Sports Coaching and Physical Education
| Degree: | Bachelor of Science (B.S.) |
| Major: | Sports Coaching and Physical Education |
| Specializations: | Physical Education Teacher Education Sports Performance and Coaching |
| Minor: | Athletic Sport Coaching |
| Department: | Movement Sciences and Health Building 72, Room 241 850-474-2592 http://uwf.edu/msh |
| College: | Usha Kundu, MD College of Health |
| CIP Code: | 31.0501 |
| Semester Hours Required For Degree: 120 | |
The B.S. in Sports Coaching and Physical Education prepares students for positions in teaching, coaching, the health and fitness industry, and recreation services, and for graduate study.
Program Requirements
In addition to the University’s general requirements, students seeking the B.S. degree in Sports Coaching and Physical Education must meet the requirements listed below.
Students interested in the Exercise Science program should check the Exercise Science section of this catalog.
Students in the Sports Performance and Coaching specialization will complete an internship during their senior year. Requirements for admission to the internship are as follows:
- Grade of “C-” or higher in all courses used to fulfill major requirements
- At least a 2.00 GPA in the major
- Recommendations of academic advisor prior to registration for internship
Students in the Physical Education Teacher Education specialization will complete a student teaching experience during their senior year. Requirements for admission to the student teaching program are as follows:
- Grade of “C-” or higher in all major-related courses
- At least a 2.50 or greater major GPA
- Passing scores on the Professional Education Test, General Knowledge Exam, and the Physical Education Subject Area tests of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam
- Approval by the Physical Education Teacher Education Program Committee
- CPR/First Aid/AED Red Cross certificate
Physical Education Teacher Education Specialization
Students interested in becoming certified Physical Education teachers in grades K-12 will be able to do so by enrolling in the Physical Education Teacher Education Specialization. The Physical Education Teacher Education specialization is a Florida Department of Education approved program and accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
In addition to the university’s general requirements, students seeking admission to the B.S. in the Health and Physical Education/Physical Education Teacher Education specialization must have a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or greater in all previously attempted college work and have passing scores on the General Knowledge test of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam.
For admission to student teaching, students must meet the requirements listed below:
- Grade of “C-” or higher in all major-related courses
- 2.50 or greater cumulative GPA
- Passing scores on the Professional Education Test, General Knowledge Exam, and the Physical Education Subject Area test of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam
- CPR/First Aid/AED Red Cross certificate
- Approval by the Physical Education Teacher Education Program Committee
General Education
ADDENDUM - 06/12/2025
In addition to the General Education requirements, students must satisfy all additional State of Florida requirements, including the College-Level Communication and Computation, Civic Literacy, and Foreign Language requirements. With appropriate planning and coordination with an academic advisor, students may satisfy some of the general University requirements through the General Education curriculum. For a complete listing of general degree requirements, refer to the State University Requirements and Degree Requirements sections of this catalog.
General Education Curriculum:
Physical Education Teacher Education Specialization majors should take BSC 1085 Anatomy and Physiology I to fulfill the natural sciences component.
Civic Literacy Requirement
The 2017 Florida Legislature amended Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, to require students initially entering a State University System (SUS) and/or Florida College System (FCS) institution in 2018-2019 and thereafter to demonstrate competency in civic literacy by passing an assessment or taking AMH 2020 United States Since 1877 or POS 2041 American Politics.
The 2021 Legislature further amended Florida Statutes, requiring students to complete both a civic literacy course and an exam. In 2024, the Board of Governors made an additional revision, recognizing two new courses meeting the Civic Literacy requirement, AMH 2010 United States to 1877 and AMS 2010 Civil Discourse and the American Political Order. As a result, there are four cohorts of students currently matriculating at Florida public institutions that are subject to varying requirements.
