COURSE CURRICULUM

The Physical Education program at Southeast Missouri State University combines professional education training with a 56-hour major to prepare students for careers in teaching physical education, with no minor required. Students must earn a grade of C or better in all education courses, except for ED280, which requires a B or higher. The education component includes foundational and advanced courses such as Introduction to Education, adolescent development, psychology of exceptional children, and multiple pedagogy courses focused on effective teaching methods. The program emphasizes extensive field experience, beginning with early classroom exposure and progressing through advanced placements, culminating in a full student teaching experience supported by a seminar.The physical education major focuses on both theory and practical application, covering areas such as fitness conditioning, sport and society, coaching psychology, and the foundations of physical education. Students gain hands-on experience through courses in team sports, individual and lifetime activities, rhythm and movement, and teaching physical education to children. Health and science-based coursework, including anatomy and physiology, nutrition, kinesiology, and the physiology of conditioning, ensures a strong understanding of the human body and physical performance. The program also includes specialized training in injury management, motor development, assessment techniques, and adaptive physical education for individuals with disabilities. Overall, this comprehensive curriculum blends teaching expertise, scientific knowledge, and practical skills, preparing graduates to become effective and well-rounded physical education teachers.