The purpose of the professional preparation program is to prepare the major for selected involvement within the broad field of health, exercise and sport science while maintaining reasonable flexibility for adaptation beyond the specialty area. This is accompished through the offering of professional opportunities within two tracks, the teaching track and the professional track.

The teaching track is designed to provide an exemplary educational environment and experiences leading to the acquisition of skills, knowledge, and attitudes within the domains for human movement, growth and development of individuals, and the application of physical, biological, and behavioral sciences to the teaching/learning process.

Competence within each of these areas contributes to the preparation of our students in accordance with state and national standards, and markets them for leadership positions in schools. The curriculum for the prospective physical education teacher is designed to build progressively upon meaningful concepts and experiences acquired within other disciplines as well as those which are unique to the profession. In addition, competencies which have been identified with successful teaching methodology are in integral part of the curricular content.

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Health, Exercise and Sport Science Policy on Admission to the Physical Education Teaching Program

Health, Exercise and Sport Science majors must meet the following requirements to be admitted to the Physical Education Teaching Program:

1. an earned cumulative GPR of 2.5;
2. completion of 60 hours;
3. passing score on the Praxis I examination; and
4. advisor evaluations regarding suitability and interest in teaching education.

At the completion of 60 hours, a Health, Exercise and Sport Science major not admitted to the Physical Education Teaching Program will be required to change tracks.

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Health, Exercise and Sport Science Policy on Admission to Internship in Teaching (PHED 499)

Health, Exercise and Sport Science majors must have been admitted to the Physical Education Teacher Training Program and must meet the following requirements:

1. an earned cumulative GPR or 2.5;
2. successfully completed field experiences;
3. evaluations by instructors in completed courses in professional education;
4. evaluations completed by general education faculty; and
5. a passing score on the Praxis II examination.

All course requirements must be completed before admission to Internship in Teaching (PHED 499). A student who does not meet these requirements may re-apply once qualifications are met. The department will not normally offer PHED 499 in the fall.

Completion of the curricular requirements may result in certification by the South Carolina Department of Education to teach physical education in grades K-12. Additional certification in health education may be pursued through 12 hours of required courses and 12 hours of electives selected from among the following offerings. Successful completion of the health specialty of the Praxis II exam is also required.

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