Dec 06, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Physical Education B.S.


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Total Degree Hours: 120
Plans of Study 

Physical Education includes the study of kinesiology, physical skill development, pedagogy, coaching, curriculum development and assessment, and administration of physical activity programs. The Physical Education major offers students extensive preparation in theory and methodology courses leading to K-12 teaching certification. The Physical Education Program also offers a minor in the Science of Physical Activity.

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.

Students seeking to graduate from a state-approved teacher preparation program with embedded Reading and ESOL endorsements must attain passing scores on all portions of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam (FTCE).

Students who graduate prior to attaining passing scores on all portions of the FTCE will not receive the state-approved teacher preparation program with respective endorsements statement on their official transcript.

University Admissions - College of Education


Admission to the University is based on the University’s Undergraduate Admission Requirements that may be found by clicking on the following URLs:

Admission Requirements - Educator Preparation Programs


Educator preparation programs are ideal for students who wish to become classroom teachers as these programs are designed to result in eligibility for teacher certification in the state of Florida. Students seeking admission are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor in the college on their home campus.

Effective July 1, 2021, the State of Florida changed college admission requirements regarding the General Knowledge Test (GKT). The GKT is no longer required for admission to an educator preparation program.  However, the college advises students to prepare for and pass the GKT upon declaring their major in education. 

Students seeking admission into any of our educator preparation programs must satisfy the following:

  1. Successful admission to the University of South Florida
  2. Complete the University of South Florida’s Enhanced General Education requirements (see General Education Information in the catalog)
    1. Students with an AA degree from a Florida public institution will meet all general education requirements. However, general education courses with a grade below C- will need to be repeated for a grade of C- or better to fulfill prerequisites for the College of Education. 
  3. Earn a minimum overall GPA of 2.50 (on a 4.0 scale)
  4. Complete or be currently enrolled in appropriate prerequisite coursework for the student’s intended major.
  5. Submit a College of Education application.

For former students returning to the college after being inactive, please be aware of the Time Limit for Coursework policy under Additional Information.

Graduation Requirements - Educator Preparation Programs


The College of Education strives to ensure students graduate in a timely fashion and without incurring unnecessary debt. To graduate, students should take the following steps:

  • Meet with your academic advisor each semester to review your progress toward degree
  • Successfully complete all state, university, and program requirements
  • Earn 120 credit hours
  • Earn a minimum overall GPA of 2.5
  • Complete any required certification exams*
  • Apply to graduate

* Students seeking to graduate from a state-approved educator preparation program with embedded Reading and ESOL endorsements must attain passing scores on all portions of the FTCE.

Students who graduate prior to attaining passing scores on all portions of the FTCE will not receive the state-approved educator preparation program with respective endorsements statement on their official transcript.

Required Courses: (94 credit hours)


State Mandated Common Course Prerequisites - Physical Education B.S. (16 credit hours)


Following Florida BOG Regulation 8.010, state mandated common course prerequisites are lower-division courses that are required for progression into the upper division of a particular baccalaureate degree program. 

Transfer students should complete the State Mandated Common Course Prerequisites 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. Successful completion of the common prerequisites alone does not guarantee a student admission into the degree program. 

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

State Mathematics Pathway – Physical Education B.S. (6 Credit Hours)


The Physical Education B.S. uses the Mathematical Thinking in Context Mathematics Pathway with the following requirements:

Major Core Courses: 22 courses; 72 credit hours


Additional Information - Physical Education B.S.


GPA Requirements


Once admitted, students must maintain a 2.5 or higher overall GPA and earn a 2.5 or higher in all upper-level coursework in the major including Core and Specialization courses. If a student falls below 2.50 GPA they may be dismissed and/or may be required to meet with the departmental Professional Standards Committee.

Grading Requirements


Students must earn a grade of C- or higher in all required courses to progress to the following semester or they may be dismissed and/or required to meet with departmental Professional Standards Committee. 

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.

