The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Physical Education is offered for students seeking a Tennessee K-12 Physical Education Teaching License. Guided by the NASPE Standards for beginning teachers, the major prepares teacher candidates in the areas of physical education content knowledge, instructional assessment, curriculum planning, and effective pedagogical skills. The program includes courses in the major disciplinary areas of physical education as well as courses that include significant clinical and practical experiences.

The PETE program consists of 120 credits, which includes 41 hours of General Studies.The mission of the PETE program is to prepare teacher candidates for the critical role of school physical education teachers who are committed to providing their students with high quality physical education programs where learning is promoted through a variety of physical activities and movement experiences.

Non-Teaching Physical Education Program
Physical education is a comprehensive field that engages individuals of all ages, abilities, and cultures in movement experiences that contribute to their growth and development. Physical education is a dynamic field, constantly evolving as societal trends, demographics, and other factors impact upon it.

Physical Education graduates put their skills and knowledge to use in a variety of professions ranging from teaching in various settings to working as therapists to managing others in the field. A variety of examples follow:

Individuals who enter the teaching field are usually offered the option to coach in most schools or districts.

Elementary physical education teacher
Middle school physical education teacher
High school physical education teacher
Physical Education graduates have been hired by school districts all across Tennessee and in surrounding states.

Fitness/Health Centers
Aerobics instructor
Athletic clubs/center director
Corporate fitness center manager
Fitness trainer
Health or fitness club manager
Personal fitness trainer
Somatics instructor
Strength trainer
Stress management consultant
Weight management consultant
Recreation Careers
Activities instructor
Aquatics specialist
Camp instructor/park ranger
Commercial recreation instructor
Correctional facilities recreation director
Dance studio director/instructor
Facility manager
Intramural/recreational sports director
Private clubs fitness instructor
Resort activities instructor
Sports club instructor
Sports tour operator
Veterans hospital recreation director
Wilderness therapy program director
YMCA/YWCA activities instructor
Therapy-Related Careers
Dance therapist
Movement therapist
Physical therapist
Recreational therapist
Other Related Careers
Emergency services personnel instructor
Military physical education specialist
Professional dancer
Protective services personnel instructor
Professional Associations/Organizations
Administrative assistant
Assistant director of administration
Associate executive director
Director of communications
Executive director
Meeting and event coordinator
Membership coordinator