Physical education professionals strive to develop in individuals the lifelong athletic skills and awareness that will promote healthy lifestyles and physical fitness. 

Those with a love of applied athletic skills and a passion for teaching may find the perfect career path in the Physical Education program at Concordia University Chicago.

Career Opportunities

  • Elementary Teacher
  • Secondary Teacher 
  • Fitness Instructor 
  • Athletic Coach
  • Athletic Director 

Study Format

  • On Campus

Physical Education Program and Degree Overview

This degree will prepare you to work with secondary-level students ranging from sixth through twelfth grade and elementary through secondary-level students ranging from kindergarten through twelfth grade.

You are required to take courses focusing on the different areas of activity, theory, science and pedagogy. Activity courses cover fitness and wellness, weight training and cardiovascular activities, as well as the pedagogy of these activities. You will take a theory course introducing you to the principles and perspectives of human performance.

Required science courses include applied anatomy and physiology, kinesiology and physical growth and motor development. Pedagogy courses involve teaching methods that educate you on how to teach individual and dual sports, team sports, dance, the use of technology in physical education, fitness activities, adapted physical education and curriculum theory and design.

In your final semester, you will complete a student teaching internship that will place you in one of many city, suburban, public and private schools throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. You will have the opportunity to put your skills to use in a real-world setting.

For details about specific courses, please visit our online catalog.

 

 

Physical Education Program Opportunities

Because of CUC’s location, there are numerous opportunities for students to learn in both public and private schools, and in special education and multicultural settings throughout metro Chicago and its nearby suburbs.

You will have the opportunity to work with diverse populations once you begin your observation and student teaching coursework.

There are a variety of resources available to those studyin gphysical education. CUC’s Geiseman Memorial Gymnasium has two gymnasiums, an athletic training room, a free weightroom and a human performance laboratory. A testing laboratory is equipped with a computerized Breath-by-Breath Computerized Metabolic System.