2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Movement Science, Physical Education Teacher Licensure (Elementary or Secondary) Concentration, B.S.
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Westfield State University’s educator preparation programs are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). The Department of Sports Medicine and Human Performance, in collaboration with the Education Department, offers a program of study leading to licensure by the Massachusetts Department of Education as a Teacher of Secondary Physical Education.
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Movement Science Major Core (27 credits)
Majors in the Department of Sports Medicine and Human Performance must complete the 27-credit Major Core curriculum, along with general education coursework, concentration-specific requirements, and professional development benchmarks, including Intermediate Standing and Advanced Standing. The Major Core is organized into four key areas: Scientific Foundations, Motor Behavior, Evidence-Based Practices, and Cultural Competence. Please note: requirements within the Major Core may vary slightly depending on your concentration. Be sure to review your program plan or speak with your advisor for guidance. There are minimum GPA requirements to be eligible for graduation: - Major Core: minimum 2.5 GPA
- Concentration: minimum 2.7 GPA (3.0 for PE)
- Overall: minimum 2.8 GPA
Scientific Foundations (18 credits)
Motor Behavior (3 credits)
Choose one of the following courses based on your concentration: Evidence-Based Practice (3 credits)
Choose one of the following courses based on your concentration: Cultural Competence (3 credits)
Choose one of the following courses based on your concentration: Professional Development Procedures
Active participation in professional practices and development opportunities outside of coursework is an essential requirement of the Movement Science major. Throughout the program, students must document these experiences in an E-Portfolio, along with other specified criteria, to meet the Intermediate Standing and Advanced Standing benchmarks required for academic progression. At the core of the department’s philosophy is the belief that true professional growth extends beyond the classroom. Engaging in professional development opportunities-such as attending academic lectures and campus events, volunteering in clinical or community settings, participating in social justice-oriented educational activities, and taking on leadership roles in professional clubs or conferences-allows students to apply their knowledge, build meaningful connections, and cultivate the habits, confidence, and adaptability required in real-world settings. These experiences not only enrich academic learning but also prepare students to be reflective, proactive, and effective professionals in their chosen fields. The department regularly announces a variety of on- and off-campus events that support professional development. Students are also encouraged to take initiative and pursue additional opportunities of personal and professional interest beyond those formally promoted or announced. Intermediate Standing
Students should submit the Intermediate Standing E-Portfolio during their sophomore year. Successful completion of this benchmark allows students to continue in their concentration with upper-level courses (300- and 400-level). Additional information can be found in the SMHP department manual and concentration manuals. For concentration specific requirements, students must consult the manual and thei academic advisors. Intermediate Standing Requirements: - Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the following two (2) courses:
- Intermediate Standing Application
- Student Acknowledgement Form
- Copy of Degree Evaluation
- Current First Aid/CPR Certification
- Minimum of 12 Professional Development Points (PDPs) across four (4) different areas:
- Academic (3), Clinical (3), Professional (3), and Social Justice (3)
- Writing Sample (ENGL 0101; graded; B- or higher)
Advanced Standing
Students should submit the Advanced Standing E-Portfolio in the semester prior to their culminating practicum/internship/field experience. Advanced Standing is a high-stakes benchmark. Successful completion of this benchmark allows students to participate in practicum/internship/field experience. Additional information can be found in the SMHP department manual and concentration manuals. For concentration specific requirements, students must consult the manual and thei academic advisors. Advanced Standing Requirements: - Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the Major Core (27 credits)
- Minimum GPA of 2.7 in Concentration (3.0 for Physical Education Licensure)
- Minimum GPA of 2.8 Overall
- Advanced Standing Application
- Intermediate Standing Approval Letter
- Personal Statment (PE/EXCS/PHPA)/ Cover Letter (SM)
- Professional Resume
- Current First Aid/CPR
- Current Membership in a professional organization
- Three (3) department faculty recommendations
- Two (2) recommendation from outside the department/university
- Minimum of 16 Professional Development Points (PDPs) across four (4) different areas:
- Academic (4), Clinical (4), Professional (4), and Social Justice (4)
Physical Education Concentration
Required Courses (44 credits)
Skills Courses (2-6 credits)
Select two of the following skills courses: Practicum Eligibility
Students must satisfy the following requirements prior to practicum placement: - Overall GPA of 2.8
- GPA of 3.0 in PE Certification courses, and a 2.7 GPA in the PE concentration
- SMHP Advanced Standing Status
- A minimum grade of B- (2.7) in MOVP 0314 - Physical Education Teaching Methodology: Elementary and Secondary
- Passing scores on all required licensure exams (example: Reading, Writing, and Physical Education MTELs)
- Evidence of meeting/passing state and national competencies (verified/signed observation logs, skills assessments, Gateway Assessments, lesson planning assessments, fitness assessments, passing licensure examination)
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