Health and Physical Education B.A.Sc.

The Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Health and Physical Education (HPE) is for students preparing for teacher licensure in health education (5-12) and physical education (K-12). The major aligns to the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) standards for Health Education in grades 5-12, and Physical Education in grades K-12 in Minnesota. The program is taught using the Learner-Sensitive Educator Model, supporting preferences of collaboration, reflection, empowerment, social justice, and technology.

The HPE program develops subject matter expertise of prospective teachers through a sequential set of courses in both health education and physical education. Courses are open only to majors, allowing faculty to focus on the specific needs and learning objectives of the health and physical education majors. The program also instills an appropriate set of professional dispositions (attitudes and behaviors) that are predictors of success in educational settings.

A school health educator improves the health literacy and health behaviors of young people through education about health and wellness topics, such as exercise, nutrition, personal growth, community health, emotional health, sexual education, and safety.