As demonstrated in the table below, the exact civic literacy requirements are based on the academic term in which a student first enrolled in a Florida public institution.
| Students Included in Cohort | Civic Literacy Competency Requirement |
| Cohort 1: Students initially entering the SUS or FCS before fall 2018 | None |
| Cohort 2: Students initially entering the SUS or FCS in Academic Year 2018 through Academic Year 2020 | Complete a course or Assessment. |
| Cohort 3: Students initially entering the SUS or FCS in Academic Year 2021 through Academic Year 2023 | Course and Assessment. |
| Cohort 4: Students initially entering the SUS or FCS in fall 2024 and thereafter | Course and Assessment. |
Additionally, for Cohorts 3 and 4, approved accelerated mechanisms may meet the course and/or assessment requirement, and students who pass the Florida Civic Literacy Exam (FCLE) in high school are exempt from the postsecondary exam requirement.
There are multiple ways to satisfy this requirement. Students should work with their academic advisor to determine which option is best for their degree requirements/degree plan.
Additional information can be found on our Civic Literacy website, SUS regulation BOG 8.006, and Florida Statute s.1007.25(4,a-b).
Mathematics Pathway
Students are advised to complete the following courses to fulfill the mathematics pathway that aligns with the mathematics skills needed for success in their program and their career goals. Students should refer to their academic advisor for questions about the math pathway for their program. For information about this requirement, refer to the catalog page for Mathematics Pathways. These courses may also fulfill requirements for General Education and Common Prerequisites.
| Algebra through Calculus | ||
| MAC 1105 | College Algebra | 3-4 |
| or MAC 1105C | College Algebra with Lab | |
| STA 2023 | Elements of Statistics | 3 |
| Students will be placed on a starting point based on their mathematics placement. | ||
Common Prerequisites
State-mandated common prerequisites must be completed prior to graduation, but are not required for admission to the program. See the Common Prerequisite Manual for course substitutions from Florida colleges and universities.
| BSC 1085 & 1085L | Anatomy and Physiology I and Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory * | 4 |
| BSC 1086 & 1086L | Anatomy and Physiology II and Anatomy & Physiology II Laboratory * | 4 |
| EDF 1005 | Introduction to Education | 3 |
| PET 2001 | Introduction to Sport Performance Studies ++ | 3 |
| PEO 2510 | Theory and Practice of Coaching Soccer ++ | 1 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
- *
Indicates common prerequisites which can be used to satisfy General Education requirements.
- †
Students must earn a "C" or better in all common prerequisite courses.
- ++
Indicates common prerequisites which can be used to satisfy 4 credit hours of skill development in Physical Education. Transfer students make take any course(s) to meet this requirement.
Major
| ATR 2000 | Basic Care and Prevention Principles of Athletic Training | 3 |
| APK 3110 | Exercise Physiology + | 3 |
| APK 3110L | Exercise Physiology Laboratory + | 1 |
| PET 3123 | Historical Foundations of Sport and Fitness + | 3 |
| HLP 3300 | Organization and Administration of Professional Programs + | 3 |
| PET 4434 | Youth Sport Pedagogy + | 3 |
| PET 3344C | Athletic Coaching Methods + | 3 |
| PET 4820 | Adolescent Sport Pedagogy + | 3 |
| PET 4948 | Physical Education and Coaching Field Experience with PK - 12 + | 3 |
| PET 3640 | Adapted Physical Education and Sport + | 3 |
| PET 4801 | Sport Skill Acquisition and Motor Development + | 3 |
| Total Hours | 31 | |
Major-Related
| EDF 3234 | Applied Foundations of Education | 3 |
| EDG 4323 | Methods of K-12 Literacy Instruction | 3 |
| TSL 4080 | ESOL Principles and Practices | 3 |
| EEX 3070 | Methods in Inclusion and Collaboration | 3 |
| PET 4744 | Student Teaching in Physical Education + | 12 |
| Total Hours | 24 | |
- +
Courses included in the major GPA.
