Education

Few things are more rewarding to a teacher than the spark of triumph on the face of a student. The "I got it!" look reveals a sensational feeling and drives both teacher and student to learn even more. Not only will you experience this feeling firsthand from professors in the School of Education & Exercise Science, you will learn how to create that spark in your own classroom.

Buena Vista University offers an education, aligned with state requirements, which will help show you how to reach your professional potential.  Upon successful completion of the teacher education program you will be eligible for certification by the State of Iowa to teach coursework in elementary and secondary schools. The program develops skills in relationship-building, leadership, and problem-solving that will help enable you to work effectively with students, administrators, and colleagues. It is an immersive experience in the heart of one of Iowa's most diverse public school districts that will leave you well-prepared for the changing dynamics of primary and secondary education in the Midwest and beyond.

Exercise Science and Athletic Training

Working in the field of sports does not always mean working 'on the field.' Sports and athletic organizations - whether educational, professional or recreational - need professionals to coach players, manage venues, and help athletes through injuries. Clinics need skilled practitioners to research injury treatment and prevention.

Through Buena Vista University's athletics-related majors, you'll understand not just the hows of practice but the whys as you gain an education strongly grounded in both theory and practice. Classes cover athletics theoretically as well as practically, with courses on the history and ethics of sports in addition to practical clinical and coaching experience. On the research side, you'll design and implement injury prevention and training programs. On the practice side, you'll work closely with faculty members with diverse working-world experiences - from school administration to counseling - who are also coaches and practitioners: BVU's coaches teach coaching classes, while its athletic trainers teach athletic training courses.

Exercise Science offers three majors. Sport management is a cross-disciplinary degree drawing courses from business, communication and exercise science, offering preparation for event and facilities management. In human performance, you'll learn how to help athletes reach their peak abilities in a program that provides you with strong preparation for continued study, practice, and research in the science of human movement. The physical education and coaching programs offer a major, minor and certifications that help extensively qualify you to teach physical education and coach at elementary, middle and high schools.

BVU's Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) is a four-year academic program integrated with a three-year clinical program. The athletic training major provides a thorough, hands-on education in the prevention, evaluation, management and rehabilitation of athletic injuries, taught by a faculty of certified athletic trainers. Upon finishing the program, you'll be eligible to sit for the Board of Certification Exam, the successful completion of which qualifies you to practice as an athletic trainer. The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).