|
Undergraduate Program
The department offers two options to obtain certification
to teach physical education. High school graduates may elect
to pursue a bachelor of science degree (B.S.) in physical
education which leads to certification to teach physical education
at all levels (kindergarten-12 grade). Individuals who have
completed an undergraduate degree but do not have teacher
certification may elect to pursue a master of arts in teaching
degree (MAT) in physical education. Individuals interested
in pursuing the MAT degree should refer to the link for graduate
programs to learn more about the MAT degree and procedures
for admission. Both programs are approved by the South Carolina
State Department of Education and nationally accredited by
NCATE.
The programs in teacher certification (BS and MAT) in physical
education are recognized as some of the very best programs
in the United States. Faculty who teach the program have national
reputations in physical education pedagogy. Many of our faculty
have written the textbooks for classes. Thus, our faculty
are on the cutting edge of their fields. Faculty are seriously
committed to providing the best possible education for our
students in teacher certification and athletic training. Students
have the opportunity to work with faculty in small classes
and many of our classes incorporate learning experiences in
the public schools.
Courses
The department offers two options to obtain certification
to teach physical education. High school graduates may elect
to pursue a bachelor of science degree (BS) in physical education
which leads to certification to teach physical education at
all levels (kindergarten-12 grade). Individuals who have completed
an undergraduate degree but do not have teacher certification
may elect to pursue a master of arts in teaching degree (MAT)
in physical education. Individuals interested in pursuing
the MAT degree should refer to the link for graduate programs
to learn more about the MAT degree and procedures for admission.
Both programs are approved by the South Carolina State Department
of Education and nationally accredited by NCATE.
The programs in teacher certification (BS and MAT) in physical
education are recognized as some of the very best programs
in the United States. Faculty who teach the program have national
reputations in physical education pedagogy. Many of our faculty
have written the textbooks for classes. Thus, our faculty
are on the cutting edge of their fields. Faculty are seriously
committed to providing the best possible education for our
students in teacher certification and athletic training. Students
have the opportunity to work with faculty in small classes
and many of our classes incorporate learning experiences in
the public schools.
Admission
High School and transfer students interested in pursuing
a bachelor of science in physical education leading to teacher
certification in physical education must apply to and be accepted
for admission to the university. More information about admission
and timelines for application to the university can be found
under the link to admissions on the USC home page.
Admission of Transfer students
Students who wish to transfer to the program in teacher certification
in physical education from other institutions or from programs
within the university must meet the following requirements:
1. Students from accredited colleges and universities
who have earned up to 40 semester hours of credit must have
a minimum grade point average of 2.25 (on a 4.0 scale) to
enter preprofessional programs in physical education; students
who have earned more than 40 semester hours of credit must
have a minimum grade point average of 2.50 to enter preprofessional
programs in physical education. A minimum GPA of 2.50 is
required to enter the professional programs in physical
education.
2. A grade of C or better must be earned on all courses
listed for admission to the professional program in physical
education.
3. Students may not transfer credit for any course which
carries a grade less than C.
Many students elect to take courses at community colleges
prior to applying for admission to USC and the teacher certification
programs. Students who wish to transfer into teacher certification
in physical education should carefully review the course requirements
for the B. S. degree in physical education. In most cases,
students complete general education requirements (listed above)
during the freshman and sophomore years. Students should plan
to transfer at the beginning of the fall semester junior year.
The required sequence of courses in physical education that
culminate with student teaching must be initiated during the
fall semester of the junior year, PEDU 340/360, so that students
may take courses in the proper order and sequence to graduate.
Orientation Required
The University of South Carolina highly suggests that students
register for orientation sessions during the summer (June
and early July) prior to admission and attendance at the university.
During these sessions, students complete placement tests to
determine appropriate coursework in foreign language and mathematics.
In addition, students are advised and pre-register for classes
for the fall semester. Students who do not attend orientation
sessions during the summer are at a distinct disadvantage.
Often it is very difficult for freshman and extremely difficult
for transfer students to register for the classes that they
need to take if they wait until August and do not attend orientation
sessions in June and early July. Students who wait until August
also have to take placement tests at a later date. We strongly
suggest entering freshman and transfer students attend summer
orientation sessions.
The department of physical education also holds a departmental
new student orientation for students on the day before the
first day of classes of the fall semester. The primary purpose
of this session is to inform students of departmental policies.
At this session students also meet the faculty and graduate
students working in the program as well as other students
(both new and upper classmen). New students who attend summer
orientation sessions receive a letter informing the student
of the time, day, and room in the Blatt PE Center of the meeting.
|
