Kinesiology—Physical Education and Coaching

Kinesiology—Physical Education and Coaching

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Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a Concentration in Physical Education and Coaching

Top 5 Reasons to Study

01

Prepares you to become a certified physical educator and an effective coach who promotes health, physical literacy and lifelong movement skills

02

Equips you with the knowledge and experience to foster developmentally appropriate and engaging physical activity environments

03

Provides experiences that allow you to apply what you've learned in real-world classrooms and on the field, while building confidence and professional readiness

04

Equips you to impact student learning, athletic performance and lifelong wellness

05

Prepares you to lead in both classroom and athletic environments

Core
Skills

  • A strong foundation in physical education theory, motor learning and instructional strategies for various populations
  • Knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and how they relate to movement, performance and physical development
  • Training in effective coaching techniques, athlete development and team leadership

Sample
Jobs

  • Licensed Physical Education Teacher (K–12)
  • Athletic Program Coordinator
  • Educational Instructor
  • School or Community Coach
  • Coaching Instructor

Successful Career Outcomes

MSU kinesiology students have a 95% successful career outcome rate 2023-24 First Destination Survey Report

Top
Employment
Industries

  • K-12 school systems and athletic departments
  • Youth recreational and athletic associations

Brag
Points

  • Courses are aligned with national physical education standards and prepare you for licensure and entry into the teaching profession.
  • The program offers curricular flexibility to support dual goals in teaching and coaching, and to meet the various needs of today’s school systems.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

You will participate in structured teaching placements in local schools and gain supervised coaching experience in athletic or recreational settings.

You can join the Kinesiology Student Ambassadors, attend state and regional teaching and coaching conferences, and pursue additional credentials in youth coaching, CPR/first aid and related areas.

Kinesiology—Physical Education and Coaching

2025-2026 Major Map

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a Concentration in Physical Education and Coaching

Get the Courses You Need

1st Year

General Ed Curriculum
EP 2013 - Fundamentals of Kinesiology
BIO 1004 or KI 2304 - Anatomy and Physiology or The Science of Health, Fitness, and Sport
PE 1253 - Methods of Teaching Lifetime Activities
PE 1243 - Methods of Teaching Games & Sports

 

2nd Year

General Ed Curriculum
PE 1263 - Methods of Teaching Rhythms
EP 3233 - Anatomical Kinesiology
KI 2213 - Emergency Health Care

3rd Year

Admission to Phase II for teacher education requirements
EDX 3213 - Foundations of Special Education
PE 3153 - Methods of Elementary Physical Education
PE 3223 - Motor Development & Movement
EDF 3333 - Social Foundations in Education
PE 4883 - School Health Education
PE 3533 - Coaching Sports
PE 3133 - Adapted Physical Education (or PE 4003)
EPY 3143 - Human Development and Learning Strategies in Education

4th Year

PE 4163 - Principles & Methods of Secondary School Health and Physical Education
PE 4173 - Tests & Measurements in Health and Physical Education
PE 4533 - Developing Coaching Expertise
PE 4853 - Motor Learning & Skill Analysis
TECH 4763 - Digital Tools for 21st Century Teaching and Learning
PE 4886/4896 - Teaching Internship in Physical Education

Hands-On Learning

1st Year

Get involved with tutoring opportunities on campus. Join clubs/organizations through Cowbell Connect.

2nd Year

Look for opportunities to coach at local schools or campus recreational leagues. Gain work experience for Phase II requirements.

3rd Year

Reach out to local schools for shadowing opportunities.

4th Year

Get involved with sports at teaching internship placement.

Connect with Community

1st Year

Offer tutoring services or become a mentor to students needing extra help.

2nd Year

Offer individualized coaching lessons to young athletes in the community.

3rd Year

Reach out to local schools for shadowing opportunities.

4th Year

Get involved with sports at teaching internship placement.

Explore the World

1st Year

Explore study abroad opportunities at MSU.

2nd Year

Attend a study abroad fair or self-enroll in the free Study Abroad 101 Canvas course.

3rd Year

Consider and prepare for study abroad opportunities that focus on physical education.

4th Year

Take advantage of study abroad opportunities to learn about physical education in other countries.

Launch Your Career

1st Year

Meet with your advisor for guidance and identify your Career Center liaison. Explore the Career Center website. Job shadow professionals in potential career paths to begin developing the skills needed for success.

2nd Year

Connect with professionals and alumni to learn from their experiences. Schedule a meeting with your advisor or the Career Center for additional support and guidance. Attend Career Center events, workshops and information sessions. Create/update your resume tailored to your accomplishments and skills.

3rd Year

Work with your advisor to identify potential field experience opportunities. Build transferable skills by taking on leadership roles in student organizations and other activities. Develop an action plan for post-graduation goals. Participate in mock interviews. Begin researching/applying to graduate school opportunities.

4th Year

Finalize plans for graduate school and/or employment. Collaborate with your advisor to fine-tune a strong resume and participate in workshops to enhance your interview skills. Meet with your Career Center liaison about job search strategies, navigating job offers, etc. Apply for jobs or graduate schools.

Alumni
Success

Our alumni serve as licensed physical education teachers and coaches in public and private schools. Graduates promote physical literacy, youth development and lifelong physical activity while meeting teacher licensure requirements through the Mississippi Department of Education. Many alumni have pursued advanced degrees or moved into leadership positions in education, coaching and school-based athletics.

Student
Testimonial

"It has always been my dream to be a Mississippi State Bulldog, and the Physical Education & Coaching program has exceeded my expectations. I've gained the knowledge, skills and real-world experience needed to confidently step into a career as a teacher and coach, all while learning from some of the best faculty in the field."
—John James Butler
Physical Education and Coaching | Columbus, MS

Learn More

CurriculumPlan of StudyDepartment of Kinesiology WebsiteCollege of Education WebsiteApply to MSU