Physical Education

Why study physical education?

Students who study physical education (PE) will learn fundamental health, exercise and teaching strategies to become certified teachers of K-12 PE.

  • Students combine the PE curriculum with the all-grades (K-12) education requirements gaining hands-on experience through practicum and student teaching experiences.
  • All programs leading to initial level licensure are accredited and approved by the South Dakota Department of Education (SD DOE).
Exercise & Sport Sciences Program School of Health Professions
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Dr. Sherry Barkley, program director

Physical Education, School of Health Professions

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Strength & Conditioning
Augustana to Offer Strength & Conditioning Major in Fall 2024

Augustana University will offer a major in strength & conditioning beginning in the fall. Based within the School of Health Professions, the program is set to be the first in South Dakota accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE).

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Highlights

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Careers

Graduates are highly sought after to fill K-12 PE teaching positions, and other career opportunities, including athletic coach, sports and recreation manager and camp director.

Hands-On Learning

Practicum, student teaching and service learning opportunities include:

  • Surrounding school districts
  • Augustana’s model classroom
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire
  • Junior Achievement (JA) of South Dakota
  • Lutheran Social Services (LSS) mentoring
  • Camp counselor

Physical education students study away in:

  • Kenya — focusing on global food insecurity and education with AU faculty
  • Norway — for the exceptional children and youth practicum with AU faculty
  • China — focusing on human relations in education with AU faculty

Courses & Organizations

Students take a combination of exercise science, physical education and biology courses to gain a broad understanding of both the human body and teaching methods. Physical education students will be listed as a double major in K-12 education.

Students can complement their studies with a minor in coaching.

Physical education students often participate in:

  • FRIENDSLink
  • Peer Navigator (Augie Access)
  • Augustana University Education Association (AUEA)