Why Choose Physical Education at Bushnell?
Bushnell University’s School of Education combines faith-informed teaching, faculty expertise, and personalized support to serve working educators. The Physical Education Certificate emphasizes research-based instructional practices, ethical leadership, and whole-person development grounded in a Christian worldview. Courses are taught by experienced educators who understand Oregon licensure requirements and classroom realities. Bushnell’s cohort-based, hybrid delivery model allows you to pursue professional advancement while maintaining current teaching or educational responsibilities.
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Career preparation outcomes: health sciences, graduate study, secondary education, or direct entry into the workforce
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Academic pathways: Pre-Health Sciences, General Biology, and Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology
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Biology majors complete hands-on research or internship experience before graduation
What You’ll Study
How the Curriculum is Structured
The curriculum integrates physical education theory, instructional methods, and applied practice aligned with Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) expectations. Coursework addresses motor development, adaptive physical education, instructional strategies for all grade levels, and assessment of physical fitness and skill development. Courses may also apply toward the Master of Arts in Teaching or Bachelor of Science in Teacher Education, allowing candidates to align certificate study with degree pathways when applicable.
Clinical Practice
Clinical practice is a required component of the Physical Education Certificate. During school-based clinical experiences, you work closely with a certified teacher in your area of concentration to apply research-based instructional strategies in authentic learning environments. Under supervised guidance, you develop a work sample and demonstrate professional competencies related to planning, instruction, assessment, and learner engagement. Practicum experiences emphasize sensitivity to individual differences and the needs of diverse student populations.
Career Outcomes & Professional Pathways
The Physical Education Certificate prepares you to teach physical education in public and private K–12 schools. As a graduate, you will be equipped to design and implement comprehensive physical education programs that promote physical literacy, healthy lifestyles, and inclusive participation. The certificate supports professional advancement for educators seeking expanded instructional roles or additional endorsements within school and district settings.
What Can You Do with a Certificate in Physical Education ? (Widget)
Accreditation
The School of Education at Bushnell University is nationally accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) and regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). In addition, the university’s teaching licensure programs are approved by the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC). These accreditations ensure alignment with state and national standards for educator preparation.
Admissions Requirements
Admission to the Physical Education Certificate requires a completed application and official transcripts documenting a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. You must submit a 2–3 page statement of purpose, a current résumé, one letter of recommendation addressing academic ability and professional character, and complete two disposition assessments and a personal interview. Applicants must hold a current teaching license.
Tuition, Financial Aid & Scholarships
Graduate certificates are offered at the same per-credit tuition rate as the Master of Arts in Teaching program. Tuition is charged per credit hour, with total cost dependent on the required 8 credits. You may be eligible for financial aid, military and veteran benefits, or institutional scholarships such as the Pathways in Education Scholarship.
I particularly liked the small class sizes and the professors’ willingness to regularly engage with the class over science or life. I can also attest to the professors’ intentional efforts to form relationships and help mentor and guide students towards their vocation and calling.”
Frequently Asked Questions?
This certificate is designed for licensed educators and teacher candidates who wish to add a Physical Education specialty endorsement for grades PreK–12. The program supports teachers seeking professional growth, expanded instructional roles, or endorsement completion within a Bachelor’s or Master’s education program.
The Physical Education Certificate can be completed in approximately nine months. The program follows a cohort-based structure beginning in August, allowing you to progress through required coursework in a defined and efficient timeline.
If you are currently teaching physical education, your teaching role may be used to fulfill practicum requirements, making it feasible to continue working while enrolled. If you are teaching in a different subject area, you may need to adjust your schedule to complete the required physical education practicum.
Yes. Completion of the certificate supports requests to add a Physical Education specialty endorsement to an Oregon teaching license. Endorsement requests require an application, fee, official test scores, and additional evidence as determined by the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC).
Contact Us
Have questions about Bushnell’s PE Certificate? An admissions counselor can walk you through requirements, discuss transfer credits, and help you figure out your next step.
Our faculty and staff are 100% committed to your learning and invested in your success.
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