The mission of the Department of Sport Science and Physical Education at Idaho State University is to provide candidates with the intellectual and physical skills necessary to maximize their potential. The study of the physical education discipline is an important part of the curriculum at Idaho State University; it strives to fulfill the university mission as well as the College of Education?s mission in the enhancement of learning, lifelong development, and educational leadership. The study of physical education encourages candidates to respect human dignity, to be critical thinkers, and to be effective communicators. It provides an opportunity for the individual to make decisions regarding lifestyle and health choices enhancing self-direction and self-esteem. Physical education develops both the mental and physical discipline to provide opportunities for mental, social, emotional, spiritual, and personal development while interacting in a university environment.

Curricula are designed to challenge candidates in the theory and to provide opportunity for practical experiences. Candidates are expected to become both advocates for and contributors to the discipline on personal and professional levels. Faculty members are committed to excellence in teaching, concerns for the needs of candidates, service to the community, and expertise in their discipline.

Majors in Physical Education receive preparation for a number of careers. The candidate majoring in Physical Education may select from four emphasis areas including exercise science, outdoor education, sport management, and teaching. Majors receive preparation for graduate work in areas such as physical education, physical therapy, exercise science, outdoor education, and athletic administration.

The Department of Sport Science and Physical Education also offers three minor areas of study to facilitate professional and career development needed by women and men to succeed in a changing world. Candidates may choose to minor in coaching, outdoor education, or sport management.

The Department of Sport Science and Physical Education is committed to make the sport and leisure activity program for the major and non-major an experience serving the needs and interests of participants. The activity program is designed to develop participants? skills in lifetime activities and to increase participants? fitness level.

The Department of Sport Science and Physical Education also offers two Masters degree programs. The Master of Physical Education degree with an emphasis in Athletic Administration is designed to facilitate the intellectual and practical knowledge necessary to enter the field of sport management or administration upon graduation. The Master of Science in Athletic Training develops competent athletic training students who qualify to sit for the Board of Certification examination.