Bachelor’s in Physical Education Plus at KU


Dr. Ashley Herda and student lead several young students in an indoor athletic activity with medicine balls

Program Overview

The bachelor's degree in physical education (PE) plus at the University of Kansas prepares individuals to become PE teachers at the pre-kindergarten through the 12th grade levels. The PE plus program also prepares graduates to pursue a licensure endorsement (by KSDE examination) in a variety of areas, or earn a minor in business or sport management.

Career Outcomes in the Teaching Field

Students who graduate with a bachelor's degree in physical education plus from the University of Kansas will have fulfilled the requirements for the degree as well as the requirements to pursue an initial teaching license in physical education for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade in Kansas. Graduates who have chosen to pursue a second teaching area in addition to PE, will have also completed coursework to prepare them to earn (by KSDE examination) an add-on licensure endorsement in one of the following areas: health (PK-12), mathematics (5-8), science (5-8), English (5-8 or 6-12), speech/theatre (6-12), or psychology (6-12). The bachelor's degree in physical education plus prepares individuals to work as teachers in the classroom, as well as with other physical education-related settings. Potential position titles after graduation could include:

  • Teacher
  • Fitness professional
  • Program coordinator
  • Curriculum specialist
  • Department chair
  • Physical activity leader
  • Athletic director
  • Entrepreneur
  • Events & operations coordinator
  • Personnel manager

The physical education plus program meets the educational requirements for licensure in the state of Kansas. If you plan to obtain a license or certification in a state other than Kansas or a US territory after completion of your program, it is highly recommended you first seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency BEFORE beginning the academic program to ensure you can obtain a license of certification in your home state or territory.


Career Statistics

$55K salary

Graduates can expect an average salary of $55,000 in Kansas, according to the Kansas State Department of Education.

Licensure endorsements

Students who successfully complete this program at KU may be eligible to take advantage of licensure endorsements options in a variety of areas.

Minor options

Students may also choose to pursue a minor in business or sport management rather than adding a licensure endorsement.

Graduate study

Those who choose to pursue an advanced degree after graduation are considered for many highly-selective master's & doctoral programs across the U.S.

Thinking about physical education?

Let us know you’re interested in the program. We would love to connect with you to discuss the program’s curriculum, steps necessary for admission to KU, and what to expect during the professional program admission process once you have become a Jayhawk.

statistics

#10
Public School of Education & Human Sciences
95%
Average licensure exam pass rate

more statistics

71%
Employed in degree field
50%
Obtained further education

An aerial view of Joseph R. Pearson Hall from the East side
School of Education & Human Sciences
Joseph R. Pearson Hall , Rm. 221
1122 West Campus Rd.
Lawrence , Kansas 66045-3101

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Accreditation

The KU School of Education and Human Sciences is accredited under the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Accreditation System.

Learn About Accreditation