Academy of Teaching & Coaching (EC-G12)

BS in Kinesiology

If you want to become a physical education teacher or coach, for any grade between early childhood and 12^th, this Kinesiology degree specialization is the one for you. In addition to learning about strength training and teaching at specific education levels, you will get practical experience working with students of all ages as well as those with disabilities.

Careers & Salaries

A certified teacher/coach's earning start around $40,000 annually, according to Payscale.com. Many of TWU’s students opt to pursue master’s degrees in coaching, sport management or education, leading to careers as athletic directors or in school administration. Payscale.com currently lists a median annual salary of $59,000 for athletic directors.

Why get a teaching/coaching degree at TWU?

Small class sizes, individualized attention and hands-on learning experiences – these attributes set TWU’s undergraduate Kinesiology degree with teaching/coaching focus apart from those at many other universities. TWU also offers a unique adapted physical education program that teaches you how to work with students with special needs. Plus, once you earn this kinesiology degree, you can be certified to teach all levels of students, early childhood through 12^th grade.

At TWU, you will become better prepared for your career after getting teaching and coaching experience in three areas:

• Students with disabilities
• Coaching
• Student teaching (both in elementary and secondary schools)

When you complete the requirements of this program, you will be ready to take your teacher certification exams. And, if you chose to take the adapted PE courses, you can take the Adapted Physical Education National Standards exam to become a certified adapted physical educator (CAPE).

Program Requirements

This program requires 120 hours. Upper-level courses focus on exercise physiology, sport and fitness management, and instruction design and implementation. As a student in this program, you will complete two "practicums" in coaching, which are internships focused on athletic coaching fieldwork under the supervision of a coach. You will learn how to develop practice schedules, strength and conditioning plans, game day preparation, as well as techniques and tactics for a specific sport.

Additionally, during your final semester in the program, you will have 14 weeks of student teaching, split between elementary and secondary education.

See full program requirements in the Undergraduate Catalog.

At the end of your sophomore year, you must have a minimum 2.75 GPA to continue in this degree program. You also need to be current in first aid and CPR and be able to pass a mandatory background check.

As a full-time student, you can complete the coursework for this degree within four years.