The Physical Education, Fitness, and Sports Studies program will prepare you for a career in any of the following: teaching, coaching, strength and conditioning coaching, personal training, group fitness instruction, exercise science, kinesiology, sport management and marketing, athletic administration, health promotion and wellness.
Ranked as the third best Exercise Science and Kinesiology associate degree program in the U.S. for 2021, the program provides students with a quality educational foundation that integrates a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on practical experience and activity-based courses. The interactive learning environment prepares students for direct entry into the field as a personal trainer or fitness instructor and/or to transfer to a four-year university.
Determine Your Path
Learn skills you need to succeed in a variety of physical education, fitness, and sports studies courses to become a teacher, coach, fitness instructor or sport business professional. This video explains more about the program, our mission and recommended courses.
You want to attend a credible college that stands out from the rest. At COD, you'll discover:
- Dedicated instructors with years of professional experience.
- Affordable programs to help students achieve success without creating overwhelming debt or draining a savings account.
- Instruction utilizing top-notch facilities and equipment in the Physical Education Center (PEC) and Chaparral Fitness Center.
- Small class sizes that ensure students receive personalized attention.
- Convenient and affordable transfer programs with Aurora University, Elmhurst University, Lewis University and Northern Illinois University.
- An award winning program, categorized as the third best Exercise Science and Kinesiology associate degree program in the U.S. for 2021.
Fitness Instructor, Certificate
The Fitness Instructor certificate program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive background in kinesiology and exercise programming that leads to a nationally accredited personal training and/or group fitness certification.
Once certified as a personal trainer and/or group fitness instructor, students are eligible for employment at local health clubs, community centers, park districts, and other fitness-related facilities.
Kinesiology and Fitness Transfer Pathway, A.A.
What is a Transfer Pathway?
A transfer pathway represents a typical course schedule/sequence for a student planning to complete the A.A. degree within two years, then transfer and major in a specific discipline. A transfer pathway is not institution-specific.
It is important to understand that the pathway provided in the adjacent tab is just one possible combination of classes by which to complete an A.A. and prepare for transfer in your chosen area of study. Other course combinations and sequences can work, too. It is strongly recommended that students work directly and frequently with a COD academic counselor/advisor, a COD faculty advisor, and academic counselors/advisors at potential transfer schools, to develop and execute a plan that works best for them.
Kinesiology and Fitness Transfer Pathway, A.S.
What is a Transfer Pathway?
A transfer pathway represents a typical course schedule/sequence for a student planning to complete the A.S. degree within two years, then transfer and major in a specific discipline. A transfer pathway is not institution-specific.
It is important to understand that the pathway provided in the adjacent tab is just one possible combination of classes by which to complete an A.S. and prepare for transfer in your chosen area of study. Other course combinations and sequences can work, too. It is strongly recommended that students work directly and frequently with a COD academic counselor/advisor, a COD faculty advisor, and academic counselors/advisors at potential transfer schools, to develop and execute a plan that works best for them.
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching Transfer Pathway, A.A.
What is a Transfer Pathway?
A transfer pathway represents a typical course schedule/sequence for a student planning to complete the A.A. degree within two years, then transfer and major in a specific discipline. A transfer pathway is not institution-specific.
It is important to understand that the pathway provided in the adjacent tab is just one possible combination of classes by which to complete an A.A. and prepare for transfer in your chosen area of study. Other course combinations and sequences can work, too. It is strongly recommended that students work directly and frequently with a COD academic counselor/advisor, a COD faculty advisor, and academic counselors/advisors at potential transfer schools, to develop and execute a plan that works best for them.
Sports Management Transfer Pathway, A.A.
What is a Transfer Pathway?
A transfer pathway represents a typical course schedule/sequence for a student planning to complete the A.A. degree within two years, then transfer and major in a specific discipline. A transfer pathway is not institution-specific.
It is important to understand that the pathway provided in the adjacent tab is just one possible combination of classes by which to complete an A.A. and prepare for transfer in your chosen area of study. Other course combinations and sequences can work, too. It is strongly recommended that students work directly and frequently with a COD academic counselor/advisor, a COD faculty advisor, and academic counselors/advisors at potential transfer schools, to develop and execute a plan that works best for them.
Get moving and jump into one of our group fitness or activity classes including yoga, pilates, water aerobics, kickboxing, weight training, power lifting, HIIT or boot camp.
All activity classes are taught by experienced, certified instructors who will help you reach your fitness goals and earn a college credit along the way.
A full list of classes can be found in the course catalog.
Complete Your State of Illinois Subsequent Physical Education Endorsement Coursework
Once you complete the requirements needed to earn your Professional Educator License (PEL) or Educator License with Stipulations endorsed in a teaching field, you can earn additional content area endorsements. According to the Illinois State Board of Education, endorsements can be added at any grade level even if the underlying teaching endorsement on the PEL is a different grade range.
COD Stories
"COD promotes success even in the sports world, which can be cutthroat." - Jordan Vargas
Jordan's COD StoryGet Started Today
The first step to getting started in Physical Education, Fitness, and Sports Studies is to apply for admission.
Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree or certificate that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.
Physical Education Theory
- Demonstrate an understanding of the various sub disciplines and occupations within Physical Education, Fitness/Kinesiology, and Sport Management.
- Demonstrate the knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles required for professional success in the fields of Physical Education, Fitness/Kinesiology, and Management.
- Recognize and understand the pathways for successful transfer, certification, and/or certificate completion.
Fitness and Activity
- Enhance personal physical and mental wellness.
- Explain and demonstrate the beneficial link between regular exercise and overall health and wellness.
- Identify and assess personal health and fitness levels, blood pressure, resting heart rate, and proper intensity levels.
