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Athletic Performance Center
Undergraduate Program - On Campus
Physical Education & Coaching

Teach movement. Lead teams. Inspire healthy lives. 

 

At BVU, you’ll prepare to teach, coach, and lead with confidence. From your first year, you’ll gain hands-on experience helping students build lifelong fitness habits, teamwork, and inclusive physical activity skills. 

Degree
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Format
On Campus
Internships
Yes, classroom-based and coaching-based
Why BVU

Why study Physical Education & Coaching at BVU

A BVU Physical Education & Coaching degree prepares you to teach, coach, and lead through early field experiences, innovative training, and expert mentorship.

Early School Experience

Begin working in schools early in your program.

Teaching & Coaching Preparation

Develop the skills needed to succeed in both the classroom and on the field.

Modern Training Facilities

Train with innovative equipment supported by the AI Lewis Endowment.

Faculty & Mentor Support

Learn alongside experienced faculty and mentor teachers committed to your success.

Chance Downs '25
BVU Stories

Chance Downs '25, Physical Education, Health, and Outdoor Education Teacher, Ridgeview High School

"From day one, you gain hands-on experience in the field. The professors guide you through effective teaching methods and educational ideologies. Now, I have a strong professional network that I can turn to for support and advice as I build a successful career."

Expand Your Path.

 

Add another teaching endorsement to expand career opportunities.

Hands-On

Learn by doing, from day one

Build your skills through hands-on teaching, coaching, and real-world experience.

Year 1–2: Foundations

Learn human anatomy, movement, and how students develop physically and socially.

Year 2–3: Hands-On Practice

Teach lessons, coach activities, and work with students in local schools.

Year 3-4: Specialization & Support

Focus on coaching strategies, assessment, and inclusive physical education.

Step 4: Full Student Teaching

Lead physical education classes and coaching experiences in both elementary and secondary settings.

Where Graduates Work

BVU Physical Education & Coaching Graduates Go Far.

Public and private schools across Iowa and the Midwest BVU has more graduates in Iowa classrooms than any other private college in the state, with beavers in every school district.
Career Outcomes

Where this degree can take you

Physical Education Teacher (K–12)
Coach
Health & Wellness Educator
Athletic Program Coordinator
Adapted Physical Education (APE) Specialist
Unified Sports Day 2025

Unified Sports Day

BVU students partner with Special Olympics Iowa to host Unified Sports Day each year, bringing athletes together for a day of competition, teamwork, and connection. You’ll help plan and lead activities while gaining real experience creating inclusive, meaningful experiences for all participants.

"It wasn’t about winning; it was about encouraging each other and making sure everyone felt included. As someone interested in education and coaching, experiences like that remind me how important it is to create spaces where every student feels valued and supported."
Guyson Lyman, Physical Education & Special Education Major
Explore More

Curriculum Highlights

Your coursework is designed to build the knowledge and skills needed for success in your field. Click here for complete program requirements and course descriptions in the Academic Catalog.

Your Career. Your Way.

Lead with energy.

Build stronger, healthier communities.