Within the undergraduate Physical Education major, students are offered the option of electing the teaching or non-teaching track. An undergraduate major in Physical Education (teaching), given broad major designation at MSU, requires no minor as a prerequisite for graduation. Student may major in Athletic Training within the Human Performance Department. Athletic Training, likewise, has been afforded broad major status. Students pursuing undergraduate majors within Human Performance, however, are encouraged to consider career-related advantages of pursuing specialized preparation beyond the major in one or more of the Department's numerous emphases, minors, and concentrations. Undergraduate emphases include Aquatics, Coaching Minor and Coaching Emphasis. Undergraduate minors include Developmental/Adapted Physical Education and Corporate and Community Fitness. Undergraduate concentrations include Exercise Science and Sport Management.
Teacher education majors outside Human Performance, whose majors require a minor for graduation and who desire to coach, should consider the Human Performance minor in Athletic Coaching. Successful completion of this minor qualifies student for Minnesota-required varsity athletic coach.
The pre-occupational therapy program derives primarily from science-oriented study in general education. Provided an occupational therapy program's prerequisite requirements for admission have been met, university sophomores or juniors who have satisfied said prerequisites may be considered for occupational therapy program admission.
The pre-professional program in physical therapy derives primarily from science-oriented study in general education. Successful completion of this course of study meets admission requirements of most physical therapy schools. Physical therapy schools typically require a bachelor's degree prior to application for admission. Certain schools, however, continue to accept applicants following two or three years of college preparation.
Physical Education Minor: Students majoring in disciplines other than Physical Education may wish to complement major study with a Physical Education minor (non-teaching only). This minor should be considered an option for students studying in human performance-related disciplines, but whose majors require a minor for graduation.
