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Exercise, Sport and Health Education

Degree Type
  • Bachelor of Science
Location
  • Main Campus in Radford, VA
Format
  • In-Person

Overview

Radford University’s Exercise, Sport and Health Education (ESHE) major is a great fit for students with a passion for sports and exercise. The ESHE program offers two concentrations: Health and Exercise Science and Physical and Health Education. You will emerge prepared for graduate education and careers in health promotion, fitness training, coaching, physical education teaching, exercise physiology, among other fields.

student stretching

Choose Your Concentration

Health and Exercise Science Concentration
Students will learn about exercise science and health promotion, including how to develop personalized fitness programs and encourage health behavior change.

Physical and Health Education Teacher Education Concentration (PHETE)
Students will experience classroom learning on campus and hands-on, experiential learning in local schools which culminates in a student teaching experience. Successful program completion (and passing of required licensure exams) leads to teaching licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Why Study Exercise, Sport and Health Education at Radford?

  • 85% of student teachers receive job offers prior to graduation.
  • Physical and Health Education has been listed in the top ten teaching endorsement areas with critical shortages by the Virginia Department of Education.
  • Health and Exercise Science offers unique tracks to customize your degree based on your career goals

Careers and Internships

  • Health and Physical Education has been listed in the top ten teaching endorsement areas with critical shortages by the Virginia Department of Education in 10 of the past 12 years. 
  • Graduates with this degree earn a median annual salary of $59,000 median in Virginia.
  • Students in Health and Exercise Science can enter the workforce in the health and fitness industry or continue their academic preparation in exercise science, strength and conditioning, public health, or other health-related graduate programs.

Learn more about the career outlook for Exercise, Sport and Health Education.

Opportunities for Exercise, Sport and Health Education students at Radford

  • Students with a Physical and Health Education Teacher Education concentration receive hands-on teaching opportunities with local schools.
  • We offer opportunities to work as trainers in the Student Recreation and Wellness Center and earn professional fitness certifications before graduation.
  • Students are encouraged to join the ESHE majors club.
  • Students are encouraged to attend the Virginia Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance conference.
  • Students can join a living/learning community dedicated to health and wellness.

Admissions Requirements

Students must be in good standing to declare the ESHE major.

Prepare for your career in real-time

Students in PHETE:

  • participate in peer teaching
  • interview practicing teachings
  • practice their knowledge and skills by working with children on and off campus.

Students in Health and Exercise Science:

  • get practical experiences in labs
  • are prepared to sit for certification exams (personal training and Certified Health Education Specialist)
student lifting weight in gym

  • 100% of student teachers successfully pass licensure exams

    state (VCLA) and national (Praxis II)

  • 85% of student teachers receive job offers prior to graduation

Join a nationally accredited program

Our program is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America.

student lifting weight in gym

“I left Radford University feeling more prepared for the profession than I have for anything else in my entire life. The professors were positive role models who embodied the good energy, relationship-building, organization, and preparedness necessary to excel in this career. Because of this program, I am able to live out my dreams and impact the lives of others daily. I will always be grateful for my time at Radford University.”

Jesse W. '17

Ready to Study at Radford?

We want to get to know you better and we are excited that you are ready to take your next step and learn more about us. We are here to help you and look forward to working with you during your college search process.