Electives for Graduation
| Students must complete sufficient 1000/2000 level electives to satisfy at least 60 semester hours in the lower division. Current UWF students may use elective courses at any level (1000-4999) to meet this elective requirement. Students must also complete sufficient 3000/4000 level electives to meet UWF’s requirement of 48 semester hours in the upper division or complete all departmental requirements at the 3000/4000 level, whichever is greater. | ||
Sports Performance and Coaching Specialization
The Sports Performance and Coaching Specialization prepares students with a foundation of health, coaching, and pedagogical knowledge to pursue careers in sport coaching. Employment settings include high school and collegiate sport coaching, community and recreational athletics, physical activity and sport enhancement programs, public and private fitness-related organizations, and corporate wellness settings. Coursework within the Sports Performance and Coaching Specialization will focus on developing sport coaching leadership skills, content related to physical and cognitive sport performance, and overall health and wellness. Courses will involve hands-on, activity-based learning and experiences which will culminate in an internship designed to develop specific employment-related skills.
General Education
ADDENDUM - 06/12/2025
In addition to the General Education requirements, students must satisfy all additional State of Florida requirements, including the College-Level Communication and Computation, Civic Literacy, and Foreign Language requirements. With appropriate planning and coordination with an academic advisor, students may satisfy some of the general University requirements through the General Education curriculum. For a complete listing of general degree requirements, refer to the State University Requirements and Degree Requirements sections of this catalog.
General Education Curriculum:
Sports Performance and Coaching majors should take BSC 1085 Anatomy and Physiology I to fulfill the natural science component.
Civic Literacy Requirement
The 2017 Florida Legislature amended Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, to require students initially entering a State University System (SUS) and/or Florida College System (FCS) institution in 2018-2019 and thereafter to demonstrate competency in civic literacy by passing an assessment or taking AMH 2020 United States Since 1877 or POS 2041 American Politics.
The 2021 Legislature further amended Florida Statutes, requiring students to complete both a civic literacy course and an exam. In 2024, the Board of Governors made an additional revision, recognizing two new courses meeting the Civic Literacy requirement, AMH 2010 United States to 1877 and AMS 2010 Civil Discourse and the American Political Order. As a result, there are four cohorts of students currently matriculating at Florida public institutions that are subject to varying requirements.
As demonstrated in the table below, the exact civic literacy requirements are based on the academic term in which a student first enrolled in a Florida public institution.
| Students Included in Cohort | Civic Literacy Competency Requirement |
| Cohort 1: Students initially entering the SUS or FCS before fall 2018 | None |
| Cohort 2: Students initially entering the SUS or FCS in Academic Year 2018 through Academic Year 2020 | Complete a course or Assessment. |
| Cohort 3: Students initially entering the SUS or FCS in Academic Year 2021 through Academic Year 2023 | Course and Assessment. |
| Cohort 4: Students initially entering the SUS or FCS in fall 2024 and thereafter | Course and Assessment. |
Additionally, for Cohorts 3 and 4, approved accelerated mechanisms may meet the course and/or assessment requirement, and students who pass the Florida Civic Literacy Exam (FCLE) in high school are exempt from the postsecondary exam requirement.
There are multiple ways to satisfy this requirement. Students should work with their academic advisor to determine which option is best for their degree requirements/degree plan.
Additional information can be found on our Civic Literacy website, SUS regulation BOG 8.006, and Florida Statute s.1007.25(4,a-b).
