$270
Tuition Cost per Credit
2 years
Average Completion*
Turn Your Passion Into a Career That Matters
What if your classroom could help students build healthier, more active lives?
The Bachelor of Science in Education in Health and Physical Education at Athens State University prepares you to teach both Health Education (grades 6–12) and Physical Education (P–12)—giving you the opportunity to make a difference in students’ physical, mental, and overall well-being throughout their educational journey.
You’ll develop the knowledge, instructional skills, and practical experience needed to create engaging learning environments that encourage students to understand their health, stay active, and develop habits that can last a lifetime.
Program Overview
Health and physical education are about much more than fitness tests and gym class. Today’s educators play an important role in helping students understand how physical activity, nutrition, mental wellness, healthy decision-making, and other factors contribute to lifelong well-being.
The Health and Physical Education program prepares you to teach across a broad range of grade levels and educational settings. You’ll earn preparation for Health Education certification for grades 6–12 and Physical Education certification for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 (P–12). That combination gives you the flexibility to work with students at different stages of development—from young children discovering the joy of movement to adolescents developing the knowledge and habits that can influence their health well into adulthood.
Through education coursework, health and physical education studies, field experiences, and clinical preparation, you’ll learn how to turn your passion for health and activity into an impactful teaching career.
Program Details
The Health and Physical Education curriculum combines teacher preparation with specialized study in health, physical activity, wellness, and human development.
Your coursework will explore areas such as:
- Health Education — Develop strategies for teaching students about health, wellness, nutrition, safety, relationships, and healthy decision-making.
- Physical Education — Learn how to design and deliver developmentally appropriate physical activities that encourage movement, skill development, teamwork, and lifelong fitness.
- Human Development — Understand how students develop physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally across different stages of childhood and adolescence.
- Health & Wellness — Explore the factors that contribute to individual and community health and well-being.
- Motor Development & Skill Acquisition — Understand how children develop movement skills and how instruction can encourage physical competence.
- Fitness & Physical Activity — Develop knowledge of fitness principles and strategies for promoting lifelong physical activity.
- Instructional Methods — Learn how to create engaging lessons and adapt instruction for students with different abilities and needs.
- Assessment — Develop strategies for evaluating student learning, physical skills, and progress.
- Classroom & Activity Management — Learn how to create safe, inclusive, and productive environments for both classroom and physical activity settings.
- Field & Clinical Experiences — Gain hands-on experience applying your knowledge in real educational settings.
Your preparation extends beyond a single classroom or grade level. With certification in Health Education (6–12) and Physical Education (P–12), you’ll be prepared to pursue teaching opportunities across a broad range of educational settings.
Your Career Advantage Starts Here
Every school needs educators who can help students develop the knowledge and habits necessary for healthy, active lives. With preparation in both health and physical education, you’ll have the flexibility to work with students across multiple grade levels and contribute to their development in ways that extend well beyond academics.
Your expertise can help students understand their bodies, make informed decisions, develop confidence, work with others, and discover activities they can enjoy throughout their lives.
Explore your career pathways with the B.S.Ed. in Health & Physical Education, including anticipated salaries, annual job growth, and even active job listings through the Career Concourse portal.
$50k
Elementary PE Teacher Estimated Entry Salary
$64k
Elementary PE Teacher Estimated Median Salary
Estimated salary and employment information based on labor market data provided by Career Concourse and is intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries and employment outcomes vary based on factors such as experience, location, industry, and employer and are not guaranteed upon degree completion.
Admissions & Aid
A career in education is an investment in your future — and Athens State University works to make that investment accessible.
Athens State University offers the lowest tuition of any public, four-year university in Alabama, giving future educators an affordable path to a bachelor’s degree. With flexible learning options, dedicated faculty, and support designed around students’ needs, you can prepare for your teaching career without putting your financial future on hold.
Students may also qualify for financial aid, scholarships, and other assistance to help make their education more affordable.
Why Choose This Program at Athens State?
Today’s elementary classrooms are diverse. With the B.S.Ed. in Health & Physical Education, you’ll develop strategies for differentiating instruction, supporting individual learners, creating inclusive environments, and helping every student find a path to success.
Get Hands-On Experience
You won’t spend your entire degree learning about teaching from a textbook. Field experiences and clinical preparation give you opportunities to observe, practice, and apply your skills in real educational settings.
Invest in Your Future The Smart Way
Athens State University is committed to providing an affordable, high-quality education. As Alabama’s most affordable public, state university, we give you the opportunity to earn a degree while making a smart investment in your future, without unnecessary debt.
Learn from Experienced Faculty
Our faculty combine academic excellence with real-world business experience, bringing current industry practices into every course. At Athens State, you’re not facing the journey alone — our dedicated, knowledgeable faculty and staff walk alongside you each step of the way, providing personalized guidance and support.
Additional Information
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*Average completion time varies by student and depends on prior credits
transferred to Athens State and the number of courses taken per semester.
Please consult with your Student Success Coach and faculty advisor for your personalized plan of study.