Our health and physical education program empowers future educators to become champions of wellness, movement, and meaningful learning. Rooted in our Catholic, Benedictine values, this program is more than a degree—it’s a calling to lead with purpose, passion, and integrity. Here, you’ll gain the knowledge, hands-on experience, and leadership skills to promote lifelong health and physical literacy in schools and communities. From your first year, you’ll be immersed in real-world teaching environments, supported by dedicated faculty mentors who know your name and care about your growth. Whether you dream of becoming a certified health and physical education teacher, a coach, a wellness advocate, or plan to pursue graduate studies in health-related fields, our program offers a strong academic foundation grounded in service, excellence, and respect for the dignity of every learner.
Join a close-knit community where your passion for health and education becomes a lifelong mission—and where you’ll be prepared to make a lasting impact in the lives of others. Learn more details about our education program here.
Related minors:
Disability Studies
Starting freshman year, students engage in field experiences that build essential skills in diverse settings. Integrated with coursework, these experiences allow immediate application of educational theories. Opportunities include the Bearcat B.E.S.T. program, environmental education at Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve, lesson planning for homeschooling students in our STEP-Up program, and immersive co-teaching. By their 14-week student teaching internship, students are fully prepared to lead. Learn more details about our educational field experiences.
SVC’s Department of Education prioritizes service, encouraging students to engage meaningfully with the community. Through various opportunities, students develop empathy, leadership, and practical skills, and they can earn a service medal for commencement. A notable initiative is Sports Friendship Day when we invite our special needs community to enjoy a day of planned activities alongside an SVC buddy.
During seminars, students learn about education topics from current administrators in the field who help to make the connection between theory and practice. Most recently, Dr. Christopher Sefcheck, the Superintendent from the New Kensington Arnold School District, spoke about the importance of forming connections, and Dr. Autum Turk, principal from the Burrell School District, shared information about how her district personalizes learning for students.
Education faculty at Saint Vincent College bring extensive real-world experience, blending practical knowledge with a supportive, student-centered approach. As former teachers, administrators, and specialists, they offer relevant insights and personalized guidance. This experience makes them approachable mentors, committed to preparing future educators for success in diverse teaching environments.
A health and physical education degree from Saint Vincent College prepares graduates for meaningful careers in teaching, coaching, and promoting wellness across a variety of settings. Many alumni become certified K–12 health and physical education teachers, athletic coaches, or specialists in adaptive physical education. Others pursue roles in community health, wellness programming, and recreational leadership. The program’s emphasis on communication, leadership, collaboration, and lifelong wellness also supports careers in corporate wellness, public health, fitness training, and youth program coordination. Our graduates leave ready to educate and inspire others to lead healthy, active lives—with 98% employed or enrolled in graduate study shortly after graduation.
Alumni have secured jobs at a variety of school districts and will go on to successful careers as
The health and physical education major, part of the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, is grounded in a liberal arts core that encourages broad academic exploration. Alongside this foundation, students engage in focused coursework in exercise science, anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, health education, and fitness programming. Through practical training in teaching methods, assessment, and classroom management, students are prepared to promote physical literacy, wellness, and healthy lifestyles in both school and community settings.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education also requires all education certification students to have a minimum of six credits in English (one composition fulfilled by Core 1500 and one literature), and six credits in college mathematics (100-level or above). ED 142 Mathematics for Teachers and ED 155 Geometric and Measurement Theory will meet the six-credit requirement. ED 142 also fulfills core curriculum requirements.
Specific Health and Management Courses (20 credits)
Specific Physical Education Courses (20 credits)
Courses in Psychology (6 credits)
Courses in Pedagogy (24 credits)
Field Experiences (16-17 credits)
Personal and Community Health: In this interactive course, you’ll learn how to design personalized fitness plans for K–12 students—whether they’re future athletes or just finding their stride. Explore creative ways to assess performance, track progress, and bring your PE lessons to life using apps and digital tools. From fitness challenges to tech-integrated activities, this course helps you build fun, inclusive, and impactful physical education experiences.
Team Sports: From basketball to rugby, this course gives future HPE teachers the skills to teach a wide range of team sports with confidence. You’ll learn the rules, strategies, and teaching techniques for creating fun, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate lessons. With hands-on practice in skill demos, officiating, and peer teaching, you'll be ready to lead the game—and teach lessons in teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership along the way.
Strategies and Techniques of Learning: This course equips future educators with essential skills such as lesson planning, classroom management, assessment, and incorporation of technology. In addition, the course addresses key factors like available resources, curriculum standards, teaching styles, and the diverse needs of students.
The Education Technology Lab is a dynamic hub designed to prepare future educators for the modern classroom. Featuring state-of-the-art tools such as a Promethean Board, telepresence robots, and iPads, the lab enables students to engage with cutting-edge educational technology. The Promethean Board, telepresence robots, and iPads collectively enhance interactive learning, remote collaboration, and digital literacy, equipping education majors with the skills and confidence to effectively incorporate technology into diverse learning settings.
Located in the Robert S. Carey Student Center, the fitness center is a valuable resource for health and physical education majors, offering a modern, fully equipped space to apply classroom knowledge in a practical setting. With strength and cardio equipment, the facility supports both personal wellness and professional development, allowing students to observe training methods, design fitness programs, and gain hands-on experience that complements coursework in exercise science, health education, and physical literacy.
The Dunlap Center (anticipated opening Spring 2026) is a 72,000-square-foot facility that supports fitness, wellness, and athletic programming at Saint Vincent College. With spaces for cardio and strength training, an indoor track, and rooms for group fitness classes, it’s a key resource for students studying sports management. The center also includes an athletic training facility, wellness pavilion, and flexible areas for events and community engagement—offering hands-on opportunities to observe and participate in the operations of a modern athletic facility.
Saint Vincent College’s teacher preparation programs are fully accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), ensuring that our curriculum, faculty, and field experiences meet the highest standards of educational excellence. This accreditation means that our programs have been rigorously evaluated and align with state requirements, preparing graduates to be highly qualified, effective educators ready to enter the teaching profession. Through PDE accreditation, students in our education programs are eligible for certification in Pennsylvania upon graduation, enabling them to teach in their specific areas of study. The accreditation process also reflects our commitment to continuous improvement, as we regularly assess and enhance our programs to stay current with educational best practices and evolving standards in the field.
Through the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, Pennsylvania allows individuals who have completed a teacher preparation program or are already certified teachers in other states to receive Pennsylvania teaching certification through reciprocity. Pennsylvania-certified teachers can also transfer their certification to other states. Each state may have different testing and application requirements, so candidates should check the NASDTEC website for specific information on transferring their certification.
