Why Human Performance and Physical Education at UT Southern?
UT Southern’s Human Performance and Physical Education program stands out with its two dynamic concentrations: Exercise Science and Physical Education. Whether you’re passionate about enhancing athletic performance, promoting fitness and wellness, or inspiring future generations through physical education, our program is designed to cater to your interests and career goals.
In the Exercise Science track, you will learn the relationships between exercise, fitness, nutrition, sport performance, and overall health. This pathway prepares graduates for a wide array of rewarding careers, including roles in biomechanics, exercise physiology (both applied and clinical), exercise prescription, motor control and learning, personal training, and research. Moreover, it serves as a steppingstone to allied health professions such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistantship, and chiropractic programs.
If you’re inspired to teach and love working with children, our Physical Education concentration, with licensure to teach grades K-12 in Tennessee, may be your choice. This professional program equips graduates with a bachelor’s degree and the credentials to inspire and educate students in physical fitness and wellness.
It’s important to know that licensure programs are professional programs that require you to apply and be granted admission into the program. You can learn more about these requirements in the UT Southern Course Catalog. Further, Tennessee teacher licensure includes a clinical practice component. This hands-on experience, which lasts fifteen weeks and involves two placements within a 50-mile radius of our campus, prepares you for the challenges and rewards of classroom leadership.
Guided by expert faculty and comprehensive advising, you can complete your undergraduate degree in Human Performance and Physical Education and fulfill most graduate program prerequisites within 120 credit hours, setting a solid foundation for your future academic pursuits. Additionally, students can opt for a minor in Coaching, and all education majors can pursue specialized training through our state-approved Driver’s Education Endorsement.
A Word About Minors
A minor in Coaching is possible. Or you could complement your Human Performance and Physical Education major with a minor in another field. Check out the Related Programs list and reach out to a program coordinator for more information.
A minor, which is typically eighteen credit hours, is a grouping of courses in a particular academic field of study designed to provide you with expanded knowledge and competency in an area outside your major.
Program Details
Degree Type
Bachelor of Science
Program Coordinator
Daniel McMasters
What’s Possible With a Degree in Human Performance and Physical Education?
At UT Southern, we prioritize student success through personalized mentorship, hands-on learning experiences, and a supportive community dedicated to nurturing your potential. Join us and become part of a program that prepares you for immediate career opportunities and empowers you to make a lasting impact in human performance, physical education, and allied health care.
Career options include:
- Athletic Trainer
- Chiropractor
- Coaching
- Elementary School Physical Education Teacher
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers
- Exercise Physiologists
- Fitness Center Director
- Group Fitness Leader
- Health Educator
- High School Physical Education Teacher
- Middle School Physical Education Teacher
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Physician Assistant
- Umpire and Referee
- Wellness Coordinator
The Courses You’ll Take
Exercise Science Concentration Coursework + Recommended Four-Year Plan
Physical Education Concentration with Licensure in Grades 6-12 Coursework + Recommended Four-Year Plan
Coaching Minor
Driver Education Endorsement
Good to Know
The Tennessee Association for Heath, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (TAHPERD) offers a platform for student presentations, providing a unique opportunity to showcase your expertise and passion in health, physical education, recreation, or dance. This esteemed association welcomes submissions from students eager to share their research, projects, or innovative ideas with fellow professionals and peers in the field.
Explore Related Programs
Merit Aid Program: Free Tuition for Qualifying Students
We’re committed to providing access to all! In conjunction with UT Promise, HOPE, the state lottery, and institutional aid, 75% of Tennessee residents qualify to attend UT Southern for free. In addition, approximately 97% of our students are qualified to receive financial aid.
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