Alternative Careers in Physical Education.

Overview & Synopsis

A program offering alternative career education for physical education majors is described. At the Chicago Circle campus of the University of Illinois, the School of Physical Education was recently granted college status and became the College of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. This move was responsive to the declining demand for athletic coaches and physical education teachers in the schools. The new program offers options for nonteaching positions in the area of physical activity. A restructured curriculum now includes six areas: commercial physical education, athletic training, athletic administration, and corrective therapy, in addition to physical education teaching and coaching. Expansion of the curriculum is planned and, in the future, will also provide education in sports administration. Trends in expanding career opportunities for physical education majors are discussed in this document. (JD)