$270
Tuition Cost per Credit
2 years
Average Completion*
Get Students Moving.
Build Skills for Life.
Physical education is about more than playing games or running laps. It’s an opportunity to help students discover the joy of movement, develop confidence, build healthy habits, and learn skills they’ll carry with them throughout their lives.
The Bachelor of Science in Education in Physical Education at Athens State University prepares you to teach Physical Education from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 (P–12). You’ll develop the knowledge and practical teaching skills needed to create safe, inclusive, and engaging physical education experiences for students at every stage of development.
Program Overview
A great physical education teacher does more than teach students how to throw, catch, run, or kick. They help students understand the importance of physical activity, develop confidence in their abilities, work with others, and build habits that can support lifelong health. The Physical Education (P–12) program prepares you to teach students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12, giving you the flexibility to work with learners across the entire educational experience.
You’ll study physical education methods, human development, motor development, fitness, assessment, classroom and activity management, and other areas essential to effective physical education instruction. You’ll also gain practical experience applying what you learn in real educational settings, helping you develop the confidence and professional skills needed to lead your own classes.
Program Details
The Physical Education (P–12) curriculum combines teacher preparation with specialized study in physical activity, fitness, human development, and movement.
Your coursework will explore areas such as:
- Physical Education Methods — Learn how to plan and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate physical education lessons.
- Motor Development — Understand how movement skills develop and how instruction can help students build physical competence.
- Human Development — Explore the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of students at different ages.
- Fitness & Wellness — Develop knowledge of fitness principles and strategies for encouraging lifelong physical activity.
- Skill Development — Learn how to teach fundamental movement and sport-related skills in ways that promote confidence and participation.
- Adapted Physical Education — Explore ways to modify activities and environments to support students with diverse abilities and needs.
- Assessment — Learn how to evaluate student learning, physical skills, fitness, and progress.
- Activity & Classroom Management — Develop strategies for creating safe, organized, inclusive, and productive learning environments.
- Instructional Technology — Explore how technology can support instruction, assessment, communication, and student engagement.
- Field & Clinical Experiences — Gain hands-on experience working with students and applying your knowledge in authentic educational settings.
Your Career Advantage Starts Here
Schools need educators who can help students develop physical skills, confidence, teamwork, and an appreciation for lifelong movement.
Your role as a physical education teacher can extend far beyond the gym or playing field. You’ll have opportunities to influence students’ attitudes toward physical activity and wellness during formative years and help them discover activities they can enjoy throughout their lives.
Explore your career pathways with the B.S.Ed. in 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 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
Our Faculty
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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.