The Health and Physical Education major at UGA develops instructional techniques to improve bodily motor coordination, physical fitness, and physical activity. Pedagogical skills and content knowledge includes biomechanics, physiology, kinesiology, wellness, strategy and teamwork development, and others. Students choose from one of two curriculum emphases along an intended career path:
The first is a curriculum designed to prepare students to teach health and physical education in the school system. This emphasis includes a student teaching experience and instructional certification for grades P-12 in the state of Georgia. Currently Georgia requires that schools provide health and physical education instruction for each year K-5 and that health and physical education courses be made available to students in grades 6-12. This presents many job opportunities in the state.
The second curriculum emphasis is for students who wish to pursue sport and physical education interests in non-public school environments. Students who select this emphasis are not eligible for teacher licensure and complete 14 hours of coursework in lieu of the student teaching experience. Career opportunities are available in fitness instruction, youth development, community organizations, and coaching.
Study Abroad Options: Kenya Study Abroad Program