Physical Education B.S.

Major Core Courses: 22 courses; 72 credit hours

GPA Requirements

Once admitted, students must maintain a 2.5 or higher overall GPA and earn a 2.5 or higher in all upper-level coursework in the major including Core and Specialization courses. If a student falls below 2.50 GPA they may be dismissed and/or may be required to meet with the departmental Professional Standards Committee.

Grading Requirements

Students must earn a grade of C- or higher in all required courses to progress to the following semester or they may be dismissed and/or required to meet with departmental Professional Standards Committee. 

Residency Requirement

Students successfully must complete at least 50 percent (50%) of the required courses in the major in courses offered by USF conferring the degree. In cases of hardship or lack of course availability, individual exceptions may be approved by the respective college Dean or designee to help ensure timely graduation.

Time Limit for Coursework

The College of Education reserves the right to determine whether courses five years or older can be applied toward a degree based on the following guidelines:

• Courses completed within the last five years may be accepted toward graduation.
• Courses completed over five years but less than ten years ago must have the approval of the chairperson from the department in which the equivalent course is taught.
• Courses completed ten years ago or longer will count as elective credit only toward graduation.

Internship Opportunities

Physical Education students will complete four clinical experiences. The final internship consists of two courses, each of 7 weeks. One will be performed at the elementary level and one at the middle or high school level. Passing grades in internship will only be possible if all sections of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam are taken and passed prior to graduation.

• PET 4942 - Physical Education Pre-Internship: Elementary Credit(s): 3
• PET 4944 - Physical Education Pre-Internship: Secondary Credit(s): 3
• PET 4946 - Internship in Physical Education: Elementary Credit(s): 6
• PET 4947 - Internship in Physical Education: Secondary Credit(s): 6

Requirements after Admission

Students accepted into the physical education program must meet the following additional requirements:

1. Sign an agreement to abide by the standards set forth in the College of Education Professional Disposition and Ethical Standards Policy and Procedures document.
2. Pay for costs in addition to tuition, fees, and books such as:
   • Attendance at the state professional organization conference (minimally 1 year)
   • Student membership in the state physical education professional organization
   • Transportation to and from school sites required in courses and internships
   • Physical Education Teacher Education uniform for internships
   • Criminal background checks and finger printing for internships
   • Assignments in some classes (e.g., printing/binding of group project reports, academic and professional portfolio, professional file, etc.)
   • Electronic assignment portfolio throughout program
3. Complete professional development plans throughout the program.
4. Complete and pass individual development plans in identified skill areas during the program.

Physical Education Elective Program

Physical Education elective offerings are designed to provide opportunities for all students in the University to acquire knowledge and movement skills related to an active healthy lifestyle. Laboratory experiences in over twenty-five different exercise and sports activities allow students to select and develop proficiency appropriate for leisure pursuit and personal development. Special competency courses provide for in-depth study in such areas as personal wellness, current issues in sports, and first aid.

Other Information

Please be advised that program and/or course requirements are subject to change, per state legislative mandates, Florida State Department of Education program approval standards, and accreditation criteria.

Students will be required to pay for costs in addition to tuition, fees, and books such as:

• Transportation to and from school sites required in courses and internships
• Criminal background checks and fingerprinting for internships
• Assignments in some classes (e.g., printing/binding of group project reports, academic and professional portfolio, digital recording equipment, etc.)

Background Check and Fingerprinting

All students seeking admission to educator preparation programs will be required to undergo a background check and fingerprinting during the admission process. Visit this site for additional information: Fingerprinting Instructions (usf.edu)  International students should be mindful that fingerprinting requires a social security number. Depending upon the outcome of the background check, students may be informed they cannot be placed in a particular school district. As each program determines the school district(s) in which to place their students, past legal history may impact a student’s ability to enter field experience and continue in an educator preparation program. Please be advised that program and/or course requirements and fingerprinting/background check procedures are subject to change per state legislative mandates, Florida State Department of Education program approval standards, accreditation criteria, and school district policy and procedures. Students can learn more about fingerprinting from Student Academic Services.

Repeating a Clinical Experience

A candidate who receives an unsatisfactory grade or withdraws when performing unsatisfactorily in any clinical experience may be allowed by the program to re-enroll in that course one additional time for a total of two attempts. In the event that a candidate needs to repeat the clinical experience, the candidate must request permission to do so by completing a written appeal to the appropriate department or program. If permission is granted, the candidate must meet with designated College of Education personnel to develop an action plan for the experience that may include enrollment in a course(s). There is no guarantee that the request will be approved for the semester for which the request/appeal is made. 

If a candidate receives an unsatisfactory grade or withdraws when performing unsatisfactorily in any field experience two times in the same experience, the candidate will be removed from the College of Education. If a candidate re-applies for admission to the College of Education they must indicate they were once in the College and dismissed. If the candidate is admitted and it is determined that they did not disclose the dismissal the student will be dismissed immediately.