All physical education majors take courses which focus on the scientific study of human movement. These courses include exercise physiology, kinesiology (a.k.a. applied biomechanics) and motor learning. In addition to providing a base of knowledge in the discipline, students are prepared for graduate level work after the successful completion of these courses.
Sport management
Administration classes, business classes and hands-on internships prepare
Goshen graduates for careers in sport management, such as marketing, managing a fitness facility, directing a sport program, running tournaments, or working in public parks or recreation jobs.
Learning how to teach and coach
Helping others develop healthy lifestyles and physical skill is a
rewarding physical education possibility.
At Goshen, a teaching major
prepares you to complete the portfolio and take the necessary state test for licensure to teach
grades K-12.
The coaching endorsement requirements allow students to learn and develop leadership skills specifically related to the coaching profession. Sociological and psychological aspects are discussed in this class in addition to more practical aspects related to coaching such as practice planning, running drills, budgeting and ordering equipment. Coaching internships provide real world experience for students with this career goal.
Promoting wellness
All students at Goshen College are required to take a wellness class. This class introduces first year students to the Roman Gingerich Recreation-Fitness Center and encourages them to utilize the facilities available.
A variety of topics such as fitness, nutrition, sexuality, spirituality, environmental issues, disease and stress management are discussed in the course.
Each student develops and implements his or her own personalized wellness plan during the semester.
Activity classes for all
Activity classes offered by the physical education department include badminton, cycling, golf, international folk dance, swimming, tennis and tumbling.
Trinda H. Bishop ('69) and Dr. John Ingold ('59) received the Dr. Ruth Gunden and Dr. Roman Gingerich Champion of Character awards at Homecoming events on Oct. 4, 2008.
Trinda H. Bishop ('69)
While at Goshen College, Trinda Bishop ('69) was a physical education and health major as well as a field hockey athlete. She earned a Masters degree from the University of Colorado in and taught physical education in Littleton, CO.
John Ingold ('59)
Dr. John Ingold ('59), also a physical education major, competed in multiple sports while attending Goshen. He earned a doctoral degree from the University of Illinois and came back to teach and coach in 1964. We are grateful for his work in establishing the exercise physiology lab in the early 1990s. He continues to assist with labs related to biomechanical analysis, oxygen consumption testing and hydrostatic weighing among others.
Intramural and athletic opportunities
In addition to gaining knowledge and skills in physical education
classes, many physical education majors compete in intramural and
intercollegiate sports.
