Bachelor's Degree in Health Education

With heart disease and obesity on the rise, physical and health education is more important than ever. Degree programs specializing in physical and health education contain curriculum designed to broaden experiences, enrich awareness, deepen understanding, establish disciplined habits of thought, and promote health and wellness through physical activity. These programs also prepare students for meaningful careers where they can act as community leaders promoting healthy, active lifestyles and helping others become informed, responsive, and productive citizens. Get started today and start your health education degree.

A Bachelor of Science degree in Physical and Health Education enables graduates to work within a wide range of interesting fields and open doors to many careers within education, medical, coaching, recreation, and policy fields.

These degree programs provide comprehensive training to students seeking future careers as teachers, instructors, school and private league coaches, physical, occupational, or athletic therapists, personal trainers, kinesiologists, chiropractors, and nurses. Other graduates find employment as educational leaders, researchers, recreational administrators, sport promoters, entrepreneurs, and marketers..

A bachelor's degree is the standard qualification for primary and secondary physical and health education teachers. Aspiring teachers must also obtain state licenses by completing teacher-training programs and passing required exams. Many Health and Physical Education programs prepare students to teach health, personal development, and physical education. As a teacher, you can help students develop self-esteem, explore a range of physical activities, and acquire decision-making and problem-solving skills related to health issues. P.E. and health instructors can make real differences in the lives of students and the public.

Health Education Schools

Physical and Health Education degree programs include courses in general education in addition to specialized training in physical and health education. They address the aspects of physical activity and its relationship to health through courses in four interrelated areas: academics, practical activities, professional placement, and outdoor activities. Academics are designed to provide students with a solid understanding of the behavioral, biophysical, and physical cultural of physical activity and health.

Practicum activities give students practical understandings of many popular physical activities and show them how to teach them to enhance participation, enjoyment, and health. Professional placement courses help students become leaders within physical education, health, and kinesiology fields by utilizing leadership knowledge, conducting observations, and working in apprenticeships with various experts. Outdoor activity courses give students the knowledge and skills to engage in pleasurable and environmentally supportive physical activity in natural settings.

Typical courses include Human Anatomy, Psychology, Foundations of Sport & Exercise Psychology, Biophysical Sciences, Physical Cultural Studies, Health and Physical Education Theory, Fundamentals of Human Movement, and the Principles and Practice of Fitness. Students often take classes in First Aid and CPR Training, Kinesiology, and Exercise Physiology, Teaching P.E. in Elementary Schools, and the Measurement and Evaluation in P.E. Programs. Upper-level coursework continues with Biomechanics, Sports Medicine and Coaching, Exercise Physiology, Motor Skill Acquisition, Exercise Physiology, Theory of Coaching, Ethics, and Administrative Theory. Other classes may include aquatics, racquet sports, dance, aerobics, gymnastics, team sports, neuromuscular and fitness conditioning, pedagogy, games, aging, and neuromuscular challenges.

Major Course Requirements

Start your career training from any of the accredited schools listed and earn your Bachelor’s Degree in Health Education.

- Community Health
- Health Planning
- Epidemiological Research
- Health Communication
- Mental Health
- Psychology and Health
- Promoting Positive Health
- Health Statistics
- Environment Health Issues
- Health Concerns in Education

Career Paths

Hospitals & Medical Practices – Work with patients regarding their health. Design best practice materials to be handed out to patients as well as help train the staff. Learn to help with intervention programs and including setting up schedules and providing technical assistance.

Health Departments – Work in a public health setting developing programs as well as training. Work with the front desk and employees to get the proper information to the visitors that visit.

School Health – Maintain curriculum to be taught at a public or private school regarding health and health safety. Council kids regarding preventative measures regarding certain health conditions.

Clinics – Run workshops regarding health issues including sex education, drug abuse, HIV, depression and more. Attend conferences and state mandated programs.