Frequently Asked Questions: K‑12 Teacher Licensure

1) How do I become a student in your major?

• You can declare Healthful Living and Fitness Education (HLFE) K‑12 Teacher Licensure specialty as your major after completion of 24 credit hours.

2) How do I become admitted to Watson College of Education?

• Students apply to WCE in their junior year with assistance from their HLFE advisor.
• Completion of the university requirements in English, mathematics and a science laboratory course with a grade of "C-" or better Completion of introductory educational foundations coursework, EDN 200 with a grade of "C-" or better.
• Completion of forty-five or more college credit hours with a minimum overall grade point average of 2.70 on a 4.00 scale on work attempted at UNCW. Transfer students must earn a 2.70 on a minimum of 9 hours completed at UNCW.
• Passing scores on teacher education entry tests specified and mandated by the Board of Education of the State of NC.

3) How do I become eligible for internship?

• Be admitted to the Watson School of Education.
• Have completed all required education courses and ideally all academic major courses.

4) Are scholarships available?

• Merit and need-based scholarships are available at UNCW. Explore more via the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.

5) Are summer classes available in HLFE?

• Yes – Typically Healthful Living and Fitness Education courses (including study abroad courses) are offered both summer sessions.

6) What are the prerequisites for your program?

• A 2.7 GPA is required at the time of application to the WCE (typically junior year).
• Prospective HLFE majors should have a passion for teaching and coaching children and adolescents.

7) What can I do with a degree in HLFE?

• YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the lives of children and adolescents.
• The HLFE degree leads to Licensure to teach K-12 Physical Education and Health in North Carolina (reciprocal to other states).
• Opens doors to many other careers, such as physical therapy, athletic training, athletic administration, etc., with some additional education or training.

8) How employable will I be with a degree in HLFE?

• The majority of our graduates immediately secure teaching and athletics coaching positions in K-12 schools.

9) Is there a particular course sequence I must follow?

• Students will be encouraged to complete course work in a sequential manner determined by the HLFE advisor.

10) Does your program offer online classes?

• There are several required courses that are offered online. However, most method courses are face to face.

11) When should I declare my major in HLFE?

• As soon as possible! Advisors can assist you in making all course work count and you can graduate in four years.

12) Am I required to complete all University Studies prior to beginning HLFE?

• No, you can complete University Studies during or after completing requirements for Healthful Living and Fitness Education.

13) I am a transfer student. Am I required to take a course at UNCW prior to declaring my major in HLFE?

• No.

14) I am a transfer student from a similar program at another school. Will my courses be transferable to the HLFE program at UNCW?

• All course work will be reviewed to determine if the intent of each course is met.