The learning experiences in the Physical Education Department at Simpson College are as diverse as you want to allow yourself to developmentally learn.  Opportunities beyond the class room involve learning experiences to help the student develop in critical thinking, develop a strong sense of work ethic and help them become productive employees in a diverse and ever changing world market.  Sport administration, physical education and athletic and exercise science majors can all benefit from hands-on experiences through internship credit, working in the athletic training room and out on the fileds of competition, in the schools helping students read or as student coaches, as directors of park and recreation programs, as fitness and wellness instructors, or as hosts to visiting collegiate teams and officials of the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. 

The opportunities for students to become life long learners through the liberal arts is as endless as the imagination can be open to new and diverse ideas.  Students have had opportunities outside the class room that enable them to be effective citizens with wholesome, healthful and positive personal fitness habits. Many students have helped coach at the middle school, high school and collegiate level, students have developed work habits and strong ethics in professional levels working with professional and semi-professional organizations and athletes.  Examples of organizations in which Simpson College students have had outside learning experiences are:

Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen basketball camps, Mike Born and Fred Hoiberg basketball camps, the Iowa Cubs Baseball organization, the Des Moines Buccaneers Ice Hockey organization, Iowa State Football, Dallas Cowboys NFL franchise, Texas Instruments Wellness organization, and the United States Olympic Swim team, to name a few.

Other outside-the-class room learning experiences also take place when students join in service to organizations and activities to enhance their development on and off campus.  Many student athletes serve on the Simpson Athletic Club with many more involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and other service organizations across campus.  Many students are engaged in learning experiences in clinical, professional health and sports medicine settings.  Students within the physical education department form teams for the Simpson College Annual Campus Day celebration, join on intramural teams, as well as learning that goes on for some students on the fields of athletic competition. Several Simpson College physical education majors have attended state and district conventions and have been the recipients of the annual IAHPERD state physical education scholarship. There have also been opportunities to attend the National Student Leadership Development Conference in Alabama, funded by the American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

Beyond the class room has new meaning for the physical education department as we strive to offer meaningful and diverse learning opportunities so that all students can become critical thinkers, develop professional behavior and ethical conduct in an ever challenging and changing global market within a field of their choice. 

Thank you for taking the time to browse our web site.  Please call 800-362-2454 to talk with a faculty member in the physical education department or to set up a campus visit!!