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School of Education and Human Sciences

Undergraduate – Kinesiology – Physical Education Teacher Certification

  • Program Title: Kinesiology: Physical Education Teacher Certification
  • Overview Heading: Empower Your Future: Choose UAB Physical Education
  • Staff: 170
  • Faculty: 171
  • Feature Image: A PE teacher with a red beard and tattoos leads young kids in side-stretches.
  • Overview Copy:

    If you love teaching and coaching or working with children and young adults to help them learn to live healthy and active lifestyles through physical activity and sports, choose the BS in Kinesiology program with a concentration in Physical Education Teacher Certification. Faculty in our program take a hands-on approach to give you the experience, tools, and strategies you need to become a certified physical education teacher in Alabama.

  • Title: Why Choose Physical Education at UAB?
  • First Heading: State and Nationally Accredited
  • First Copy:

    The School of Education and Human Sciences educator preparation programs are accredited by the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) and the Counsel for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

  • Second Heading: Experience-Based Approach
  • Second Copy:

    Our students are required to spend ample time in the field working with children in K-12 settings, teaching, coaching, and learning the best practices for being a physical educator in the state of Alabama. In addition to fieldwork, students spend an entire semester student teaching under a certified teacher, gaining valuable experience.

  • Third Heading: Experienced Program Leadership
  • Third Copy:

    Our Kinesiology - Physical Education faculty are second to none. Not only do they have years of P-12 experience, but also hold high ranking positions in state and national organizations related to physical education.

  • Choose to display Copy with Video or Side by Side two Videos: Copy with Video
  • Testimonials:
    • Testimonial - Image: , Name: Angel Davis, Subtitle: Class of 2024, Testimonial Copy: My journey with Lupus since 2012 has taught me resilience. Despite chronic illness, I've become a physical education teacher to inspire others. Physical activity helps me adapt daily, and I want students to see its transformative power. Lupus doesn’t define me; my perseverance does. I am a Lupus Warrior.
  • Curriculum Copy:

    Our physical education curriculum emphasizes experience-based learning, ensuring teacher candidates remain actively engaged through various P-12 teaching experiences. Courses are designed to directly apply up-to-date content and specialized knowledge to real-life school settings. Sample courses include Motor Development, Teaching Skill Acquisition, Sports Skill Proficiency, Instructional Strategies for K-12 Physical Education, and more.

  • Course Catalog Link: https://catalog.uab.edu/undergraduate/schoolofeducation/humanstudies/#physicaleducationtext
  • Resources:
    • Curriculum Resources Text: Honors Program, Curriculum Resources Link: index.php?Itemid=1264
    • Curriculum Resources Text: Advising , Curriculum Resources Link: index.php?Itemid=1185
    • Curriculum Resources Text: Tuition & Fees, Curriculum Resources Link: https://www.uab.edu/cost-aid/cost/detailed-tuition-fees
    • Curriculum Resources Text: Scholarships, Curriculum Resources Link: index.php?Itemid=1186
    • Curriculum Resources Text: Teacher Education Program, Curriculum Resources Link: index.php?Itemid=1196
    • Curriculum Resources Text: Admissions, Curriculum Resources Link: https://www.uab.edu/admissions/
  • Undergraduate Recruiter: carankennedy@uab.edu
  • Program Information Heading: Majors and Minors
  • Program Information Accordion:
    • Program Title: Major, Program Delivery: On-Campus , Program Copy:

      Upon completing our BS in Kinesiology with a concentration in Physical Education Teacher Certification, students can apply for their Class B teaching certification with the Alabama State Department of Education. The major is offered on-campus.

    • Program Title: Minors, Program Delivery: On-Campus , Program Copy:

      Only students who are not majoring in Kinesiology may minor in Kinesiology, even if that minor is in a Kinesiology concentration different from the one the student is pursuing.

      Athletic Coaching (21 Hours)

      This minor in is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to be effective coaches. Students take courses in human anatomy, concepts of health and fitness, officiating techniques, applied kinesiology, and weight training among others.

      Exercise Science (21 Hours)

      Students interested in this minor need to meet with a kinesiology academic advisor for academic advising to ensure they register for the correct courses. Many health professionals (physical and occupational therapists, physicians, nurses, physical education teachers, epidemiologists, dietitians, etc.) benefit from an understanding of how anatomy and physiological processes affect movement. To complete the minor, students take human anatomy, human physiology, physiology of exercise, applied kinesiology, and sports nutrition among others.

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