School of Education & Social Sciences · Add-on teaching certification
Health K–12 Add-On Certification
Add health to your physical education certification.
Want to teach health as well as PE? Physical education K–12 majors can add Missouri Health K–12 certification by taking PHYS 340 Techniques of Teaching Health.
PE K–12 major
required
Grades K–12
Missouri certification
PHYS 340
Techniques of Teaching Health
On campus
in Marshall, Missouri
Is this program for me?
This program may be a great fit if you want to…
- Teach both physical education and health.
- Help students build healthy habits for life.
- Add flexibility to your teaching career.
- Make the most of your PE major.
What you’ll be able to do
Skills you’ll build
- Plan health instruction for K–12 students.
- Choose effective methods for teaching health content.
- Connect health and physical education.
How it works
Add it to your PE major
The certification builds on the Physical Education K–12 major.
02
Take PHYS 340
Add PHYS 340 Techniques of Teaching Health (2 credit hours). PHYS 220 is a prerequisite.
03
Certify
Talk with the Dean about the health certification assessment and applying to Missouri.
About certification: MVU’s teacher education programs are approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). A degree isn’t a teaching license. After you complete the program and pass the Missouri Content Assessment (MCA) and DESE’s required exit assessment, you apply to Missouri for your certificate. Planning to teach in another state? Check with that state’s education agency.
Explore the curriculum
What you’ll study
Here’s what the certification requires. Your advisor helps you plan.
Required course
- PHYS 340 Techniques of Teaching Health (2 credits)
- Taken along with the Physical Education K–12 major. It’s recommended alongside PHYS 322 Safety and Health Education for the Elementary Child.
Admission to the teacher education program
- At least 30 credit hours completed
- Passing scores on all sections of the Missouri General Education Assessment (MoGEA)
- A GPA of 3.0 or higher overall, in your content area, and in education courses, and an ACT score of at least 20
- A C or better in ENGL 160, COMM 100, and EDUC 100
- An application to the Education office by March 15 (for fall) or November 15 (for spring)
- A writing sample, plus any required remediation
- Proof of current CPR certification
- See the teacher education handbook for student teaching standards
Getting started
How to get started
Add-on certifications are earned alongside an MVU major. New to MVU? Start with the free application.
01
Choose your major
Major in Physical Education K–12 at MVU.
02
Apply to teacher education
After 30 credit hours, apply to the teacher education program. Applications are due March 15 for fall and November 15 for spring.
03
Finish and certify
Complete the courses, pass the Missouri Content Assessment for the area, and apply to Missouri for certification.
Is this a separate degree?
No. An add-on certification is earned alongside an MVU major, so you graduate with your bachelor’s degree and are prepared for an additional Missouri teaching certification.
Will I be certified to teach?
After you complete the program and pass the Missouri Content Assessment (MCA) and DESE’s exit assessment, you apply to Missouri for your certificate. A degree on its own isn’t a teaching license.
Who can add health certification?
Students in the Physical Education K–12 major. Talk with the Dean about other options.
Talk with the Dean
Have questions about certification, the courses, or how this fits your major? Reach out. We’re happy to talk through your goals.
Health K–12 Certification