Mathematics Pathway
Students are advised to complete the following courses to fulfill the mathematics pathway that aligns with the mathematics skills needed for success in their program and their career goals. Students should refer to their academic advisor for questions about the math pathway for their program. For information about this requirement, refer to the catalog page for Mathematics Pathways. These courses may also fulfill requirements for General Education and Common Prerequisites.
| Algebra through Calculus | ||
| MAC 1105 | College Algebra | 3-4 |
| or MAC 1105C | College Algebra with Lab | |
| STA 2023 | Elements of Statistics | 3 |
| Students will be placed on a starting point based on their mathematics placement. | ||
Common Prerequisites
State-mandated common prerequisites must be completed prior to graduation, but are not required for admission to the program. See the Common Prerequisite Manual for course substitutions from Florida colleges and universities.
| BSC 1085 & 1085L | Anatomy and Physiology I and Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory * | 4 |
| BSC 1086 & 1086L | Anatomy and Physiology II and Anatomy & Physiology II Laboratory * | 4 |
| EDF 1005 | Introduction to Education | 3 |
| PET 2001 | Introduction to Sport Performance Studies ++ | 3 |
| PEO 2510 | Theory and Practice of Coaching Soccer ++ | 1 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
- *
Indicates common prerequisites which can be used to satisfy General Education requirements.
- †
Students must earn a "C" or better in all common prerequisite courses.
- ++
Indicates common prerequisites which can be used to satisfy 4 credit hours of skill development in Physical Education. Transfer students make take any course(s) to meet this requirement.
Lower Division Electives
| Students must complete sufficient 1000/2000 level electives to satisfy at least 60 semester hours (sh) in the lower division. Current UWF students may use elective courses at any level (1000-4000) to meet this elective requirement. | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Major‡, †
| ATR 2000 | Basic Care and Prevention Principles of Athletic Training * | 3 |
| ATR 3132 | Functional Kinesiology | 3 |
| APK 3110 | Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| APK 3110L | Exercise Physiology Laboratory | 1 |
| HLP 3300 | Organization and Administration of Professional Programs ‖ | 3 |
| HUN 2201 | Fundamentals of Human Nutrition | 3 |
| PET 3123 | Historical Foundations of Sport and Fitness | 3 |
| PET 3344C | Athletic Coaching Methods ‖ | 3 |
| PET 3640 | Adapted Physical Education and Sport | 3 |
| APK 3610C | Designing Resistance Training Programs | 3 |
| PET 3471 | Sports Officiating | 3 |
| PET 4532 | Sports Performance Analytics | 3 |
| PET 4434 | Youth Sport Pedagogy | 3 |
| PET 4765 | Theory and Practice of Coaching ‖,** | 3 |
| PET 4801 | Sport Skill Acquisition and Motor Development | 3 |
| PET 4820 | Adolescent Sport Pedagogy ‖ | 3 |
| PET 4940 | Internship ^ | 3 |
| Total Hours | 49 | |
- ‡
All major courses included in the major GPA.
- †
Students must earn a "C-" or better in all major courses (UWF cumulative 2.00 GPA with a major GPA of 2.00).
- ‖
These courses count towards a minor in Athletic Sport Coaching.
- **
These courses count towards a minor in Sport and Exercise Psychology including PSY 2012.
- ^
Students must get approval from their academic advisor prior to registering for the internship.
Major-Related†
| Major-Related Choose 11 credit hours 3000-4000 | 11 | |
- †
Students must earn a "C-" or better in all major-related courses.
- **
These courses count towards a minor in Sport and Exercise Psychology including PSY 2012.
Athletic Sport Coaching Minor
The 16-hour Minor in Athletic Sport Coaching is offered by the Department of Movement Sciences and Health. The minor is designed for those students interested in the practical, methodological, and psychological aspects of coaching athletic sports. This minor is available to all students. No directed study may be taken to fulfill the requirements for the minor. Completion of this minor may allow students to be eligible for FLDOE certification in Athletic Sport Coaching.
Required Courses
| ATR 2000 | Basic Care and Prevention Principles of Athletic Training | 3 |
| HLP 3300 | Organization and Administration of Professional Programs | 3 |
| PET 3344C | Athletic Coaching Methods | 3 |
| PET 4765 | Theory and Practice of Coaching | 3 |
| PET 4820 | Adolescent Sport Pedagogy | 3 |
| PEO 2510 | Theory and Practice of Coaching Soccer | 1 |
| Total Hours | 16 | |