You can be empowered to make a positive impact on the health of younger generations, all through movement and fun! The Physical Education Teacher Education program will prepare you immediately to step into the classroom to teach physical education in K-12 schools - or to pursue careers in the fields of education, health, fitness, coaching, and youth programs or graduate studies in health- and education-related disciplines.
As a Physical Education Teacher Education student, you will:
This program is offered as a single major with a University-approved minor or a double major in physical education and health education. For the highest job placement opportunities upon graduation, you are strongly encouraged to add a second major in Health Education Teacher Education which will prepare you to become certified to teach both physical education and health education.
"I've been teaching for four and a half years, and I still feel like I am in the program at the University of Kentucky. The coursework helped me build a solid foundation of skills, but the relationships that I created while attending the University of Kentucky have lasted and thrived. Each year I spend time learning more from current professors and preservice teachers in the KHP program."
Wellness Teacher at STEAM Academy
To apply to the program, students must complete an undergraduate admissions application and declare interest in Physical Education Teacher Education. This program requires admission to the Teacher Education Program after completing 30 hours. Students must have a 2.75 or higher GPA, complete an application, submit a portfolio, and complete the interview process. Following successful completion of coursework, students complete a semester of student teaching. Completion of this degree qualifies students to pursue a state teaching certificate in physical education.
The B.S. in Physical Education Teacher Certification requires completion of the following: (1) the UK Core requirements; (2) specified course work in Program Related Studies and Professional Education; and (3) one of the Physical Education Teacher Education plans. Students are encouraged to complete Plan 1, which includes a double major in Physical Education Teacher Education and Health Education Teacher Education. This prepares you to be eligible to earn a dual certification in both physical and health education for grades K-12. Students who complete Plan 2, choose to purse certification in Physical Education Teacher Education only and will be required to select a university-approved minor.
In addition to automatic and competitive scholarships from the University of Kentucky, our students are also eligible for a variety of scholarship awards from the College of Education.
For incoming freshmen the scholarship application deadline is February 1.
For transfer and current students the scholarship application deadline is April 1.
Students can find many opportunities to join organizations. Many of our physical education students are involved in:
Kinesiology and Health Promotion Club
If you are interested in promoting a healthy lifestyle, physical, health education or interested in exercise science, physical therapy, physicians assistant, occupational therapy, athletic training, sports psychology, or sports medicine this is the student organization for you!
If you plan to complete a University of Kentucky online program while living outside of Kentucky, you should check the Out-of-State Students page to determine if the University of Kentucky is authorized to provide this program in your state of residence. If you plan to use the degree to seek licensure, you should also determine if the degree meets the educational requirements for licensure in your state.
You can find tuition refund policies, deadlines, amounts, and other important information on the UK Student Account Services website.
College of Education
128 Taylor Education Building
Lexington, KY 40506-0001
859-218-2698
