Health & Physical Education

Health and Physical Education Department
Alex Nemzek Hall 103, (218) 477-2445
Co-Chairs: Jay Albrecht and Wendy Short
Faculty: Jay Albrecht, Dawn Hammerschmidt, James Gemar, Megan Johnson, Julie Knutson, Wendy Short

MSUM’s Health and Physical Education (HPE) Department offers programs for students who are interested in positions in teaching health and/or physical education in schools, exercise science, athletic training or coaching.

Bachelor of Science in Physical Education: Teaching
Physical education teaching graduates can be employed as licensed K-12 physical education teachers, "add-on" licensed PK-21 developmental adapted physical education teachers, and athletic coaches. A certificate in developmental adapted physical education (DAPE) develops capability to teach to all ability levels in general physical education. Additionally, a coaching minor enhances public school employment opportunities. Other physical education teaching graduates assume jobs in a variety of recreational and fitness fields. Competitive admittance is dependent upon completion of SARTE admittance.

Bachelor of Science in Health Education
School health educators are licensed to teach health education in the public or private schools at 5-12 level. Students obtaining a health education teaching degree are also eligible for positions in the community setting. Competitive admittance is dependent upon completion of SARTE admittance.

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
The exercise science major prepares students for careers in fitness, exercise science, wellness and health. The major will also prepare students for graduate school programs in exercise science, exercise physiology or cardiac rehabilitation. One of the goals of the exercise science program is to prepare students to sit for certification by the American Council on Exercise, National Strength and Conditioning Association, American College of Sports Medicine, and National Academy of Sport Medicine.