For Prospective Students

Explore the Health and Physical Education Major

Students interested in pursuing a Health and Physical Education (HPED) degree are encouraged to explore our program information and contact Dr. Luciana Zuest, HPED Program Coordinator, with any questions. Appointments to tour our facilities and discuss the major are available upon request.

For Transfer Students

Students planning to transfer into the HPED program are encouraged to use the Transfer Admissions resources, including transfer planning tools and course equivalency guides. Because appropriate transfer course selection is essential to timely degree completion, we highly recommend that transfer students contact Transfer Admissions early in their undergraduate studies.

Early planning helps ensure a smooth transfer experience and reduces the likelihood of delayed graduation.

Education Preparation Programs (EPP) Requirements

Admission into the Teacher Education Programs

The HPED program adheres to the requirements established by the Teacher Education Executive Board. Please consult the and the for detailed information.

Requirements for Maintaining Candidates Status

Once admitted to the Teacher Education Program, candidates must maintain a semester GPA of 3.00. At the department’s discretion, candidates who do not meet the 3.00 semester GPA requirement may continue for one additional semester under probationary status; however, they must meet the 3.00 semester GPA requirement by the end of the probationary period. Candidates who do not meet the GPA requirement at the end of the probationary period will be dismissed from the program.

A candidate may reapply to the program once a 3.00 semester GPA has been obtained during a spring or fall semester but must meet all admission criteria to be readmitted. 

Program Phases and Practicum Experiences

Practicum experiences are a vital part of the HPED teacher education program, giving students the opportunity to apply theory to real-world teaching in Maryland schools. Each phase of the program includes structured fieldwork to support professional growth and readiness.

In accordance with Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) requirements for teacher preparation, the HPED program includes a full year of school-based practicum experiences. These structured placements provide candidates with progressive responsibilities across elementary and secondary settings and ensure readiness for the final capstone experience.

Phase I: Pre-Professional Program

Students complete foundational and observational experiences, including:

  • HPED 293 – Introduction to Health & Physical Education
  • KNES 238 – Physical Fitness, Programming & Assessment (includes on-campus instructional experience teaching homeschooled children ages 4–13)

Phase II: Professional Program

Practicum I and II

In the Professional Program, students complete core teaching and methods courses that make up the Practicum I and Practicum II experiences:

  • KNES 317 – Motor Behavior (PE Practicum I) 
  • HPED 302 – Drug Use & Personal Safety Education (HE Practicum I) 
  • HPED 402 – Methods in Health Education (HE Practicum II)
  • HPED 403 – Methods in Physical Education (PE Practicum II) 

These courses include a total of 70 days in public school settings across the Baltimore metropolitan area. Throughout these experiences, students progress through a sequence of professional responsibilities, including:

  • Observing mentor teachers 
  • Co-teaching 
  • Adapting and teaching lessons
  • Independently planning and delivering multiple lessons 

Capstone Practicum

As part of HPED 481 – Capstone Internship and Seminar in HPE, candidates participate in a weekly seminar and complete a full-time, semester-long Capstone Practicum in public schools. Students choose between health education and physical education at the elementary or secondary level. 

Health and Physical Education Coordinator

Dr. Luciana Zuest 
410-704-5610