- Perform various exercise-related activities at appropriate intensity levels that lead to an improvement in fitness.
- Understand and demonstrate methods to improve muscular strength and endurance, body composition, and flexibility.
Fitness Instructor
- Summarize the role of a fitness instructor, including defining scope of practice, and the professional code of ethics.
- Identify career and educational options within the fitness industry.
- Experience a wide variety of activity-based classes and gain exposure to various teaching styles.
- Identify the principles of motivation, basics of behavior change, and exercise adherence.
- Demonstrate competency in health screening and fitness assessment as well as applying client data to exercise prescription.
- Understand the body’s physiological responses to cardiovascular and muscular training.
- Design safe, comprehensive, and balanced exercise programs for a wide variety of clientele in individual and group settings.
- Identify a wide variety of exercise activities to implement into programs with knowledge of regressions and progressions based on client and/or group needs.
- Explain energy metabolism pathways as applied to aerobic and anaerobic exercise.
- Identify proper nutrition for exercise to enhance fitness development.
- Identify basic business practices leading to a successful career as a fitness professional.
- Prepare students to take a nationally accredited personal training or group fitness certification exam
Kinesiology and Fitness
- Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of Kinesiology.
- Summarize the relationship of physical activity and nutrition as it relates to human wellness.
- Explain the fundamental processes involved in human movement as it relates to anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and motor learning.
- Evaluate the validity of various health and fitness information sources.
- Recognize career opportunities and preparation within the field of Kinesiology.
Teaching and Coaching
- Demonstrate an understanding of the various health issues currently facing today’s society.
- Explain the benefits of regular exercise and healthy eating as it relates to the dimensions of wellness and hypokinetic disease.
- Understand the components of physical fitness and steps to achieve each.
- Recognize and apply proper protocol in periodization of training.
- Recognize career possibilities and preparation within the fields of teaching and coaching.
Sport Management
- Demonstrate the knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles required for professional success and the effective practice of sport management.
- Develop and apply critical thinking skills related to effective and ethical sport management decision-making and problem-solving.
- Recognize the social, ethical, and culturally competent obligations and responsibilities of a sport management professional.
- Develop and apply the interpersonal and professional communication skills necessary for effective sport management practice.
- Recognize career opportunities, options, and the various working environments within sport management.
College of DuPage partners with several four-year institutions to help students seamlessly complete a bachelor’s degree in physical education, fitness and sports studies. Students can connect with Transfer Services for personalized guidance on transfer opportunities.
For more information about Transfer Pathways, visit the College of DuPage Catalog. The pathway outlines a typical two-year course plan for completing an AA or AS degree before transferring to a four-year program. Course requirements vary by institution, so consult your faculty or academic advisor for specific guidance.
Articulation Agreements
College of DuPage maintains transfer agreements with many colleges and universities to ensure a smooth transition toward a bachelor’s degree. These agreements often include a defined course sequence. Students should regularly meet with a faculty member or the Counseling and Advising office to stay on track.- Aurora University, AS (Kinesiology track) to BS in Exercise Science + Master of Science in Athletic Training
- Aurora University, AS (Kinesiology track) to BS in Exercise Science + Master of Science in Exercise Science
- Aurora University, AA (Sport Management track) to BA in Sport Management + MBA Sport Management track
- Elmhurst University, AA to BA in Exercise Science
- Elmhurst University, AA to BA in Physical Education with K-12 Teacher Licensure
- Elmhurst University, AA to BA in Sport Management
- Northern Illinois University, AA to BS in Kinesiology
- Northern Illinois University, AA to BS in Physical Education
- Northern Illinois University, AA to BS in Sport Management
Transfer Guides
Beyond articulation agreements and guaranteed admission programs, College of DuPage courses transfer to many other institutions. Transfer Guides help students select COD courses that meet prerequisites for specific majors and include details such as contact information, major requirements, general education requirements, and transfer policies.Career Information
Explore careers based on your interest, location and salary range or view top occupations by income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your frequently asked questions regarding the Physical Education, Fitness, and Sports Studies program.
Students who pursue an education within Physical Education, Fitness, and Sports Studies are interested in careers within teaching, coaching, personal training, group fitness, strength and conditioning, kinesiology, sport management and marketing, athletic administration, health and wellness.
If you’re not quite sure what you want to pursue as a career, we offer three pathways or intended majors - Physical Education, Teaching, Kinesiology and Sport Management.
Although these paths lead toward specific careers, much of the coursework overlaps and therefore students can move from one path to another. We recommend all students interested in our program start with PHYS 2200, Introduction to Physical Education. This class gives students an understanding of the career and education options within our field as well as clarity on potential paths moving forward.
Our intended majors are designed to lay the educational groundwork for students who are looking to transfer to a four-year university after their initial two years of study at COD.
Our Fitness Instructor Certificate gives students an opportunity to become educated and nationally certified as a personal trainer or group fitness instructor in a shorter amount of time. Once nationally certified, students are employable at health clubs, YMCAs, Park Districts and other fitness-related facilities. This allows students an earlier entry into the fitness field and/or to get certified and gain experience while pursing their degree.
You can take an activity or group fitness class without pursuing a career in sport or fitness. All activity classes are taught by experienced, certified instructors who lead quality workouts to help you reach your fitness goals. You will also earn a college credit along the way.
We offer a wide variety of classes including, but not limited to cardio kickboxing, Yoga, Pilates, water aerobics, a variety of martial arts, weight training, HIIT and relaxation and meditation.
Complete the admissions application or contact one of our faculty members for more information:
Jane Vatchev
Advising area: Physical Education Teacher/Coach
Phone: (630) 942-3329
Stephanie Vlach
Advising area: Sport Management
Phone: (630) 942-2629
