Physical and Health Education

Some of the opportunities of careers that exist for those with a physical and health education degree inclue health teachers, physical education teachers and athletic coaches.

A degree in physical and health education provides diverse basic knowledge in a number of health and recreation related areas, allowing the degree holder to find careers in the teaching and coaching fields. A basic undergraduate degree in physical and health education, or separately as a physical education degree or health education degree, will provide the student with lessons in not only general exercise and sports activities, but also in overall fitness, health, nutrition and hygiene practices.

A student will study games, coaching, and recreational activities, as well as physiology (the study of body function), kinesiology (the study of motion) and morphology (study of body form and structure). The student will take education courses that illuminate the art of teaching as a whole, and grant certification to teach health and/or physical education programs in a school setting.
Many programs exist in both the traditional and online capacity which provide physical education degree and health education degree programs. Some universities offer a bachelor’s degree in health and exercise education, which is also valid for teaching at the K-12 level. It is also possible to receive a more specialized physical education degree or health education degree, if one area of emphasis interests the degree seeker more than the other.

A variety of careers exist for the physical and health education degree holder. These opportunities include health teachers, physical education teachers, athletic coaches, and career training opportunities in physical therapy and retirement communities.
Physical education teachers spend their time teaching students how to play games and sports to increase physical activity, and also teach health education programs like CPR and whole body wellness. They also provide safety lessons and measures in the use of athletic equipment.
Health education teachers provide students with important lessons on hygiene, nutrition and wellness. They also teach health education programs on sexual health, mental health, and counseling on issues that affect health such as smoking, addiction, and disease or illness. Health educators often find work at community organizations outside of the schools, often in the not for profit sector.
Athletic coach careers allow an educator to focus specific time and effort on a singular sport or activity and help students to learn the game and perform at a competitive level. Coaches also handle the behind the scenes aspects of team sports.
For those interested in becoming health teachers, physical education teachers, or athletic coaches at the K-12 level, an undergraduate degree is required. A teaching certificate is usually required to teach in the public schools and in many private and/or charter schools. For those interested in teaching or coaching at the university level, a graduate degree is required. Learn more about a health education program or physical education degree today!