in the Health and Physical Education degree program.
Outside the Classroom
At Wayne State College, you’ll have opportunities to enhance your education by participating in clubs, organizations, activities, and more.
Clubs and Organizations
Service-Learning
Make a difference in the community while learning skills you can apply toward your future career. Wayne State’s Service-Learning program has received national awards in recognition of outstanding community service, with more than 400 students participating in Service-Learning projects each semester.
Opportunities
- Northeast Nebraska Teacher Academy (NENTA) - Develop your classroom skills and get paid at the same time.
- Coaching – Test your leadership skills as you coach sports teams for local high school, junior high, and recreation leagues.
- Recognition – Each year, the department awards and recognizes one student from each of the HHPS majors for their achievements.
- Study Abroad - Earn credit toward your degree while experiencing exciting global adventures overseas.
Clinical Practice
Before graduating with your degree to teach health and physical education, you will complete a semester of clinical practice in a school district chosen with the help of your advisor. During this semester, you’ll work closely with an teacher to gain classroom experience. Internships are not required as part of this program; however, Career Services is available to help students find employment opportunities.
