Pursue your passion for teaching health and physical education in a school setting or in the community through Longwood’s Health and Physical Education (HPE) program. With concentrations in PK-12 Licensure and Health Promotion (non-licensure), you can choose the path that best suits your teaching interests.

The Health Promotion curriculum is designed to address the Certified Health Education Specialist Responsibilities and Competencies and will prepare the student to pass the Certified Health Education Specialist exam.

Longwood’s HPE program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Programs (CAEP). Our small faculty-student ratio means one-on-one professional mentoring and opportunities to get real-world experience before you start student teaching.

Career Paths

Teach Health and Physical Education at the elementary, middle and high school levels.

Provide health and physical education in a variety of non-school settings, such as

  • Health agencies
  • Hospitals & healthcare facilities
  • Clinics
  • Corporate Health/Company health and wellness centers
  • Community Health agencies
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Health departments (city/county)

What You'll Study

Health & Physical Education PK-12 (licensure for teaching in schools)

The PK-12 concentration prepares students for teaching health and physical education in PK-12 schools. Required fieldwork and hands-on teaching experiences at the elementary and secondary (6-12)level as well as coursework in adapted physical education ensures that students gain the skills necessary to effectively teach in a school setting.

Many students elect to complete the two courses required for a Driver Education Instructor Endorsement. This endorsement is beneficial for HPE students interested in teaching at the high school level.  

Students earning PK-12 Licensure in HPE may obtain a master’s degree through an 11-month program at Longwood.

Sample 4-Year Plan

Health & Physical Education, Teacher Preparation Concentration (pdf)

Driver Education Endorsement

There's a high demand for health and physical education teachers with a driver education endorsement in Virginia's schools. So, we've made it easy for you to get yours. We are one of only four undergraduate University Drivers Ed programs in VA that offer the classes needed for the endorsement, you'll have everything you need to succeed right here. And our history proves it, 100% of Longwood students pass the VDOE exam the first time they take it. Longwood rules the road!

Email Vonnie Colvin at colvinay@longwood.edu for more information. 

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Health Promotion (non-licensure for teaching in the community health settings)

The non-licensure Health Promotion concentration focuses on teaching health and physical education in a community setting with the goal of increasing the years and quality of life of the general population. Courses examine current and future health issues and the development of attitudes and behaviors that lead to optimal health throughout life.

Field experiences and completion of an internship in a community health setting provides the knowledge and confidence to apply health promotion skills in a variety of areas.

Health Promotion jobs are projected to grow significantly in Virginia and the U.S. over the next 10 years. Health Promotion graduates are also prepared to pursue a masters’ degrees in public health, community health, health promotion, healthcare management/administration, and more.

Health Education

The Health Education minor pairs well with many other majors and is particularly complementary to degrees in the health and human services areas. Coursework focuses on a wide range of health-related topics and promotes discussion and study about future health issues.

Healthcare Studies Minor

Designed to capture students from various majors across campus who are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. Whether a student is looking to enter a healthcare profession with a clinical degree or pursue a healthcare management career, this minor provides a broad perspective capturing the importance of quality healthcare and the impact on patient populations.

Students complete six courses (3 credits each). Two courses (6 credits) may be used to satisfy Civitae requirements (at the pillar or perspectives level) and Core or Supporting Coursework requirements for the Healthcare Studies minor.

The minor does not meet eligibility requirements for certifications or licensure for healthcare professions. 

Learn more about the Healthcare Studies minor.

Courses

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