Bachelor in Physical Education (Teaching Certification)

Northern Kentucky University (NKU), founded in 1968 and located in Highland Heights, provides a broad range of undergraduate, graduate and professional programs with an emphasis on applied learning and workforce readiness. The university’s curriculum blends theoretical foundations with internships, cooperative education and hands-on projects designed to prepare students for immediate contribution to their fields.

NKU serves about 14,000 students and welcomes a meaningful international cohort of roughly 615 students, which contributes to a vibrant campus community. With more than 214 programs across disciplines, students benefit from dedicated faculty who prioritize mentorship, small-group learning and practical experience. Campus facilities and student organizations support experiential learning, research and civic engagement.

International applicants will find supportive services for transition, advising and career development, as well as links to local employers for internships and placements. NKU’s collaborative environment encourages innovation, critical thinking and transferable skills that employers seek. For students looking for a welcoming university with diverse programming and strong ties to regional industry, NKU offers robust academic options and clear pathways to professional success.

The Bachelor in Physical Education (Teaching Certification) at Northern Kentucky University is a degree program for students who want to become health and physical education teachers. It takes four years to complete and helps students pass state certification exams. Students learn to teach at elementary, middle, and secondary levels.

Students in this program take classes in physical education and health, and they practice teaching under the supervision of a certified teacher and a university faculty member. They spend at least 75 hours observing and teaching each semester of their junior year and the first semester of their senior year. In their final semester, they do a full semester of student teaching at both elementary and secondary levels.

Graduates of this program can become elementary school physical education teachers, middle school physical education teachers, high school physical education teachers, health education teachers, or adaptive physical education teachers. They can work in public or private schools, and they can also work as coaches or fitness instructors.