The Department of Physical Education is a component of the Bower-Suhrheinrich College of Education and Human Services. The department provides bachelor of science degrees in physical education, both teaching and non-teaching and exercise science. It also provides minors in health and safety education, coaching, and fitness instruction. The professional preparation programs reflect current literature and research on most effective practices. Programs also comply with state and national standards for certification and/or licensure.

The goal of the department relevant to professional preparation programs is to provide students with a quality education which will contribute to their store of knowledge, will reinforce their commitment to healthy living, will prepare them to compete for employment opportunities with peers graduating from other institutions with similar professional backgrounds and will encourage partnership activities with community and professional organizations through leadership activities.

The department is also responsible for a two hour wellness/fitness component in the University Core Curriculum and a six hour health/physical activity component in elementary education. The purpose of these components is to raise student's level of awareness about the importance of health in every stage of life, and to provide them with information and resources which encourage healthy living and physically active lives.