Physical Education | Winthrop University

Physical Education

Bachelor of Science

If you enjoy mentoring youths in physical activity, becoming a Physical Educator is the choice to make! The Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) program prepares teacher candidates (TCs) to teach K-12 Physical Education in the schools. The program advances TCs throughout their four years via an engaging and exciting curriculum which is Nationally Recognized by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE). Graduates enjoy fulfilling their dreams and aspirations in careers in teaching, coaching, and a variety of other movement settings, that make a significant difference in the lives of youths, which lead to a lifetime of wellness!

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Potential Employers

Some of the graduates of this program have gone on to work for:

  • Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates
  • Bakersfield Condors
  • BioNews Inc.
  • BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
  • Cintas
  • City of Rock Hill, SC
  • Fellowship of Christian Athletes
  • GES - Global Experience Specialists
  • LCSD
  • LPL Financial
  • MEDIPHA SANTE
  • Oconee County, South Carolina
  • Physiotherapy Associates
  • Redwood Software
  • Ricoh USA, Inc.
  • Rock Hill Police Department
  • St. Johns County, Florida
  • State of Vermont
  • U.S. National Whitewater Center
  • York County, South Carolina

Career Paths

Graduates of this program have gone on to become:

  • Account Executive
  • Campus Ministry Director
  • Captain
  • Client Executive-Global and Enterprise Services
  • Education Associate
  • Environment, Health and Safety Manager
  • Facility Manager - Parks and Recreation
  • Head Athletic Trainer
  • Lieutenant
  • Manager
  • National Logistics Resolution Supervisor
  • Parks, Recreation & Tourism: Program Supervisor - Tourism Projects
  • PE Teacher/Coach
  • Physical Education Teacher
  • Prevention Consultant
  • Special Project Coordinator - Bike Safety Education
  • Teacher/ Athletic Director
  • Team Developer
  • Transportation Manager

Top Industries

Many of the graduates of this program find themselves working in:

 

  1. Higher Education
  2. Education Management
  3. Primary/Secondary Education
  4. Government Administration
  5. Hospital & Health Care
  6. Retail
  7. Health, Wellness and Fitness
  8. Pharmaceuticals
  9. Financial Services
  10. Insurance

Curriculum and Learning Opportunities

The degree requires 120 semester hours of course work in order to become a certified physical education teacher for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The curriculum in the PETE program reflects current educational trends and prepares students for teaching opportunities in both public and private schools.

Curriculum

Why Winthrop?

Two students playing basketball in the gym

Nationally Accredited

Winthrop's PETE program is fully accredited by the National Association of Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

PE student playing with elementary school kids in the gym

Real World Experience

All PETE teacher candidates are required to complete a year-long internship at Winthrop during the senior year, gaining valuable hands-on experience under the guidance of a certified mentor teacher.

PE teacher smiling behind kids playing in a school gym

Continued Success

100 percent of the Winthrop PETE graduates seeking teaching jobs over the last seven years have obtained teaching positions in South Carolina and other states.


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Beyond Graduation

Graduates are well-prepared to become a physical educator in an elementary, middle, or high school setting; develop into a successful coach of an athletic team at any school or recreational level; or serve youth within community agencies such as the YMCA/YWCA, recreation departments, or Boys and Girls Clubs.