The Department of Physical Education and Recreation offers two undergraduate majors with many courses related to physical activity, exercise, athletic coaching, wellness and recreation. All students majoring in the department participate in at least one internship.

Faculty are dedicated to providing an environment that is visual, experiential and student-centered.

The department coordinates Gallaudet's Personal Discovery Program, which builds confidence, teamwork and lifelong friendships through Gallaudet's ropes course, rock climbing, canoeing and other activities. Students in the Advanced Discovery class gain experienced training and leading new students in the program.

Most recent department alumni are employed or in graduate school within one year of graduation. Read more about our alumni outcomes.

The Department of Physical Education and Recreation offers an undergraduate major with many courses related to physical activity, exercise, athletic coaching, wellness and recreation. Students aiming to secure certification to teach physical education in elementary or high schools must continue their education in an accredited teacher preparation undergraduate or graduate school program.

The Department of Physical Education and Recreation offers the following undergraduate programs:

Our Mission

The Physical Education and Recreation major prepares students to become leaders in promoting health enhancing physical activities. Students acquire professional content knowledge and develop skills necessary to plan, lead, and manage physical, recreation, and sport activities and programs within diverse environments. The major prepares students to foster active lifestyles that contribute to an improved quality of life within today's highly competitive, technological, and rapidly changing world. The major program emphasizes Gallaudet University's unique approaches to bilingual communication that accommodate Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing individuals.

A Word from the Chairperson

Our faculty believes that the environment and manner in which students are taught should be conducive to optimal learning. The environment should foster an atmosphere of mutual respect where students are encouraged to become intellectually curious, use critical thinking skills, gain independence, and move toward their full potential. To this end the faculty is dedicated to providing an environment which is visual, experiential, and student-centered. The faculty's goal is to facilitate the educational process where by students can learn to think with integrity, act responsibly, and exemplify a commitment to service that fosters an improved quality of life.