Physical Education – Academics

Our Physical Education Program is not only for the student who wants to become a Physical Education teacher working with K-12 students, but also for those interested in non-teaching careers in fitness, wellness, and even recreation. You can expect very hands-on classes in our program and enjoy extracurricular opportunities through our active PE Majors Club. We provide educational opportunities for our students in and out of the classroom and also serve as a resource for those now in teaching or other professional fields.

Program Highlights

Not a Teacher?

No problem. Teaching is one part of Physical Education, but if you want to explore other careers in fitness and wellness, we’re still the right program for you.

Wide World of Sports

If you’re looking for a program where sports–learning about them and playing them–are par for the course, look no further.

Unique UMPI Benefits

UMPI has special opportunities in the state and beyond, from networking with PE professionals to attending professional conferences.

Get Kids Active

In our program, you can make it your mission to get kids on their feet and having fun, whether or not they realize they’re getting the benefits of physical activity.

Hands-on Learning

One thing you don’t have to worry about in our program is when you’ll get hands-on learning experiences–they happen all the time.

Student Organization

Whether it’s leading middle schoolers in a morning full of activities in Gentile Hall or hosting a fun activity booth during a community event, our PE Majors Club is engaged and always looking for ways to get involved.

Computer, Computer Keyboard, Desk, Electronics, Furniture, Hardware, Human, Keyboard, Person, Table

EXPECT generous scholarships

Financial Aid Scholarships & Awards

Not a Teacher?

For those of you who have always wanted to be a PE teacher, we have you covered. For those of you who love fitness and community wellness but just don’t see yourself in a public school setting, there is still lots to explore with our Physical Education and Athletics Coaching minors.

Wide World of Sports

Our program exposes you to an extensive array of team and individual sports and recreational activities, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, badminton, pickleball, tennis, archery, disc golf, and many others. In addition to improving your personal game skills you will begin learning how to instruct your peers in improving theirs.

EXPECT an education tailored to your needs

Unique UMPI Benefits

Our PE Program has been well-known throughout Maine for decades. In fact, many of the PE educators and professionals in the state trained right here, meaning you have a built in professional network. Many of our students have also had the chance to attend professional conferences such as MAHPERD (Maine Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance) annual conference.

Get Kids Active

Our students get multiple opportunities to host and participate in community physical activity events. This not only makes lasting impressions on the participants and provides valuable teaching and interaction experience for organizers, but also builds an awareness of the important topics concerning the health and wellness of our youth.

Hands-on Learning

So much of physical education involves movement and activity; therefore, our students engage in many hand-on learning activities, movement experiences, spend time observing teachers teach, work alongside teachers, and then get to practice creating and implementing original lesson plans in our public schools.

Student Organization

The Physical Education Majors Club gives students the opportunity to take part in a variety of professional activities to help them develop their skills as future teachers and coaches. Any student can participate in the club’s activities; non P.E. majors are welcomed.

Professional Development

The University’s Physical Education Advisory Group, which is headed by the Coordinator of the PE program and includes several local teachers, meets each semester to talk about ways to improve the program and to select the next workshop title. Our goal is to provide Physical Education teachers information on upcoming professional development opportunities hosted by the University.

Facilities and Field Sites

Gentile Hall

The University’s fitness and wellness facility, Gentile Hall, with its indoor pool, jogging track, climbing wall, fitness center, and multi-purpose gym, is an important educational space for us. The gym floor, specifically, contains lined courts for basketball (2), tennis (2), volleyball (2), badminton (6), team handball (1), and 1-wall racquet ball (3) and serves as the site of many of our classes and learning activities. The building contains other important resources of interest to our majors, including an Exercise Physiology Lab with state-of-the-art exercise monitoring equipment. This space is also used for events where the PE Program or PE Majors Club hosts school and community groups.

Testimonials

Ryan Sanderson, Class of 2019

Ryan chose the Physical Education Program at UMPI because it gave him a wide range of experience teaching and observing in local public schools and, at the same time, allowed him to be successful academically while participating in collegiate athletics.

“I like that the Physical Education Teacher program is a progression every semester, with the courses and professors developing you to become a true professional in the field. I have been able to grow as a teacher over the years because of that progression–from teaching to classmates, to observing in schools, to teaching lessons in schools, to applying to substitute teach, to what’s next up for me–student teaching in both elementary and secondary level physical education programs.”

Hannah Williams, Class of 2019

As a Canadian student, Hannah said she chose to attend UMPI because it felt like home to her. And, because her high school Physical Education teacher was a graduate, she knew she was going into a program that would teach her well. During her time at UMPI, Hannah has participated in the UMPI Physical Education Majors Club, hosted many community events focused around physical activity, and has the opportunity to attend professional conferences. After graduation, she plans to earn her Master’s degree in Adapted Physical Education.

“The one thing that really separates UMPI from other institutions is the people. The number one decision-making factor for me was seeing how genuinely happy the students were at UMPI and hearing from current students how much the faculty, coaches, and administration does to make sure that each and every student is successful.”

Paul Kaplan, Class of 2021

Paul said he knew UMPI was the school for him as it’s renowned throughout Maine and other parts of New England as having one of the best Physical Education programs on the East coast. The cost and the experience he’d get were also big factors.

