Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education
Wichita State’s Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in physical education—PreK-12—combines quality, accredited classroom instruction with hands-on learning in both urban and suburban school districts. You’ll also gain practical teaching experience in Kansas’ largest school district—preparing you for a successful career working with children through the promotion of health and fitness.
- Prepare for a teaching career in both the elementary and secondary levels
- 700+ hours of applied learning (e.g. student teaching)
- Increase your marketability with a certificate in Fitness, Coaching or Weight Training
About the Program
Wichita State’s PreK–12 physical education teacher preparation degree program offers a quality education for students desiring a career teaching physical education. The curriculum provides students with a scientific and practical background upon which to base teaching content and methods. The PreK–12 program addresses the importance of a developmentally appropriate curriculum based on the national physical education standards. Students are provided numerous practical experiences to interact with K-12 students in the public schools.
Prospective WSU students:
- Please click here to complete the online admission application.
- Once students have met the Teacher Education Admission Requirements below, they must complete the Teacher Education Application Packet prior to beginning the Teacher Education program. Students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor every semester, in order to ensure that they are on track to apply for the Teacher Education program. To schedule an advising appointment, please contact the College of Applied Studies Advising Center at (316) 978-3300, option 2.
Current WSU students:
- WSU students with a 2.50 GPA can change their major to PreK-12 Physical Education through the myWSU portal (Home tab > Student Tools > Change My Major /Minor).
- Once students have met the Teacher Education Admission Requirements below, they must complete the Teacher Education Application Packet prior to beginning the Teacher Education program. Students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor every semester, in order to ensure that they are on track to apply for the Teacher Education program. To schedule an advising appointment, please contact the College of Applied Studies Advising Center at (316) 978-3300, option 2.
Please know that these are sample degree plans. If you would like an academic advisor to create a degree plan for you, please contact the College of Applied Studies Advising Center at (316) 978-3300, option 2.
View the tuition and fees breakdown at Wichita State University.
Tuition Discount Programs
WSU offers tuition discounts for out-of-state students paying nonresident tuition.
Find out more about tuition discounts at WSU.
WSU Merit Scholarships
Students admitted to WSU are automatically considered for merit scholarships. Merit
scholarships are awarded to both incoming freshman and transfer students. Learn more about merit scholarships at WSU.
College of Applied Studies Scholarships
Both prospective and current athletic training majors are eligible for scholarships
through the College of Applied Studies. Only one application is necessary to apply
for all scholarships available to students in the College of Applied Studies. Complete
the College of Applied Studies Scholarship Application.
Outside Scholarships
There are a number of outside scholarships student can apply for. Learn more about outside scholarships.
Teacher Education Admission Requirements
All items must be completed prior to starting the Teacher Education Program. If you have questions or need assistance contact the College of Applied Studies Advising Center at (316) 978-3300, option 2.
Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with an advisor in the College of Applied Studies each semester, in order to make sure they are meeting requirements and submitting the application on schedule.
- Basic skills courses (English Comp 1, English Comp 2, Public Speaking and College Algebra) with grades that meet Wichita State University policy.
- General Psychology
- Elementary Statistics
Prospective candidates must complete an introductory to the teaching profession course (e.g., CI 270) with an earned grade of B- or better in the course and a “satisfactory” grade in the corresponding field experience component.
A prospective teacher education candidate must meet only one of the following four standardized test requirements. The basic skills test used to fulfill his or her admission requirements must have been taken within ten (10) years from the date of the prospective candidate's application to the teacher education program.
- ACT composite score 21 or above
- Praxis test: reading 152 or above, writing 162 or above and math 142 or above
- SAT combined score 980 or above
- CBASE test: 235 in social studies and science (no longer required for some canddiates, find out more here.)
Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirements:
- Overall GPA: 2.5
- GPA in 35 hours of general education coursework: 2.75
- WSU GPA: 2.5 (if applicable)
If you do not meet this requirement, your academic advisor can assist you. Contact (316) 978-3300, option 2 for more information.
Complete the Teacher Education Application Packet which includes:
- Application
- Signed Attestation of Eligibility
- Signed Grounds for Dismissal Regulations
- Certification of Health for School Personnel: Provide proof of a completed Certification of Health for School Personnel or TB test(K.S.A. 72-5213) or verification that this has been completed per your employer.
- Background Check: Provide verification of a completed Criminal Background Check.
- Option #1: Provide a copy of current Substitute License.
- Option #2: Provide a copy of recent background clearance with Validity, NATSB, or district requirement.
- Option #3: Validity Screening Solutions - Submit the Validity Online Background Request Form with payment within 10 business days from the date of the Teacher Ed. Application.
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