Department of Kinesiology
Explore the Physical Education Option
The Physical Education Option has a curricular emphasis in pedagogy designed for students with professional goals in teaching and coaching. Completion of a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in this option provides access to teaching credential programs and teaching careers in grades K-12.
The Physical Education Option offers coursework and practical experiences in teaching and coaching, which conform to all California state standards and fully prepare students for admission into teaching credential programs. Students who graduate from our program in good standing are considered "subject matter competent" in Physical Education. Students who graduate with an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology - Physical Education are prepared to apply to a single subject teaching credential program. CSU, Fresno offers a single subject Physical Education teaching credential through the Kremen School of Education and Human Development. Graduates of the Physical Education Option are highly effective and successful K-12 physical educators in the Central Valley and beyond.
Learn about our Curriculum
Students must complete 68-73 units of coursework within the physical education option.
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| KINES 1 | Introductory Principles and Techniques for Physical Fitness Development | 3 |
| KINES 32 + KAC 4 | Lifetime Fitness and Wellness | 2 |
| KINES 33 | Foundation of Sport Exercise Psychology | 3 |
| KINES 116 | Fundamentals of Biomechanics | 3 |
| KINES 118 | Fundamentals of Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| KINES 31 | Historical and Professional Foundations of Physical Education | 3 |
| KINES 35 | Human Structure and Function: Applications to Kinesiology | 3 |
| KINES 110 | Motor Development | 3 |
| KINES 120 | Planning Strategies for Physical Education | 3 |
| KINES 122 | Analysis and Application: Nontraditional Games and Outdoor Education | 3 |
| KINES 123 | Analysis and Application: Rhythmic Movement in Physical Education | 3 |
| KINES 126 | Analysis and Application: Aquatics | 3 |
| KINES 131 | Analysis and Application: Individual, Team, and Fitness Activity | 3 |
| KINES 144i | Field Experience in Teaching | 3 |
| KINES 159 | Measurement and Evaluation | 3 |
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| KINES 48 | Emergency Management of Athletic Trauma | 3 |
| KINES 109 | Motor Learning | 3 |
| KINES 152 | Physical Education for Children | 3 |
| KINES 162 | Coaching Concepts | 3 |
| KINES 121 | Body Composition | 3 |
| NUTR 53 | Nutrition and Health: Realities and Controversies | 3 |
| NUTR 147 | Nutrition and the Athlete | 3 |
| PH 100 | Community Health | 3 |
| PH 114 | Health Behavior | 3 |
| PH 131 | Principles of Health Education | 3 |
| ENTR 81E | Introduction to Entrepeneurship | 3 |
| KINES 45 | Introduction to Sport Administration | 3 |
| KINES 172SI | Seminar in Coaching and Sport Leadership | 3 |
| RA 117 | Special Event Planning | 3 |
| CSDS 91 | American Sign Language I | 3 |
| KINES 157 | Adapted and Inclusive Physical Education | 3 |
| PHIL 122 | Introduction to Professional Ethics | 3 |
| PSYCH 101 | Child Psychology | 3 |
| RA 113 | Programming for Youth At-Risk | 3 |
All Physical Education students engage in authentic learning experiences via required service learning and field experiences in KINES 122 and KINES 144i respectively. All students complete a 45 hour experience in KINES 144i that is equivalent to EHD 50, a prerequisite for acceptance to the Single Subject Credential Program in Kremen School.
Students also have opportunities to get involved in research projects while enrolled in the program. Funding support is typically available for student involvement, as many of these projects are supported by grants and awards. Research is centered on a variety of topics depending on faculty expertise. Students are encouraged to review faculty bios to learn more about faculty interests.
All Physical Education students are encouraged to participate in the Kinesiology Pedagogy Club and to join the state and national organizations that support Physical Education teachers.
Helpful Physical Education Resources include:
- California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (CAHPERD)
- Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America
- California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC)
- California Department of Education (CDE)
Contact Us
Nicole J. Smith, Ph.D.
PETE Option Coordinator and Associate Professor
njsmith@csufresno.edu
559.278.2069
North Gym 160
Please visit the CSU, Fresno online catalog for Physical Education for additional information. Contact Dr. Smith to be added to a Canvas site for PE majors. The Canvas site includes roadmaps, long-term plans, and information about advising.
This program is accredited by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).