The Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with an Emphasis in Physical Education prepares you to become a junior high or high school PE teacher or coach, and is for those who are seeking initial teacher licensure. The format and courses of this regionally accredited and Arizona State Board of Education approved program are designed to maximize the content knowledge that the teacher candidate will possess upon graduation.
Those seeking a BS Degree in Secondary Education will study core topics such as: curriculum development, classroom management, cultural diversity, English as a Second Language, methods of teaching technology in education, and educational psychology. All courses are directly aligned with professional teaching standards and the associated national content standards.
Students interested in becoming a junior high or high school PE teacher will participate in lesson plans with course goals/performance objectives that can be applied to the teaching of any skill or activity. In addition, the curriculum focuses on teaching team and individual sports, how to incorporate physical education for special populations, and how to implement instructional activities that meet NASPE standards in areas such as promoting an active lifestyle, lifetime activity, inclusiveness, responsibility, cooperation, and diversity. Content courses are aligned to the standards of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE). This program is offered exclusively at GCU‛s ground campus.
Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within many of the courses guide students through 120 hours of practicum/field experiences prior to student teaching, and the final semester of the program includes a full-time, 16-week student teaching component.
After successfully completing this degree, additional content areas may be added post-graduation through supplemental coursework and/or through passage of a state-developed content area test.
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University‛s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
| Competency | Requirements | GCU Course Options | Total Credits |
| University Foundations | Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community. Students with fewer than 24 credits will fulfill the University Foundations requirement with a specified lower-division course. An upper-division selection will be made available to students that enter the university with more than 24 credits. | UNV-103/303, University Success: 4 credits | 4 credits |
| Effective Communication | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition. | UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4 credits ENG-105, English Composition I: 4 credits ENG-106, English Composition II: 4 credits |
9-12 credits |
| Christian Worldview | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV 101. | CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4 credits | 4 credits |
| Critical Thinking | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher. | PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4 credits MAT-134, Applications of Algebra: 4 credits BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4 credits |
11-12 credits |
| Global Awareness, Perspective and Ethics | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, crosscultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). | HIS-221, Themes in U. S. History: 4 credits PSY-100, Psychology in Everyday Life: 4 credits SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4 credits If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course. |
6-8 credits |
| Course # | Course Title | Course Description | Credits |
| EDU-210 | Foundations of Education | This course is designed to provide an overview of the education profession for students who are inspired to be teachers. A brief survey of the philosophical, historical, and sociological influences upon which educational theories and practices are constructed is presented. Students explore a variety of the common issues, trends, and opportunities that professional educators face in the field. No practicum/field experience required. No Fingerprint Clearance necessary. | 4 |
| EDU-225 | Instructional Technology | This course provides future teachers the opportunity to examine the use of technology in the 21st century classroom. In addition to studying and utilizing a variety of technologies, such as computer software and hardware, students develop a personal technology philosophy and classroom technology plan designed to enhance and shape their teaching skills and knowledge in order to better utilize emerging technology. No practicum/field experience required. No Fingerprint Clearance necessary. | 4 |
| SPE-226 | Educating the Exceptional Learner | This writing-intensive course is a survey of the unique learning needs of exceptional students. Special focus is given to the referral process, appropriate instructional modifications and accommodations for exceptional students, hot topics and trends, and IDEA law. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Prerequisite: Fingerprint Clearance. | 4 |
| EDU-230 | Cultural Diversity in the Classroom | This course examines the relationship of cultural values to the formation of self-concept and learning styles. The roles of prejudice, stereotyping, and cultural incompatibilities in education are also evaluated. No practicum/field experience required. No Fingerprint Clearance necessary. | 4 |
| EDU-213 | Educational Psychology | This course provides a thematically arranged study of the theories and principles of psychology that have influenced instructional practices. Behavioral and cognitive approaches to learning, motivation, and instruction are explored. No practicum/field experience required. No Fingerprint Clearance necessary. | 4 |
| BIO-181 | General Biology I - Lecture | This course is a study of biological concepts emphasizing the interplay of structure and function, particularly at the molecular and cellular levels of organization. Cell components and their duties are investigated, as well as the locations of cellular functions within the cell. The importance of the membrane is studied, particularly its roles in controlling movement of ions and molecules and in energy production. The effect of genetic information on the cell is followed through the pathway from DNA to RNA to protein. Co-requisite: BIO-181L. | 3 |
| BIO-181L | General Biology I - Lab | This lab course is designed to reinforce principles learned in BIO-181 through experiments and activities which complement and enhance understanding of macromolecules, cell membrane properties, cellular components, and their contribution to cell structure and function. Assignments are designed to relate cellular processes such as metabolism, cell division, and the flow of genetic information to cell structure. Co-requisite: BIO-181. | 1 |
| ESL-223N | SEI English Language Teaching: Foundations & Methodologies | The historical, legal, theoretical, and sociological foundations of programs of instruction for students with non-English language backgrounds are presented. The study of models, prototypes, and methodologies for ESL instruction is included. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Prerequisites: Fingerprint Clearance. | 3 |
| POS-301 | Arizona and Federal Government | This course is a survey of Arizona history and government, as well as American government. It meets the teacher certification requirement for Arizona government and American government. | 2 |
