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School of Education - George Mason University

Bring your passion for health, fitness, and sports to life in the PK–12 environment by teaching students the importance of being physically active and adopting healthy habits for a lifelong commitment to well-being.

Students explore the latest research-based approaches to teaching a variety of physical activities and sports as well as health and wellness principles in our state-of-the-art facilities. You will be equipped with the experience you need to work in a variety of PK–12 education settings, from top-ranked schools in Northern Virginia to beyond.

What Is Health and Physical Education?

Health and physical education examines the development of youths' physical, cognitive, social, and emotional skills, through a variety of sports, physical activities, and healthy habits, and prepare students to teach health and physical education in K-12 schools

Program Application Process

Students entering as freshmen majoring in physical education will initially be accepted with Pre-PHED (BPRE) status until requirements are met to be accepted into the program.

To apply for BSEd status:

Students complete a student teaching experience in their final semester.

Careers in the Field

Career options for graduates of this BSEd include:

  • Health and physical education teacher at the elementary level
  • Health and physical education teacher at the middle or high school level
  • Driver’s education teacher (requires an add-on endorsement)
  • Coaching
  • Camp director
  • Recreation leaders
  • Youth sport activity leaders

Licensure Disclosure

George Mason University will verify completion of the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) state-approved preparation program at the graduate or undergraduate level. Such verification does not guarantee the issuance of a Virginia Collegiate Professional, Postgraduate Professional, or Pupil Personnel license from the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is solely the student's responsibility to comply with all requirements for licensure by the Commonwealth. Under Virginia law, a social security number is required for licensure.

This program has been identified by George Mason University as one that may lead to a career requiring professional licensure/certification. Federal regulations require Mason to disclose information as to whether this program meets/does not meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification in your state, or whether such a determination has not been made. Please consult our Licensure Disclosure Tool for the disclosure statement specific to your desired state/program combination.