The Bachelor of Science in Education degree has been a part of NAU’s heritage from its earliest years. Those who earn this degree will be ready to launch a career in this essential part of community and country—the education of young people, the breath of the future.
This program is nationally recognized by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE).
This program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
More Information
Physical education in K-12 schools is heralded as a critical component of public health and physical activity promotion. The focus of this program is to prepare graduates to have immediate success teaching physical education to K-12 youth as well as to promote physical activity among youth and school communities. Graduates will be eligible for an Arizona secondary credential in physical education with a K-12 endorsement in physical education.
The program is part of Northern Arizona University's NCATE accredited Professional Education Unit. This physical education program is the only Arizona physical education teacher education program that is recognized by the National Association of Sport and Physical Education (NASPE).
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Candidates in this program are required to demonstrate content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge and skills, professional knowledge, and professional dispositions to be eligible to enter student teaching or internship placements.
Content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge or skills, professional dispositions are demonstrated through candidate performance on key assessments embedded in the following course(s):
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Major GPA | 2.5 |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 114 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Required |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Required |
| Student Teaching/Supervised Teaching | Required |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
The Bachelor of Science in Physical Education allows candidates to become a certified Physical Education teacher in the state of Arizona. Through the program students are exposed to robust field experiences where active learning and student engagement occurs. Candidates are immersed in rich methods courses and then apply what they have learned in K-12 schools. Candidates are exposed to content progressions; understanding how a skill or concept can be taught various ways depending on the skill level of the individual. Candidates learn a multitude of teaching strategies, develop lesson plans, lesson objectives. Candidates apply the Arizona Physical Education State Standards and National Standards to lesson objectives, lesson plans, unit plans and unit objectives. The program delivers a quality focus on curriculum development, assessments, application of assessments, data literacy strategies, technology integration, classroom management strategies and solid pedagogical knowledge. The Physical Educator trained at Northern Arizona University understands the importance of teaching and demonstrating movement concepts and skill themes when educating a child to become physically active for a lifetime.
Student Learning Outcomes
Outcomes align with Standards from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, the National Association for Sport and Physical Education, and the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
To be eligible for admission to the program, candidates must meet the following requirements:
30 units of coursework which includes:
A minimum GPA of 2.5 in all content major coursework and one of the following:
Additional requirements:
Take the following 68 units with a Grade of "C" or better and a minimum GPA of 2.5:
You must also be certified in safety and First Aid - CPR.
A Fingerprint clearance card is required to enroll in PE 335, PE 345, PE 355, PE 365.
Foundations in Teaching Requirements (9 units)
Before being accepted to student teaching, the following criteria must be met:
In order to obtain an AZ teaching certificate, you must pass the following required Arizona Educator Exams
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Be aware that Arizona state teacher certification requirements leading to Institutional Recommendations may change at any time, and may impact program of study requirements.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.