B.A. in Physical Education

Saint Xavier's Health Sciences Division, which houses the Physical Education major, has a full lab within our classroom that encompasses equipment that all majors will use within their career. Students can become members of the Exercise Science Club, which offers opportunities for networking and experiences with volunteer work within the field.

• Internships within the program allow for hands-on experience within the field.
• Student teaching ensures compliance with the ISBE standards and also gives hands-on experience in teaching.
• Technology within the courses at SXU further students' knowledge and experience with tools they will use in their careers.

PLO 1- Motor Skill and Movement Competency: Students will demonstrate proficiency in a variety of motor skills, movement patterns, and physical activities and will understand movement concepts and strategies appropriate to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Corresponds to State Goal 19: "Acquire movement and motor skills and understand concepts necessary to engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity."

PLO 2- Health-Enhancing Fitness and Self-Assessment: Students will design, implement, monitor, and adjust a personal health-related fitness plan, demonstrating knowledge of self-assessment strategies and achieving/maintaining a health-enhancing level of physical fitness. Corresponds to State Goal 20: "Achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical fitness based upon continual self assessment."

PLO 3-Teamwork and Social Participation in Physical Activity: Students will demonstrate effective collaboration, leadership, communication, and ethical behavior when participating in team, dual, and individual physical activity contexts. Corresponds to State Goal 21: "Develop skills necessary to become a successful member of a team by working with others during physical activity."

PLO 4- Health Promotion, Prevention and Lifelong Activity: Students will apply principles of health promotion and injury/illness prevention and treatment and will design physical activity programs that support a lifelong active lifestyle. Corresponds to State Goal 22: "Understand principles of health promotion and the prevention and treatment of illness and injury."

PLO 5- Human Body Systems and Growth/Development: Students will demonstrate knowledge of human body systems, the factors that influence growth and development, and how physical activity interacts with these systems over the lifespan. Corresponds to State Goal 23: "Understand human body systems and factors that influence growth and development."

PLO 6- Communication, Decision-Making and Well-Being in Physical Activity: Students will use effective decision-making, self-management, and communication skills to promote and enhance personal health and well being through physical activity. Corresponds to State Goal 24: "Promote and enhance health and well-being through the use of effective communication and decision-making skills."

Choosing SXU for your Physical Education degree means preparing to become an impactful educator in a mission-driven, student-centered environment. SXU’s PE program is fully aligned with Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) licensure standards and SHAPE America guidelines, ensuring graduates are classroom-ready and eligible for certification in Illinois. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized faculty mentorship, and early, progressive field experiences in diverse school settings, allowing them to apply theory to practice from the start of their program. SXU emphasizes hands-on learning, ethical leadership, and service to diverse communities, preparing future PE teachers to create inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and engaging physical activity programs for all learners. The program’s strong partnerships with local school districts provide robust clinical placements, student teaching opportunities, and professional networking that often lead directly to employment. Graduates leave SXU not only credentialed but confident, professionally connected, and prepared to lead the next generation toward healthier, more active lives.