Physical Education

Boost your brain with exercise.

The Department of Physical Education, Recreation, and Athletics is charged with developing students' knowledge and skills in physical activities. This base of knowledge and skills is an essential component of the liberal arts education at Wellesley College and is required of all students for completion of their undergraduate degree. 

Graduation Requirement

Students must earn eight physical education credits to fulfill the College's graduation requirement. These credits do not count as academic units toward the degree, but are required for graduation. Students may earn PE credits for:

• PE classes  (term classes = two credits; semester classes = four credits)
• Varsity athletics (four credits per sport per year)
• Certain recreational activities  (two credits maximum for recreation and activity clubs; four credit maximum for intercollegiate club sports co-sponsored by PERA)

Qualified students may also earn credit for rigorous, instructional independent programs  (four credits maximum). 

The department strongly encourages students to complete the requirement by the end of the sophomore year.