Physical Education
It's more important than ever to provide children and adolescents with educational experiences that build physical literacy and promote long-term health and wellness. Your passion for physical activity, sports, physical fitness and health can make a positive impact on the quality of life for your students into adulthood.
What to Expect
As a physical education major, you will learn how to teach children the knowledge
and skills needed to move with confidence and competence in a wide variety of physical
activities. You will also learn the strategies needed to foster personal and social
skills that are important to participation in, and enjoyment of, physical activity
for a lifetime.
The physical education program, ranked No. 1 in the country and No. 3 in the world
in 2016, includes several semesters of hands-on experiences in which you will teach
both in schools and other settings where physical activity can be promoted. The training
you receive at South Carolina will prepare you to enter the profession of physical
education teaching as a leader.
Undergraduate Degree
B B.S. in Physical Education
Beyond the core curriculum through the College of Education, the course work for physical education begins with classes in biology, physics, chemistry, anatomy and physiology.
The following courses fulfill the education core for a bachelor's degree in physical education:
- Introduction to the Description and Analysis of Human Movement
- Philosophy and Principles of Physical Education
- Motor Learning in Physical Education
- Teaching Health Related Physical Fitness
- Observational Analysis of Sports Techniques and Tactics
- American Coaching Effectiveness Program
Apply for Undergraduate Admission
Our Office of Undergraduate Admissions provides the most current information on the application process so you can check the requirements based on your current status and find university scholarships.
Graduate Degrees
The College of Education offers three graduate-level programs: a Master of Art in Teaching, intended for students looking for a "second career" in education, a Master of Science in Adapted Physical Education and a Ph.D. program:
For more information contact the College of Education at coestudy@mailbox.sc.edu, 803-777-6732.
Application information for this degree is available through The Graduate School.
For more information contact Ali Brian, Ph.D., CAPE at abrian@sc.edu, 803-777-3101.
Application information for this degree is available through The Graduate School.
For more information contact the College of Education at coestudy@mailbox.sc.edu, 803-777-6732.
Application information for this degree is available through The Graduate School.
Explore Our Graduate School
The Graduate School administers the application process for all of the university's doctoral, master’s, certificate and dual degree programs. Take a look at what you will need to do before you apply.