Physical Education and Health/Family and Consumer Sciences

Physical Education and Health/Family and Consumer Sciences

Major
Bachelor of Science with Teacher Licensure
About This Program
Program Contact
Curriculum and Delivery
  • Program curriculum
  • Our Experiential Major Map helps you visualize and design your journey 
  • Courses offered on campus in Springfield, Mass.
  • Dual certification in physical education and health/family and consumer sciences program
  • Integration of classroom learning with hands-on practical experience will uniquely equip students for successful careers in both public and private school settings
  • Initial involvement and practical experience with school children of all ages begins in the first academic year, and continues throughout all four years
  • Learning outcomes
Career Opportunities
Paying for Your Education
Upcoming Events

Check back later for more events!

Springfield College student and AmeriCorps program member Caitlin Schult, an athletic counseling major, teaches a physical education class at White Street Elementary

Help improve the health and wellness of society by working with the most educable population—school-age youth—through the Springfield College dual certification in Physical Education and Health/Family and Consumer Sciences program. The dual certification program prepares students to become teachers of both physical education and health/family and consumer sciences for all grade levels in just four years. Our curriculum integrates health and physical education content, teaching methods, and substantial hands-on practical experiences. 

Future teachers will have an opportunity to work with students of all ages throughout their undergraduate education, and they’ll graduate ready to meet all requirements needed to complete the state-approved teacher licensure programs for physical education and health/family consumer science. With dual certification, graduates will have a wider range of employment opportunities and be able to focus on what matters: inspiring young students.

Upon completion, students will be eligible to apply for three teaching licenses: Health/Family Consumer Science (PreK-12), Physical Education (PreK-8), and Physical Education (5-12). Being licensed to teach physical education and health/family and consumer sciences makes graduates of this program more marketable and enhances their employment opportunities. 

What job can I get with Physical Education and Health / Family and Consumer Sciences?

A degree in Physical Education and Health/Family and Consumer Sciences from Springfield College prepares you for a diverse range of fulfilling careers. Graduates can become physical education teachers, inspiring students to stay active and healthy. You could also pursue roles as athletic coaches, training sports teams to reach their full potential.

Other opportunities include working as a health educator, teaching communities about wellness and healthy living, or becoming a nutritionist, helping individuals and families make informed dietary choices. Additionally, roles like program coordinator or youth program coordinator allow you to manage and develop programs that promote physical and emotional well-being.

Data is from the 2024 Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics


Health Education Specialists
$62,860
Median Salary
7%
Job Projected Growth
4,300+
Job Projected Openings

Health education specialists teach people about behaviors that promote wellness. They develop strategies to improve the well-being of individuals and communities.



Physical Education Teachers
$65,220
Median Salary
1%
Job Projected Growth
6,900+
Job Projected Openings

High school teachers may instruct students from different grades throughout the day. For example, one class may have mostly students from the 9th grade, and another may have 12th-grade students. In many schools, students are divided into classes on the basis of their abilities, so teachers need to adapt their lessons based on students’ skills.

Some high school teachers take on additional responsibilities, such as coaching sports or advising academic clubs, activities that frequently take place before or after school.



Dietitians and Nutritionists
$69,680
Median Salary
7%
Job Projected Growth
6,000+
Job Projected Openings

Dietitians and nutritionists evaluate the health of their clients through nutrition assessment and diagnostic laboratory testing. Based on their findings, dietitians and nutritionists advise clients on behavior modifications and intervention plans, including which foods to eat—and which to avoid—to improve their health.

Dietitians and nutritionists help prevent or support treatment of health conditions such as heart disease, autoimmune disease, and obesity. Many dietitians and nutritionists provide personalized information for individuals. For example, a dietitian or nutritionist might teach a client with diabetes how to plan meals to improve and balance the person’s blood sugar. Other dietitians and nutritionists work with groups of people who have similar needs. For example, a dietitian or nutritionist might plan a diet with healthy fat and limited sugar to help clients who are at risk for heart disease. Dietitians and nutritionists may work as part of a team with other healthcare staff to coordinate client care.


“The physical education and health education faculty are always willing to go the extra mile to accommodate students. I am confident that any question I have about a class, or about the program in general, can be answered by any of them.” Hayden Cheever, Class of 2026
Hayden Cheever - Springfield College
"I want to have the same impact on my future students as my PE teachers had on me. I knew Springfield College was the place to make that happen." Kate Katsetos, Class of 2026
Kate Katsetos
" I am passionate about developing individuals with a holistic approach. By choosing the dual-major program, I was able to learn about wellness from all perspectives. I believe this major embodies the Springfield College philosophy of nurturing the whole person in spirit, mind, and body." Sarah Duarte, Class of 2025
Sarah Duarte headshot
"I chose a degree in Public Health because I’m passionate about human services. I enjoy thinking about health care from a population perspective and conducting research that has practical implications for improving health care outcomes." Hrishikesh Lamichhane, Class of 2025
Hrishikesh Lamichhane headshot
The American Kinesiology Association Logo

American Kinesiology Association Membership

The School of Physical Education, Performance, and Sport Leadership is a member of the American Kinesiology Association.

An advocate for kinesiology at the national and international levels, the American Kinesiology Association supports educational opportunities in the fields of exercise science and sport studies, health education and physical education, and sport management and recreation management.

Incoming first year Springfield College students participate in June Orientation on Alden Street
Core Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed in faithfulness to the Springfield College mission and to further strengthen the Humanics philosophy of educating students in spirit, mind, and body.

Student at the Learning Commons
Career Center

The Career Center’s mission is to educate, inspire, and empower students and alumni to effectively make well-informed career decisions. The staff is committed to student learning and development, and offers a variety of opportunities and programming for students and alumni.

The Academic Success Center offers readily and easily accessible services including support in writing, mathematics, science, subject area tutoring, learning strategies and time management counseling, and assistance for students with documented disabilities.
Academic Success Center

The Academic Success Center offers readily and easily accessible services including support in writing, mathematics, science, subject area tutoring, learning strategies and time management counseling, and assistance for students with documented disabilities.

Studying Physical Education and Health/Family and Consumer Sciences