COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts in Education (BAED) in Physical Education (PreK–12) at Wichita State University requires a minimum of 120 credit hours and prepares students to become certified physical education teachers across PreK–12 grade levels. Students must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.50 and a 2.50 major GPA while completing the requirements of the WSU General Education Program and the College of Education. The program combines academic coursework in human movement, health sciences, and pedagogy with extensive practical teaching experience to develop effective physical education professionals. Before entering Core I, students complete foundational content courses such as Foundations in Physical Education, Individual Sports, Adventure Sports, Movement Concepts, Team Sports, and Human Anatomy and Physiology (or an equivalent biology-based anatomy course). These courses provide essential knowledge of physical activity, fitness, body systems, and sport fundamentals. Additional preparatory coursework includes Child Psychology, Kinesiology, Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries, Health and Wellness Concepts for PreK–12 Education, and Water Safety Instructor training, which strengthen understanding of child development, safety, and physical conditioning. The teacher education sequence is organized into progressive cores focusing on instructional methods, classroom practice, and field experience. Students complete courses in adapted physical education, rhythmic activities, program organization and administration, assessment and technology in physical education, and health education for physical educators. Field-based experiences and preteaching internships at both elementary and secondary levels allow students to apply instructional strategies in real school environments. The final stage includes supervised teaching internships in both elementary and secondary settings, along with a seminar to reflect on teaching practice. Students also complete courses in diversity, literacy strategies, and educational assessment to support inclusive and evidence-based instruction. Licensure preparation is embedded throughout the program, and students must complete all teacher education courses with a minimum grade of B-. Through the support of the College of Education, graduates gain strong subject knowledge in physical education, practical teaching skills, and extensive classroom experience needed for successful careers promoting health, fitness, and physical literacy in schools.