“I chose UMPI because it gave me the ability to do all the things I love while also saving as much money as possible. Here, I am able to get an amazing education, play two sports, and have the university experience, all within a reasonable budget. College is expensive now, and a teaching degree is a teaching degree, so why not go to a place where you can come out of college without massive amounts of debt?”

Learning Outcomes

The following Learning Outcomes represent those things that students receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education should be able to think, know, and do.

Students will understand how learners learn and develop in order to design and implement challenging learning experiences.
Students will understand how individual differences among learners promotes an inclusive learning environment allowing learners to reach their full potential.
Students will be able to utilize various methods of learner assessment in order to engage learners in their own growth.
Students will be prepared to educate people of all ages and abilities of the importance of lifelong fitness and wellness.
Students will understand how movement abilities are acquired, performed, and potentially improved upon.
Students will be prepared for admission to graduate study in exercise science, adapted physical education, and teaching pedagogy.

Frequently Asked Questions

A. The Degree in Physical Education provides you with a few different options. You can major in P.E. Teaching which can lead to certification in teaching physical education in grades K-12. Additionally, minors in P.E. and Athletics Coaching will prepare you for careers in Fitness & Wellness Leadership, Fitness Instruction, and coaching.

A. Regardless of your choice of a major, several courses have to be taken in sequence. Lower level courses serve a preparatory role in getting you ready for higher level courses. In Physical Education, some of the courses are taught only once every two years, so it becomes crucial to be ready to take these courses. Academic advisors will assist you in scheduling your courses (Recommended Sequence).

A. No. Within the Physical Education Program there is room for you to choose elective courses; courses that seem interesting or, with proper planning, can lead to a Minor degree. Physical Education Majors often Minor in Recreation, Coaching, Art, etc. With proper planning, you can Minor in one of several different options.

A. Yes. There are many opportunities for our P.E. majors to get involved with children from the local communities. Our P.E. Majors Club plans and hosts many community events, bringing children from the surrounding towns to campus for interaction with our students in a variety of activities.

A. No. Typically, during the first four semesters students are taking classes that meet the general curriculum requirements. Students who are taking P.E. classes during this time can use those course credits as electives if they decide to pursue a degree outside of Physical Education.

Faculty

Jonathon Bowman

Head Women's Volleyball Coach
Intramurals Coordinator

Location: Wieden Hall
Phone: (207) 768-9477
Email: jonathon.bowman@maine.edu

Photo of Sloan Dionne

Sloan Dionne

Gentile Manager - Aquatics

Location: Gentile Hall
Phone: (207) 768-9776
Email: sloan.dionne@maine.edu

Alan D Gordon

Head Men's Soccer Coach
Athletic Compliance Officer

Location: 129 Wieden Hall
Phone: (207) 768-9473
Email: alan.gordon@maine.edu

Korrin Patterson

Adjunct Faculty

Email: korrin.patterson@maine.edu

Leo L Saucier

Coordinator of Physical Education
Faculty Athletic Representative

Location: 108 Gentile Hall
Phone: (207) 768-9421
Email: leo.saucierjr@maine.edu

Other Important Links

Online Courses Physed Majors Club

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Physical Education Program Offerings

The Physical Education, BS Teaching Concentration at UMPI is designed to prepare students for careers as certified physical education teachers in K-12 schools. Through a comprehensive curriculum that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical teaching experience, students acquire the skills and competencies needed to promote physical activity, health, and wellness in educational settings. Coursework covers topics such as exercise science, motor development, curriculum design, and teaching methods for diverse populations. Students engage in hands-on learning experiences, including practicum placements in local schools, where they apply teaching strategies and assessment techniques under the supervision of experienced educators.

The Physical Education Minor at the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) offers students a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices essential for promoting physical health and wellness. With a focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical application, students engage in coursework that covers various aspects of physical education, including exercise science, sports psychology, motor development, and coaching techniques. Through hands-on experiences and internships, students have the opportunity to apply their learning in real-world settings, preparing them for careers in teaching, coaching, fitness training, and other related fields.

Moreover, the Physical Education Minor at UMPI emphasizes the importance of promoting lifelong physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices. With a supportive and collaborative learning environment, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills, leadership abilities, and effective communication strategies to inspire others to lead active and healthy lives. Whether pursuing careers in education or community health, graduates of the program are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to make a positive impact on the well-being of individuals and communities.

The Athletics Coaching Minor at the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) is designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills needed for effective coaching in various sports. The program covers key areas such as coaching theory, techniques, sports psychology, and ethical issues in athletics, providing a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to be a successful coach.

If you’re interested in exploring another degree with a similar focus, check out our Exercise Science degree.

What can you do with a degree in Physical Education?

Next Step: Admissions

We’re so excited that you’re considering the University of Maine at Presque Isle! As a student at UMPI, we want your experience to be anything but ordinary! So what makes UMPI extraordinary? Our Learning Environment, Our Student Engagement and Our Location!

No matter what stage of life you are in, we can help you take the plunge into higher education and put you on YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS!