The primary objective of the Health & Physical Education major is to provide students with the knowledge and skills for teaching physical activity, sports skills, physical fitness, and teamwork-adapted physical education at various age levels.Our program combines classroom lectures, student teaching, and research laboratory experiences with other service-learning courses and activities. A hallmark of the program is the 15 weeks students spend working full-time in elementary, middle, or high school classrooms in either the Fall or Spring of their final year. A degree in Health & Physical Education also prepares graduates for working outside the public-school system, such as in youth sports, recreation programs, and personal fitness.A majority of our graduates pursue careers in public schools as Health and Physical Education Specialists and Athletic Coaches. One of the primary responsibilities of this occupation is to plan and teach children with disabilities in school settings. In many instances, an applicant with a master's degree can separate themselves from other applicants. Furthermore, many large school districts employ Certified Adapted Physical Education (CAPE) teachers as directors or coordinators of district-wide Adapted Physical Education Services. In almost every instance, this person must hold a master’s degree and T-5 certification. An individual with an M.S. in Adapted Physical Education would likely be more desirable than someone with a graduate degree in another educational field. For students, the value of pursuing a master's degree is evident when one considers that an applicant with a T-5 (master's degree) earns a higher starting salary, increases the entry-level opportunities in the field, and is necessary for further career advancement.