Why Choose Physical Education at Bushnell?
Evidence-based instruction. Practical teaching experience. Personalized faculty mentorship. Bushnell’s Physical Education Certificate prepares you to earn a Physical Education (PreK–12) endorsement while developing the knowledge and skills to promote lifelong health, physical literacy, and student wellness.
You’ll learn from experienced educators while completing coursework and supervised practicum experiences in authentic school settings. Throughout the program, you’ll strengthen your ability to design engaging lessons, adapt instruction for diverse learners, assess student progress, and create inclusive physical education environments that support every student’s success.
Graduate prepared to inspire healthy, active lifestyles in PK–12 schools. Grounded in Christian values and aligned with Oregon licensure requirements, the program equips you to lead with confidence while making a meaningful impact on students, schools, and communities.
What You’ll Study
How the Curriculum is Structured
As you earn your Physical Education Certificate, you’ll study how movement, physical activity, and inclusive instruction support student learning and development. You’ll explore evidence-based teaching methods, assessment strategies, adaptive physical education, and classroom practices that help every learner participate and succeed.
Program Coursework
- Introduction to Movement
- Adaptive Physical Education
- Physical Education Methods for All Grades
- Physical Education Practicum
You’ll also complete supervised clinical experiences that allow you to apply what you’ve learned in authentic school settings while preparing for Oregon licensure requirements.
Clinical Practicum
Your practicum gives you the opportunity to turn theory into practice. Working alongside an experienced licensed educator, you’ll plan lessons, teach students, assess learning, and demonstrate your ability to deliver engaging physical education instruction.
If you’re currently teaching physical education, you may be able to complete your practicum within your current teaching assignment. If you’re teaching another subject area, you’ll work with Bushnell to identify an appropriate clinical placement.
Planning Your Certificate
Find everything you need to know about program requirements, licensure, clinical practice, tuition, and next steps as you prepare to add a Physical Education endorsement to your Oregon teaching license.
You’ll complete the 8-credit Physical Education Certificate in approximately nine months through a hybrid format that combines online coursework with select in-person learning experiences. New cohorts begin each August, allowing you to earn your endorsement while balancing your professional responsibilities.
You’ll apply your coursework through a supervised Physical Education practicum where you’ll work alongside experienced educators in school settings. These hands-on experiences help you build instructional confidence while preparing you to teach students with diverse learning needs.
Upon successful completion of the certificate, you’ll be prepared to apply for a Physical Education endorsement through the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC). The curriculum is aligned with Oregon licensure standards and prepares you to teach physical education in PreK-12 classrooms.
Candidates seeking a Physical Education endorsement must complete any testing requirements established by the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC). Program faculty will help you understand current testing and endorsement requirements throughout the program.
Your investment includes tuition along with educational expenses such as books, technology fees, and other program-related costs. Bushnell’s admissions and financial aid teams are available to help you understand tuition, estimate your total costs, and explore available funding options
Per Semester:
Housing & Food: $5,650
Books & Supplies: $55 per credit
Personal: $700
Transportation: $700
Tech Fee: $175
Bushnell is committed to making graduate certificates accessible for working educators. You may be eligible for financial aid, employer tuition assistance, military and veteran education benefits, or other funding opportunities. Our admissions team can help you identify resources that fit your situation.
Career Outlook
What Can You Do with a Physical Education Certificate?
Earning Bushnell’s Physical Education Certificate prepares you to expand your teaching responsibilities by adding a Physical Education (PreK-12) endorsement to your Oregon teaching license.
After earning your certificate, you’ll be prepared to:
- Teach physical education in public and private PreK-12 schools
- Add a Physical Education (PreK-12) endorsement to your Oregon teaching license
- Lead inclusive physical education classes for students with diverse learning needs
- Develop engaging fitness, movement, and lifelong wellness programs
- Expand your teaching responsibilities and career opportunities within your school or district
- Support student health, physical literacy, and overall well-being through evidence-based instruction
Skills You’ll Gain
Through Bushnell’s Physical Education Certificate, you’ll develop practical skills to lead engaging, inclusive, and standards-based physical education programs, including:
- Design standards-based physical education lessons
- Adapt instruction for diverse learners
- Assess student growth and physical development
- Foster lifelong health and wellness
- Lead inclusive physical education programs
- Apply evidence-based instructional practices
Accreditation
Bushnell University’s School of Education meets rigorous academic and professional standards. The Teacher Education program 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, Bushnell’s licensure programs are approved by the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC). These accreditations ensure the program meets state and national expectations for educator preparation and supports eligibility for teacher licensure and professional advancement.
Frequently Asked Questions?
The Physical Education Certificate is designed for licensed teachers and teacher candidates who want to add a Physical Education (PreK-12) endorsement to their Oregon teaching license. It’s ideal if you’re looking to expand your teaching qualifications, pursue new career opportunities, or complete an endorsement while enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s teacher education program.
Most students complete Bushnell’s Physical Education Certificate in approximately nine months. The hybrid program begins each August and consists of 8 graduate credits, allowing you to earn your endorsement in less than one academic year.
Yes. The hybrid format is designed with working educators in mind. If you’re currently teaching physical education, you may be able to complete your practicum in your current teaching assignment. If you’re teaching another subject, Bushnell will work with you to arrange an appropriate clinical placement.
Yes. The curriculum is aligned with Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) requirements and prepares you to apply for a Physical Education (PreK-12) endorsement. Candidates must also complete any state-required testing and endorsement requirements established by TSPC.
Contact Us
Have questions about Bushnell’s PE Certificate? Your 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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Next Steps
Interested in becoming a part of the Beacon community? We’re here to answer questions and help you see if Bushnell is right for you.
