Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education – Concentration in Physical Education

The Secondary Education – Physical Education program at ACU trains you in the art and science of teaching Physical Education while providing critical coursework to deepen your knowledge and understanding of the field of education. Three key attributes of the program will prepare you for a successful career in education. First, the program emphasizes the integration of educational principles across the teaching profession. You will learn that teaching is not compartmentalized but is a rich combination of research-based theories and hands-on practical experience. Second, the program emphasizes practicality. Through the lens of extensive experience, faculty provide you with timely and valuable glimpses into today’s classrooms. The final and most valuable attribute of the program is the emphasis on mentoring. Because of the small size of the university, you will be able to develop a strong mentoring relationship with your instructors. This mentoring begins in the classroom, and continues through student teaching, and beyond.

Professional Licensure/Certification

The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education may lead to Educator Certification in Arizona. All students who satisfactorily complete the Elementary Education certificate program at Arizona Christian University will receive an Institutional Recommendation (IR) from the university. A program “audit” will be conducted upon completion of the last program requirement to ensure a 3.0 GPA in required program coursework (including transfer coursework), a 2.5 GPA overall, tuition/fees paid in full, and materials checked out from the library have been returned. The IR will be uploaded to the Arizona Department of Education. It is good for one year and cannot be reissued. The IR saves you time and money when you are applying for your teaching certificate.

Additionally, certificated graduates receive an Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) teaching certificate that qualifies them to teach in Christian schools in 180 U.S. and around the world.

States vary in their certification requirements. ACU has made reasonable, good faith efforts to determine if its certified education programs meet the applicable education requirement for professional licensure or certification in all fifty states and several U.S. territories.

Why Secondary Education – Physical Education at ACU?

In addition to a faculty-to-student ratio of 17:1 and a rigorous and biblically integrated curriculum, ACU’s Secondary Education – Physical Education program offers several unique advantages:

• ACU’s College of Education graduates are in great demand locally and abroad.
• ACU is one of 24 universities in the United States and the only one in Arizona that is certified by ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International).
• ACU’s Secondary Education program is approved by the Arizona Department of Education.
• Faculty in the department have an average of 20 years of experience in the field, meaning they are taught by leaders in education who have extensive classroom experience.
• Small class sizes create an intimate, safe setting to practice your teaching and hone your skills.
• God’s Word and His Truths are foundational in all coursework at ACU.
• All graduates in the certified program also graduate with a full ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) endorsement, which provides opportunities to teach internationally.

Beginning your first year, our phenomenal faculty and staff commit to doing our part while you do yours, providing you with personalized, one-on-one support, and benefits unique to ACU.

What will I study?

The Secondary Education – Physical Education program provides a biblical liberal arts foundation with an innovative approach to general studies that reclaims a Christian conception of the Liberal Arts, preparing students to be influential thinkers. Career-related focus areas will include:

• Educational psychology
• Curriculum and instruction methods for teaching Physical Education in 6th grade through High School
• Anatomy physiology
• Exercise physiology
• Research informed secondary education teaching methods
• Special education methods for Physical Education
• Classroom management
• Methods for teaching English language learners
• In-depth study of Physical Education

Academic Major Courses

Core requirements accumulate to 30 credits, 15 credits of Biblical and Theological Studies, and 8 credits of science courses.

• HIS 212 US and Arizona Government 3
• EDU 300 Tests and Measurements 3
• EDU 314 Introduction to the Exceptional Child 3
• EDU 315 Educational Psychology 3
• EDU 317 Curriculum and Instruction 3
• EDU 415 Classroom Management (Taken semester prior to student teaching) 3
• SEI 490 Structured English Immersion Methods 3
• SED 410 Directed Student Teaching 9
• SED 490 Secondary Education Capstone 3

Choose One

• EDU 312 Human Development
• PSY 314 Adolescent Psychology 3

• BIO 200 Introduction to Anatomy Physiology 3
• BIO 250 Exercise Physiology w/ Lab 4
• PHE 302 Introduction to Health and Fitness 1
• PHE 310 Teaching Team Sports 3
• PHE 311 Teaching Group Activities and Team Building 3
• PHE 312 Teaching Lifetime Health and Fitness 3
• PHE 400 Concepts of Physical Education Instruction 3
• SED 400 Integrated Literacy in Physical Education 3
• PHE 401 Differentiated Instruction for Physical Education 3

Graduates who meet the requirements of the Secondary Education – Physical Education program are prepared to:

• Teach Physical Education to grades 6-12 at a charter, private, or public school in their content area.
• Teach Physical Education in Christian schools in the United States and all over the world because of the ACSI certification earned through ACU’s program.
• Obtain master’s degrees in leadership, curriculum, instruction, administration, special education, or in physical education-related fields.
• Work with youth in various church, parachurch, and nonprofit organizations.