Time Limit for Coursework


The College of Education reserves the right to determine whether courses five years or older can be applied toward a degree based on the following guidelines:

  • Courses completed within the last five years may be accepted toward graduation.
  • Courses completed over five years but less than ten years ago must have the approval of the chairperson from the department in which the equivalent course is taught.
  • Courses completed ten years ago or longer will count as elective credit only toward graduation.

Internship Opportunities


Physical Education students will complete four clinical experiences. The final internship consists of two courses, each of 7 weeks. One will be performed at the elementary level and one at the middle or high school level. Passing grades in internship will only be possible if all sections of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam are taken and passed prior to graduation.

Requirements after Admission


Students accepted into the physical education program must meet the following additional requirements:

  1. Sign an agreement to abide by the standards set forth in the College of Education Professional Disposition and Ethical Standards Policy and Procedures document.
  2. 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
  3. Complete professional development plans throughout the program.
  4. Complete and pass individual development plans in identified skill areas during the program.

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.

Other Information


Please be advised that program and/or course requirements are subject to change, per state legislative mandates, Florida State Department of Education program approval standards, and accreditation criteria.

Students will be required to pay for costs in addition to tuition, fees, and books such as:

  • Transportation to and from school sites required in courses and internships
  • Criminal background checks and fingerprinting for internships
  • Assignments in some classes (e.g., printing/binding of group project reports, academic and professional portfolio, digital recording equipment, etc.)

Clinical Education


All educator preparation programs include required clinical education. Clinical experiences allow teacher candidates to put theory into practice as they learn to teach within partnership schools in our local school districts.

Background Check and Fingerprinting


All students seeking admission to educator preparation programs will be required to undergo a background check and fingerprinting during the admission process. Visit this site for additional information: Fingerprinting Instructions (usf.edu)  International students should be mindful that fingerprinting requires a social security number. Depending upon the outcome of the background check, students may be informed they cannot be placed in a particular school district. As each program determines the school district(s) in which to place their students, past legal history may impact a student’s ability to enter field experience and continue in an educator preparation program. Please be advised that program and/or course requirements and fingerprinting/background check procedures are subject to change per state legislative mandates, Florida State Department of Education program approval standards, accreditation criteria, and school district policy and procedures. Students can learn more about fingerprinting from Student Academic Services.

Repeating a Clinical Experience


A candidate who receives an unsatisfactory grade or withdraws when performing unsatisfactorily in any clinical experience may be allowed by the program to re-enroll in that course one additional time for a total of two attempts. In the event that a candidate needs to repeat the clinical experience, the candidate must request permission to do so by completing a written appeal to the appropriate department or program. If permission is granted, the candidate must meet with designated College of Education personnel to develop an action plan for the experience that may include enrollment in a course(s). There is no guarantee that the request will be approved for the semester for which the request/appeal is made. 

If a candidate receives an unsatisfactory grade or withdraws when performing unsatisfactorily in any field experience two times in the same experience, the candidate will be removed from the College of Education. If a candidate re-applies for admission to the College of Education they must indicate they were once in the College and dismissed. If the candidate is admitted and it is determined that they did not disclose the dismissal the student will be dismissed immediately. 

Accreditation


This program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Research Opportunities - College of Education


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 - Advanced Undergraduate Research Experience  course. This course will not impact degree credits or GPA but will show on an official transcript and document the experience. The Office of High Impact Practices and Undergraduate Research (HIPUR) is able to assist with further inquiries.

Advising Information - College of Education


For prospective and current College of Education students with a home campus of Tampa, please select the following link for information about scheduling an advising appointment: https://www.usf.edu/education/undergraduate/academic-advising/index.aspx.

For prospective and current College of Education students with a home campus of Sarasota-Manatee, please select the following link for information about scheduling an advising appointment: https://www.sarasotamanatee.usf.edu/academics/academic-resources/academic-advising/.

For prospective and current College of Education students with a home campus of St. Pete, please select the following link for information about scheduling an advising appointment: https://www.stpetersburg.usf.edu/academics/academic-resources/academic-advising/advisor/index.aspx.

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