Bachelor of Arts in Health & Physical Education (B.A.Ed.)

Program Description

The B.A.Ed. in Health & Physical Education is a minimum of 123 semester hours. This degree program prepares candidates to become effective K-12 health and physical educators who use innovative and collaborative practices. As local, state, and national advocates, graduates will promote healthy and active lifestyles to foster health and wellbeing for future generations.

Health & Physical Education students will complete three phases. During Phase I, candidates will observe and teach in select classrooms to gain professional experiences alongside experienced educators and K-12 students. Phase II will consist of specialized coursework designed for the 21st century health and physical educator. During Phase III, students will serve as health and physical education teachers in both elementary and secondary settings and finish all requirements for the degree.

Teacher education candidates are required to observe and teach in selected classrooms, learning about effective teaching, developing professional dispositions, and working directly with practitioners and school students at varying grade and developmental levels. The Student Advising and Field Experience (SAFE) office works with school partners in establishing placement for these observations.

Program Highlights

• A newly designed curriculum focused on the 21st century learner
• A special education endorsement available with two extra courses
• Authentic field experiences in diverse K-12 settings
• Professional memberships and leadership opportunities in Health & Physical Education
• Chance to lead professional development at the Mississippi Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance conventions
• Health and Physical Education majors may add a B.S. in Exercise Science with a 5th year degree option

Application Process

As a new UM undergraduate, you must complete the admissions process through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the program must meet these requirements:

• 2.5 grade point average (entry admission for transfer students and change of major)
• 2.75 grade point average (admission for Phase II: Teacher Education Program) and appropriate scores on either the ACT, SAT or CORE* (More Info…). Must complete education courses with a "C" of better to move forward.

*Praxis Core Exemption: Students who provide proof of an ACT score of at least a 21 composite (or SAT equivalent; View the SAT Equivalency Scoring sheet for more information) OR have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a minimum of 60 hours of completed coursework are exempt from taking the Praxis CORE exam for admission to Phase II.

Career Opportunities

Candidates must take additional Praxis exams to qualify for licensure in Mississippi. Once licensed candidates will be highly qualified to teach Health Education grades K-6 and Physical Education grades K-12. For information on seeking licensure outside Mississippi, please review the Certification information.

Online/Regional Campus Options

The Health & Physical Education degree program will only be offered at the Oxford Campus.

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