Physical Education, A.A.

Print Advising Guide (opens a new window) |

Suggested Curriculum

Physical therapy is the promotion of optimum human health and function through the application of scientific principles to prevent, identify, correct or alleviate dysfunctions originating in anatomy. This program provides the student with a sound background in the basic sciences and mathematics necessary for admission to a physical therapy program. Admission to these programs is very competitive. Physical therapy programs look for students with high grade point averages, especially in the science and math courses. In addition, documented clinical experience is a prerequisite for admission to most programs.

I. General Education Core (37-38)

Area A: Communications (9 credits)

ENG 101 Composition I 3 hrs transfer credit - with a grade of C or better
ENG 102 Composition II 3 hrs transfer credit - with a grade of C or better
COMM 101 Principles of Communication 3 hrs transfer credit - with a grade of C or better

Area B: Humanities and Fine Arts (9 credits)

Select three courses from Area B with at least one course from humanities and one from fine arts. For Illinois teacher certification, select one English course numbered 200 or above.

ART 131 Survey of Non-Western Art 3 hrs transfer credit
ENG 243 Non-Western Literature In English 3 hrs transfer credit
HUMAN 101 Comparative Religions 3 hrs transfer credit or
PHILO 205 Eastern Philosophy 3 hrs transfer credit recommended to meet the non-Western Cultures requirement at some senior institutions.

Area C: Mathematics (3 credits)

Select one math course from the list for Area C

Area D: Physical and Life Sciences (7-8 credits)

Select one life science course and one physical science course from the list for Area D . One course must have a lab component. It is recommended that both courses have a lab for the Illinois teaching certificate.

BIOL 112 Organismal Biology 4 hrs transfer credit recommended

Area E: Social and Behavioral Sciences (9 credits)

Select three courses in at least two different disciplines from the list for Area E including:

PSYCH 101 Introduction to Psychology 3 hrs transfer credit
PSYCH 102 Human Growth and Development: Life Span 3 hrs transfer credit
POLSC 140 Introduction to U.S. Government and Politics 3 hrs transfer credit or
HIST 201 U.S. History: 1492 to 1877 3 hrs transfer credit or
HIST 202 U.S. History: 1877 to Present 3 hrs transfer credit recommended for Illinois teacher certification.

II. Area of Concentration/Major Field (24-25)

BIOL 111 Cellular and Molecular Biology 4 hrs transfer credit
BIOL 221 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4 hrs transfer credit
BIOL 222 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4 hrs transfer credit
ED 100 Foundations of American Public Education 3 hrs credit
HLTH 101 Health and Wellness 2 hrs transfer credit
PES 200 Officiating Sports 3 hrs transfer credit
PES 201 Introduction to Physical Education 2 hrs transfer credit

Select up to 4 credits from the following physical education activity courses:

PE 101 Physical Fitness I 1 hr transfer credit
PE 102 Physical Fitness II 1 hr transfer credit
PE 103 Physical Fitness III 1 hr transfer credit
PE 104 Physical Fitness IV 1 hr transfer credit
PE 105 Aerobics I 1 hr transfer credit
PE 106 Aerobics II 1 hr transfer cr
PE 107 Aerobics III 1 hr transfer cr
PE 108 Aerobics IV 1 hr transfer cr
PE 151 Basketball 1 hr transfer credit
PE 161 Soccer 1 hr transfer credit
PE 162 Volleyball 1 hr transfer credit
PE 163 Golf 1 hr transfer credit
PE 164 Tennis 1 hr transfer credit
PE 165 Softball 1 hr transfer credit

Required A.A. Degree Program Total: 62 credits

Each college and university has its own major requirements and transfer policies. Consult the schools you are considering and a PSC advisor to discuss courses and their transferability.