A physical education student must like to work with people, be adequately skilled in physical activities, have a commitment to fitness and be interested in the physical, biological and social sciences to be successful in this field. All physical education majors are encouraged to pursue a second major or minor.

Most professional teaching preparation programs are designed primarily to meet the needs of those interested in teaching K-12 public school physical education. However, you do see many individuals with a physical education major also working as head or assistant coaches.