| PED-247 | Teaching Strategy in Physical Education and Exercise Science | This writing-intensive course is designed to prepare future physical education teachers, fitness instructors, and recreational leaders in the skills necessary to teach physical education activities to groups. Included is the development of lesson plans and course goals/performance objectives that can be applied to the teaching of any skill or activity. Becoming aware of the place of physical education and exercise science globally and perspectives on human diversity in all areas of sport and physical activity is included. | 4 |
| SED-444 | Secondary Methods & Data Driven Pedagogy | This course is designed to help teachers and prospective teachers of young adults find their own teaching styles and recognize the different learning styles of their students in order to make appropriate decisions about all aspects of the teaching profession. Emphasis is given to teaching methodology that encourages problem solving, active participation, and assessment. Course content is strategically planned to enable participants to make informed educational decisions about student learning based on data. This course focuses on the principles and practices involved in various models of educational assessment, evaluation, and testing. Practicum/field experience hours: 30. Prerequisite: Fingerprint Clearance. | 4 |
| SED-455 | Secondary Curriculum Development & Assessment | In this study of secondary school curriculum development, major emphasis is given to planning instructional objectives and lessons, assessing objectives, and developing a model curriculum. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Prerequisites: Fingerprint Clearance and SED-444. | 4 |
| SED-435 | Adolescent Literacy | This course is designed to assist teacher candidates in understanding, evaluating and implementing effective pedagogy in adolescent literacy. A graduate in adolescent literacy should be able to recognize and assess the defining elements of literacy, from decoding skills to higher level critical thinking applications. Subsequently, teachers should be able to understand, evaluate, and promote effective literacy pedagogy as it relates to the adolescent learner. Practicum/field experience hours: 30. Prerequisite: Fingerprint Clearance. | 4 |
| PED-263 | Teaching of Team Sports and Individual Activities II | This course is intended to provide the student with the general technical and physical skill required to teach selected sports. Students learn how to plan and organize the team sports of basketball, softball, and volleyball, and the individual/dual activities of tennis, golf, and badminton for educational settings. Students work with a variety of age and skill levels and conduct classes while ensuring participants‛ health and safety. Prerequisites: PED-251. | 4 |
| PED-344 | Physical Education for Special Populations | This course is designed to develop methods and techniques of teaching the exceptional child in motor activities. Special topics include legislation that affects children with special needs, inclusiveness, the IEP, characteristics of motor functioning and development, behavior management techniques, and an overview of the types of special populations and their specific needs. Emphasis is also placed on the activities and programs to be included in curriculum and practice in leading activities and implementing programs. | 4 |
| PED-415 | Secondary School Physical Education | This course prepares students who desire to teach at the middle school or high school level. Topics include classifications of students, organization of classes, choice and selection of appropriate activities and materials, progression, and testing. The course also examines teaching styles, techniques of effective instruction, and implementing instructional activities that meet NASPE standards in areas such as promoting an active lifestyle, lifetime activity, inclusiveness, responsibility, cooperation, and diversity. Experiential teaching and peer review are included in the course. | 4 |
| HLT-485 | Methods of Teaching Health and Measuring in Exercise Science | This course is a study of the methods and procedures of teaching health. Resources, aids, and agencies are studied in an attempt to determine how they may best assist the teacher. Practice teaching is included. Tests and measurements in health, physical education, and exercise science are presented. Emphasis is placed on producing valid and reliable tests, data analysis techniques for test evaluation, test construction assessment, and interpretation of test results. Prerequisites: One of the following combinations: 1) BIO-155 and BIO-155L; or 2) BIO-201, BIO-201L, BIO-202, and BIO-202L; or 3) BIO-360, BIO-360L, and either BIO-474 or BIO-484, and PED-247. | 4 |
| EDU-450 | Classroom Engagement and Management | This course is designed to allow prospective teachers the opportunity to learn techniques involved in the successful engagement and management of a learning environment. Major emphasis is given to the establishment of a realistic discipline plan to manage student behavior, as well as engagement and management techniques and strategies to maximize instructional time, classroom procedures, and physical space. Prerequisites: EDU-215 and EDU-230. No Fingerprint Clearance necessary. | 4 |
| ESL-433N | Advanced Methodologies of Structured English Immersion | In this course, students continue to examine the fundamentals of the legal, historical, and educational foundations of Structured English Immersion and other instructional programs for English Language Learners. Theoretical principles of language acquisition and the role of culture in learning are examined. Methods of assessment are identified and analyzed. Students identify strategies to promote English language development and improve student achievement. They plan, deliver, and evaluate instruction for English language learners. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Prerequisite: Fingerprint Clearance and ESL-423N or ESL-223N. | 3 |
| SED-480NA | Student Teaching: Secondary Education: Session A | Session A is the first of two 8-week sessions of the student teaching experience that includes practical classroom experiences, research and analysis, and teaching to support compilation and creation of a Teacher Work Sample (TWS). Prerequisites: Fingerprint Clearance; successful completion of all courses in POS and content area; senior status; a 2.8 GPA; successful completion of state mandated basic skills and content area exams or Praxis I® (Basic Skills) and Praxis II® (Content Area); and approval and placement by Office of Field Experience. Arizona residents will be required to take the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA). All paperwork for student teaching must be submitted by the due date the semester prior to student teaching. | 6 |
| SED-480NB | Student Teaching: Secondary Education: Session B | This session is a continuation of Session A. Prerequisite for B: SED-480NA. | 6 |
| Required Course Total Credit: | 80 | ||
| General Education Requirements: | 34 - 40 credits |
| Courses: | 80 credits |
| Open Elective Credits: | 0 - 6 credits |
| Total Degree Requirements: | 120 credits |
This program is offered in the following formats or locations:
Enjoy Grand Canyon University's traditional campus experience. Nestled on over 90 acres in the heart of Phoenix, over 6,500 students live and attend class on the GCU campus. New modern classrooms, suite style dorms and a focus on creating a rich student life make GCU a top choice for high school graduates.
Program Disclosure
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* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.