Students who earn the bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science – Health and Physical Education concentration are prepared as educators who may seek North Carolina K-12 licensure. Health and Physical education teachers are in an ideal position to help tackle the nation’s growing problem with obesity and its associated health risks, especially among school-age youth. After successful completion of all major requirements in ESS and the professional education program, including a semester of student teaching, students are qualified for licensure to teach at all levels (K-12) in North Carolina and many other states.

Currently, 100% of Meredith ESS graduates with health and physical education licensure have secured a job in teaching or obtained a graduate school assistantship their first year out of college.

Exercise and Sports Science with a Concentration in Health and Physical Education – 58-65 hours

Exercise and Sports Science Core Curriculum – 38 hours
ESS – 110: Introduction to Functional Human Movement (3 cr.)
HED – 210: Risk, Appraisal and Prevention in Health (3 cr.)
HED – 400: Influences and Evolution of Global Health (3 cr.)
HED – 420: Health Education Methods (3 cr.)
ESS – 200: Foundations Physical Education, Sport and Fitness (3 cr.)
ESS – 221: Principles of Strength Training and Conditioning (3 cr.)
ESS – 300: Issues/Management: Sport & Physical Education (3 cr.)
ESS – 310: Exercise Leadership (3 cr.)
ESS – 325: Exercise and Fitness Assessment (3 cr.)
ESS – 375: Motor Learning and Development (4 cr.)
ESS – 383: Exercise Physiology and Lab (4 cr.)
ESS – 482: Kinesiology (3 cr.)

Concentration Requirements

BIO – 322: Human Anatomy and Physiology (3 cr.)
and
BIO – 342: Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab (1 cr.)
ESS – 743: Teaching Physical Education in Elementary School: PE Majors (3, 6 cr.)
ESS – 746: Teaching Physical Education Special Needs K-12 (3 cr.)
ESS – 747: Teaching Physical Education in Middle and Secondary Schools (3 cr.)
EDU – 460: Colloquium in Education (3 cr.)
or
ESS – 460: Senior Seminar (2 cr.)
EDU – 490: Observation and Directed Teaching (9 cr.)
or
ESS – 451: Practicum: Exercise/Sports Science (0, varied course cr.)
SOC – 335: Race and Ethnic Relations (3 cr.)
or
EDU – 345: Language Minorities in Public Schools (3 cr.)
See the Education department for listings on ESS 743, ESS 746, ESS 747, EDU 460, EDU 490.
Prior to graduation, students must show valid proof of First Aid/CPR certification