Department of Recreation Management and Physical Education

Program Overview

The Health, Physical Education & Coaching program offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Health and Physical Education (HPE), K-12 Teaching (link) and a Minor in Sport Science and Coaching (link).

Graduates earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education (HPE), K-12 Teaching will be prepared to assume the challenging role of 21st century educators who are capable of and committed to improving school-aged children’s health and wellness. The HPE degree is nationally accredited (NASPE/NCATE BTS) at the unit level and state program approval (NCDPI) to ensure that teacher candidates achieve desired outcomes.

Graduates with Appalachian State University’s HPE degree will:

• Be prepared for licensure as K-12 Health and Physical Education teachers;

• Be competent instructors, committed-ethical leaders, and reflective practitioners committed to lifelong professional development;

• Employ empirically validated planning, instruction and assessment behaviors;

• Possess the ability to impact school-aged children’s health and wellness in positive, meaningful, and sustainable ways;

• Work to resolve, in a proactive, collaborative and responsible fashion, community, state, and national health issues.

The minor in Sport Science and Coaching is open to all university students and is geared toward individuals who seek to become coaches in high school, college and university, Olympic, and competitive club-sport programs. Students who participate in one of these program options can earn the National Bronze Level Coaching Certification through the American Sport Education Program.