Print this page.About the Program
The University of South Carolina Department of Physical Education offers preparation in teaching, coaching, and athletic training for students who want to become certified teachers of elementary and secondary physical education, certified athletic trainers, or coaches. You’ll have the opportunity to work in small classes with faculty who are at the cutting edge of their fields. If you are professionally committed and are willing to be challenged to make a difference, our program should suit you. We offer programs leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in physical education. A minor in school athletic coaching is also offered. Courses are offered in two major tracks: teacher certification in physical education and athletic training.
Career Opportunities
Physical education is a rapidly developing career field that presents a variety of opportunities for graduates. Many positions require some graduate study. Here are just a few of the possibilities:
• teaching and coaching in public and private schools, agencies, and recreation camps
• sports medicine, physical therapy
• trainer/manager at fitness and exercise centers
The University Career Center is available to assist you in choosing a career direction and in increasing your marketability upon graduation. For additional information, call the center at 803-777-7280.
Admission/Progression Requirements
To be admitted into the Department of Physical Education, you must meet all University admission requirements. For freshmen this includes a completed application, nonrefundable application fee, high-school record complete up to the time of application (including record of at least 20 units of study earned as required by the University), and entrance examination scores (either SAT or ACT). Details for all applicant categories can be found in the Undergraduate Bulletin. To major in physical education, you must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 and a minimum grade of “C” or better before enrolling in any major level course. You will be expected to maintain a semester, yearly, and cumulative grade point average of 2.50. Your academic record will be reviewed at the end of each spring semester. If you intend to seek certification as a physical education teacher, you must apply to the professional program in education. You should apply after you have completed 45 semester hours and before you have completed 60 hours. Similarly, the athletic training program has its own set of admission/progression requirements. For more information, go to www.ed.sc.edu/physed/athletictraining/ug_admission.htm.
Program of Study (129–136 hours)
Your studies in physical education will be structured around courses that fulfill general education requirements of the College of Education (55–61 hours), courses that make up a departmental major, a cognate, and several hours of electives. The first two years will focus on general requirements such as English, mathematics, foreign language, natural sciences, and social sciences. You must also complete a required core of courses that provides an introduction to physical education. Advanced courses in physical education are generally taken in your junior or senior year, as determined by your chosen degree track. Each degree track has a different set of course requirements, available online at www.sc.edu/bulletin/ugrad/Educatio.html or from the department.
Of Special Interest
The department also offers three master’s degrees and a doctoral degree in physical education. Most of our classes are small, and students have the opportunity to work closely with nationally known faculty in classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings. Faculty members serve as academic advisors to students in all programs. We also have two student clubs—the Athletic Training Club and P.E. Majors Club—that are sponsored by faculty members. Each club provides extra opportunities for students to develop leadership skills, to interact with professionals in the field, and to serve the community. The University of South Carolina has some of the best athletic and training facilities in the nation. Our department is housed in the Blatt Physical Education Center. Athletic training students also work in Williams-Brice Stadium (the 80,000-seat home of the football team), the Colonial Center (one of the 10 largest on-campus basketball facilities in the nation), the Spring Sports Center, the Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center, numerous local clinics, and area high schools and other colleges.