UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA

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.