2022-2023

Physical Education, Minor

Department of Health Sciences

College of Health and Human Services

This minor provides training for physical-activity promotion in recreation settings outside of more formal K-12 school settings. Students completing this minor will be prepared to plan and deliver recreational physical activity programs.

  • A minor is earned in conjunction with a bachelor's degree.

    To receive a minor (18 - 24 units) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject matter areas with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. At least 12 units of the minor must be unique to that minor and not applied to any other minor.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

No more than fifty percent of the units used to satisfy minor requirements may be used to satisfy major requirements.

Minimum Units for Completion 18
Major GPA C

Purpose Statement

The purpose of the minor in physical education is to develop skills to provide developmentally appropriate physical activity programs for children through adolescents. A secondary purpose is to provide a foundation of coursework that can be applied toward a K-12 endorsement in physical education through the State of Arizona.


Student Learning Outcomes
 
Standard 1 - Content and Foundational Knowledge
Physical education minor candidates demonstrate an understanding of common and specialized content, and scientific and theoretical foundations for the delivery of an effective preK-12 physical activity program.
 
Candidates will:

  • Describe and apply common content knowledge for delivering developmentally appropriate physical activity programs.
  • Describe and apply specialized content knowledge for delivering developmentally appropriate physical activity programs.
  • Describe and apply physiological and biomechanical concepts related to skillful movement, physical activity and fitness for preK-12 students.
  • Describe and apply motor learning and behavior-change/psychological principles related to skillful movement, physical activity and fitness for preK-12 students.
  • Describe and apply motor development theory and principles related to fundamental motor skills, skillful movement, physical activity and fitness for preK-12 students.
  • Describe the differences between physical education and physical activity.
 
Standard 2 - Program Delivery and Management
Physical education minor candidates engage students in meaningful physical activity experiences through effective use of pedagogical skills. They use communication, feedback, and instructional and managerial skills to provide physical activity experiences.
 
Candidates will:
  • Demonstrate verbal and nonverbal communication skills that convey respect and sensitivity across all physical activity experiences.
  • Implement demonstrations, explanations and instructional cues that maximize physical activity.
  • Evaluate the changing dynamics of the physical activity environment.
  • Implement transitions, routines and positive behavior management to create and maintain a safe, supportive and engaging physical activity environment.
 
Standard 3 - Professional Responsibility
  • Physical education minor candidates demonstrate behaviors essential to becoming effective professionals. They exhibit professional ethics and culturally competent practices; seek
  • Opportunities for continued professional development; and demonstrate knowledge of promotion/advocacy strategies for physical activity opportunities.
 
Components – Candidates will:
  • Engage in behavior that reflects professional ethics, practice and cultural competence.
  • Engage in continued professional growth and collaboration in schools and/or professional organizations.
  • Describe strategies for the promotion and advocacy of physical activity opportunities.

Minor 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.