BSED in Physical Education

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New Mexico

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) in Physical Education at the University of New Mexico is suited to students who want to combine physical activity, health education, and teaching to help learners develop lifelong fitness habits. The program focuses on human movement, physical education teaching methods, exercise principles, and curriculum development, preparing students to design engaging physical activities and support the physical and social development of learners in educational settings.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish a foundation in general education, human movement, and the principles of physical activity. Introductory coursework in human anatomy, health education, and foundations of physical education helps students understand the human body, the benefits of exercise, and the role of physical education in overall well-being.

Year 2: Students expand their knowledge of movement, fitness, and how people acquire physical skills. Coursework in kinesiology, exercise physiology, and motor learning helps students understand body mechanics, physiological responses to exercise, and effective approaches to developing physical skills.

Year 3: Students focus on applying movement science and teaching methods to physical education lessons. Studies in physical education pedagogy, fitness assessment, and curriculum planning help students design activities, evaluate physical performance, and adapt instruction to different ages and abilities.

Year 4: Students consolidate their teaching knowledge through advanced professional coursework, field experiences, and supervised teaching practice where required. Learning activities involving instructional strategies, classroom management, and student teaching help students prepare lessons, lead physical activities safely, assess student progress, and develop professional teaching skills.

Focus Areas

Physical education pedagogy, human movement, health and fitness, motor learning, exercise science, physical activity assessment, instructional planning, inclusive physical education, classroom management, sports and movement skills, K–12 teaching.

Learning Outcomes

Develop effective physical education lessons, demonstrate movement and exercise principles, assess physical fitness and motor skills, adapt activities for diverse learners, promote safe participation, evaluate student progress, manage physical education classes, apply teaching strategies, and encourage lifelong physical activity.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The B.S.Ed. in Physical Education is designed to prepare students to teach physical education in grades K–12 in New Mexico. The program is covered by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accreditation of the university's educator-preparation provider. Graduates must complete the applicable program requirements and state assessments to qualify for teacher licensure. The university has confirmed that the program meets New Mexico licensure requirements but has not determined that it meets requirements in every other state.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of New Mexico's Physical Education Teacher Education program combines subject knowledge with pedagogical preparation and school-based teaching experiences. The program also offers graduate pathways in physical education, curriculum and instruction, and adapted physical education. A specific program-level QS or Guardian employability ranking or graduate employment rate was not verified.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop practical teaching skills through school-based field experiences, movement instruction, and supervised teaching practice. The University of New Mexico's Physical Education Teacher Education program prepares students to work with learners across elementary, middle, and high school settings. Students can connect educational theory with real teaching environments while learning to organize physical activities, assess movement skills, and promote safe and inclusive participation.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

School-based teaching experience: Gain practical experience working with schoolchildren and applying physical education teaching methods in real educational settings.
Movement and activity instruction: Develop strategies for teaching physical skills, organizing activities, and encouraging participation across different age groups.
Fitness and movement assessment: Learn how assessment can be used to understand students' physical development and guide instructional planning.
Inclusive physical education: Explore approaches for adapting activities to accommodate different abilities and learning needs.
Research opportunities: The program identifies opportunities for students to assist faculty with research involving physical education teachers, assessment in physical education, and related educational issues.
Professional field services: The College of Education and Human Sciences provides field-service and licensure resources to support teaching candidates during their preparation.
Academic advising: Students are encouraged to consult Physical Education Teacher Education faculty early to understand course sequencing and professional requirements.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates can pursue careers in physical education teaching, coaching, sports instruction, and physical activity programming. The program's focus on teaching methodology, movement skills, and school-based practice supports students preparing to encourage healthy lifestyles and physical development among children and adolescents.

Potential career opportunities include:

K–12 Physical Education Teacher
Sports Coach
Physical Activity Instructor
Youth Sports Program Coordinator

Students can prepare for professional progression through the following opportunities:

Career support: The university's academic advising, field-service, and career resources can help students navigate professional preparation and explore employment options.
Employment statistics and salaries: A specific graduate employment rate or salary range for this degree was not verified in the official information reviewed.
Practical experience: School-based teaching experiences help candidates develop classroom management, lesson delivery, and student-assessment skills.
Certification value: New Mexico teacher licensure can support eligibility for physical education teaching positions in the state, subject to all requirements. Other states may require additional certification or assessments.
Long-term development: With experience and additional qualifications, graduates may pursue coaching leadership, physical education coordination, adapted physical education, or educational administration.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may pursue a Master of Science in Physical Education, including study in Curriculum and Instruction or Adapted Physical Education, offered through the University of New Mexico. Students interested in research and higher education may also consider doctoral study in Physical Education, Sports, and Exercise Science, with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction. Further study can support specialization in teaching practice, inclusive physical activity, research, or educational leadership.