Dec 05, 2025  
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

Physical Education Teacher Education (B.S.)

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus


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Program Coordinator/Contact

Tracy Nelson, Coordinator
School of Health and Human Sciences
Wagner Hall 139, Box 2275A
605-688-4034

Program Information

A major in Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) is intended to prepare teacher candidates for entry into public and private PK-12 education settings. Upon completion of the PETE curriculum, the successful completion of student teaching, and the requisite Praxis II content and licensure exams, teacher candidates are eligible to apply for teacher licensure in South Dakota and other states. In addition to completing the courses required of the curriculum, teacher candidates will complete field and clinical experiences related to their coursework, beginning with the first semester they are officially admitted to the PETE program. These experiences are in addition to those field experiences that are part of the Teacher Education program.

Accreditation

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and SHAPE America as the Specialized Professional Associations (SPA) Standards

South Dakota Department of Education

Certification and Licensure

  • Completion of an approved teacher preparation program.
  • Completion of an approved South Dakota Indian studies course.
  • Pass the state designated content knowledge test or 2.7 GPA in content major coursework.
  • Pass the state designated pedagogy test.
  • Apply online with the South Dakota Department of Education.
  • Written recommendation from institution of higher education (SDSU) verifying program completion.

This program meets professional licensure in South Dakota. At this time SDSU cannot confirm this program or its courses meet requirements for professional licensure in states outside of South Dakota. Assistance will be provided to candidates in contacting the licensing authority in the student’s state and understanding the requirements for licensure. Please contact the program coordinator.

Course Delivery Format

The program provides instruction through traditional classroom settings, hybrid and online learning settings, as well as classes that mix of classroom, lab and field/clinical experiences.

Program Application


Admission to the PETE program requires completion and submission of an official PETE program application. The application is due to the PETE Coordinator no later than February 1, and can be obtained from the PETE Coordinator or the PETE Professional Advisor

Specific requirements for admission include a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, minimum grade of C in ENGL 101 CMST 101 MATH 103 , and enrolled in or completion of (with a minimum C) PE 185 . Application decisions are determined in time for early registration for the following fall semester. Students will either be fully accepted or accepted pending receipt of spring grades. If you have questions about this policy, please contact the PETE Coordinator.

Program Assessment


Technical standards and elements from the aid in development of assessments used throughout the PETE program. Teacher candidates are assessed frequently on performance as well as teaching and Professional Dispositions. These assessments are kept on file as part of the PETE assessment program. Additionally, the PETE Coordinator monitors semester and cumulative GPA and communicates with teacher candidates.

Teacher Education Program Progression Requirements


Acceptance into Teacher Education

  • A grade of “C” or better is required in education coursework (classes with AIS, EDFN, HLTH, PE, SEED, or SPED prefixes).
  • An overall GPA of 2.5 is required.
  • A GPA in the academic major of 2.6 is required.
  • Completion of program application and professional licensure location form.

Acceptance into Residency I

  • A grade of “C” or better is required in education coursework (classes with AIS, EDFN, HLTH, PE, SEED, or SPED prefixes).
  • An overall GPA of 2.5 is required.
  • A GPA of 2.7 is required in both major and education courses.
  • The teacher candidate must take the Praxis content exam.
  • The teacher candidate is also required to complete a criminal background check with field placements, a TB test with negative reading, and CPR and first aid certification.

Acceptance into Residency II

  • A grade of “C” or better is required in education coursework (classes with AIS, EDFN, HLTH, PE, SEED, or SPED prefixes).
  • An overall GPA of 2.5 is required.
  • A GPA of 2.7 is required in both major and education courses.
  • The teacher candidate must take the Praxis PLT exam.

Academic Requirements


  • A grade of “C” or better is required in education coursework (classes with AIS, EDFN, HLTH, PE, SEED, or SPED prefixes).
  • An overall GPA of 2.5 is required.
  • A GPA of 2.7 is required in both major and education courses.

Requirements for Physical Education Teacher Education Major: 120 Credits


Bachelor of Science

System General Education Requirements


College of Education and Human Sciences Requirements


Major Requirements


Electives


Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Total Required Credits: 120


Summary of Program Requirements


Bachelor of Science

System General Education Requirements* 30 Credit Hours
College of Education and Human Sciences Requirements 4 Credit Hours
Major Requirements 85 Credit Hours
Electives** 1 Credit Hours

*System General Education Requirements for students pursuing a baccalaureate degree shall include a minimum of 30 credit hours. Some general education coursework may be counted for Major Requirements and Supporting Coursework.
**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Academic Advising Guide Sheet


The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.

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