Requirements for the B.S. degree in Physical Education
Physical Education is a two-year program that includes mandatory attendance during the summer session between the first and second years. The Physical Education program only admits students in the Fall Semester of each year. Students proceed through the program in cohorts and are required to complete all required courses each semester with a grade of “C-” or better in order to progress to the next semester. Students who do not complete the requirements will be dismissed from the program and may reapply for the next cohort.
The Physical Education program is a full-time program. Students must be available for classes from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday each semester. Additional time commitments may be necessary for course work in the evenings.
Requirements after Admission
Students accepted into the physical education program must meet the following additional requirements:
- Sign an agreement to abide by the standards set forth in the College of Education Professional Disposition and Ethical Standards Policy and Procedures document.
- Pay for costs in addition to tuition, fees, and books such as:
- Attendance at the state professional organization conference (minimally 1 year)
- Student membership in the state physical education professional organization
- Transportation to and from school sites required in courses and internships
- Physical Education Teacher Education uniform for internships
- Criminal background checks and finger printing for internships
- Assignments in some classes (e.g., printing/binding of group project reports, academic and professional portfolio, professional file, etc.)
- Electronic assignment portfolio throughout program
- Complete professional development plans throughout the program.
- Complete and pass individual development plans in identified skill areas during the program.
State Mandated Common Course Prerequisites
Students wishing to transfer to USF should complete an A.A. degree at a Florida College System institution. Some courses required for the major may also meet General Education requirements thereby transferring maximum hours to the university.
If a student wishes to transfer without an A.A. degree and has fewer than 60 semester hours of acceptable credit, the student must meet the university’s entering freshman requirements including ACT or SAT test scores, GPA, and course requirements.
Transfer students are also required to comply with the immunization, foreign language, and continuous enrollment policies of the university.
Students should complete the following prerequisite courses at the lower level prior to entering the university. If these courses are not taken at a Florida College System institution, they must be completed before the degree is granted.
Unless stated otherwise, a grade of C- is the minimum acceptable grade in prerequisite courses.
- EDF X005 Introduction to Education and Field Experience - 3 credit hours
- BSC X085 - 3 credit hours
- BSC X086 or PET X622 - 2-3 credit hours
- Skill Development Courses in Physical Activities - 4 credit hours
- Conditioning, Fitness and Wellness Course in Physical Education Activities - 3 credit hours
A minimum of 6 semester hours with an international or diversity focus is required. Eligible courses will be determined by the community college or university where the student is currently earning the Associate in Arts or baccalaureate degree. Foreign language courses may be used to meet this requirement.
FOR EDUCATION MAJORS: General education courses will be determined by the community college or university where the student currently is earning the Associate in Arts or baccalaureate degree, and will be published in the institution’s existing catalog and delineated in the Statewide Course Numbering System.
Residency Requirement
Students successfully must complete at least 50 percent (50%) of the required courses in the major in courses offered by USF conferring the degree. In cases of hardship or lack of course availability, individual exceptions may be approved by the respective college Dean or designee to help ensure timely graduation.
Research Opportunities
Undergraduate students in any degree program are able to participate in undergraduate research. Several options exist to show mentored undergraduate research activity on a student’s official transcript. Those who wish to enroll in an undergraduate research course should consult with their academic advisor to understand how the credit will apply towards the degree requirements. If no credit is needed, students may be eligible to enroll in the 0-credit IDS 4914 course. This course will not impact degree credits or GPA but will show on an official transcript and document the experience. The Office of Undergraduate Research is able to assist with further inquiries.
Other Information
Physical Education Elective Program
Physical Education elective offerings are designed to provide opportunities for all students in the University to acquire knowledge and movement skills related to an active healthy lifestyle. Laboratory experiences in over twenty-five different exercise and sports activities allow students to select and develop proficiency appropriate for leisure pursuit and personal development. Special competency courses provide for in-depth study in such areas as personal wellness, current issues in sports, and first aid.