Physical Education Degree

The physical education program at Illinois State University prepares students for careers teaching physical education in elementary, middle, or secondary school. The program focuses on planning and implementing a variety of developmentally appropriate instructional strategies to develop physically educated individuals, based on state and national standards. Program courses include: personal health and wellness, foundation of movement and motor activities, biology, prevention and care of athletic injuries, and individual and team sports skills. Get more details below including other Illinois colleges that offer physical education degrees.

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Illinois State University (IIT)

10 West 35th Street, Chicago, IL

Illinois State University (ISU) is comprehensive public university located in the twin-city community of Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. It is in central Illinois, roughly 135 miles southwest of Chicago, and 165 miles northeast of St. Louis.

One of 12 public universities in Illinois, the academic departments of Illinois State University offer more than 160 majors and minors at the undergraduate level, and more than 40 master's, doctoral and specialist programs. The faculty members are recognized as scholars and experts in their fields and have been recognized at national and international levels.

The university's Milner Library contains more than three million holdings and special collections. Illinois State University's College of Applied Science and Technology is home to the oldest collegiate circus in the United States - the Gamma Phi Circus.

History

The University was founded in 1857 as Illinois State Normal University, the first public institution of higher education in the state. It was established as a teacher education institution, but over the years developed into a comprehensive university with degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Academics

The academic calendar for Illinois State University follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer semesters. There is also a May Interim session, which is shorter than the traditional semester.

Colleges and Schools

• College of Applied Science and Technology
• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Business, Education
• College of Fine Arts
• Mennonite College of Nursing
• The Graduate School 

Student Life

Students at Illinois State University are encouraged to become involved in campus experiences beyond the classroom. There are more than 300 student organizations available on campus, as well as student activities such as cheering on the Redbirds athletics teams, choosing to take an "Alternative Spring Break," or getting involved in student government.

Student resources include intramural athletics and campus recreation, student center events, career events, civic engagement projects, College of Fine Arts events, wellness programs, and more.  Recent student events on the Illinois State University campus have included a resume critique walk-in, a shopping trip to the Woodfield Mall and IKEA, Music for the Holidays and A Night of One Acts.

Traditions

The traditional colors for Illinois State University are red, white and gold.  The nickname for the school's athletic teams was originally the "Teachers," but in 1923 was changed to the "Redbirds" to complement the school colors. The school wanted to name their teams the "Cardinals," but wanted to avoid confusion with the St. Louis Cardinals professional baseball team.

There is a tradition at home games for student-athletes to touch the "Battle Bird," a sculpture of the "Redbird."

Athletics

The Illinois State "Redbirds" athletic teams compete in many intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Tennis
• Track & Field 

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Gymnastics
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming & Diving
• Tennis
• Track & Field
• Volleyball

Community Life

Illinois State University is very active in hosting and co-sponsoring civic and political events on and off campus.  The Campus Communications Liaison is available to assist students and faculty with increasing opportunities for becoming engaged with the community.

Community Engaged Campus (CEC) is a relatively new initiative at Illinois State University to advance civic engagement as a core value on campus. In an effort to impact student education through a curriculum-based service learning and civic engagement program, the CEC program seeks to (1) facilitate an excellent working partnership between ISU's campus and the community and (2) ensure that Illinois State University students understand and are committed to engaging in meaningful actions as citizens in a democracy. The program works toward its goals by encouraging and supporting curricular activities that engage students in projects addressing human and community needs. The program is designed to help ISU faculty identify community agencies and organizations that have projects suitable for student involvement.

Students Enrolled in the Physical Education Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. IIT offers a bachelor's degree program in physical education.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Education Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses pertaining to education, such as counseling, curriculum, guidance, instruction, teacher education, and teaching English as a second language. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses pertaining to recreation, leisure, and fitness studies, including exercise physiology and facilities management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, recreation and fitness studies teachers, postsecondary employment is expected to grow at a rate of 10.1% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 150
  • Average Annual Salary: $62620
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 40
  • Average Annual Salary: $47270

Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Description

Teach students in one or more subjects in public or private schools at the middle, intermediate, or junior high level, which falls between elementary and senior high school as defined by applicable laws and regulations.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, middle school teachers, except special and career/technical education employment is expected to grow at a rate of 5.9% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 23
  • Average Annual Salary: $70780
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 810
  • Average Annual Salary: $49710
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 2
  • Average Annual Salary: $67250

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Description

Teach students in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies at the secondary level in public or private schools. May be designated according to subject matter specialty.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education employment is expected to grow at a rate of 5.8% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 24
  • Average Annual Salary: $74960
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 2
  • Average Annual Salary: $49260
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 2
  • Average Annual Salary: $69840

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).