Online Master’s in Physical Education (PE) Programs
Physical education (PE) is an integral component of standard elementary and secondary school curricula. School-age children are commonly introduced to the precepts of physical education in their preK years, when it may be referred to as movement education, and most states and districts require schools to offer PE up through middle school and on into high school. While PE can take many forms, it commonly includes gym-based and outdoor activities, as well as swimming, track and field, and team sports that promote a positive attitude toward health and fitness.
PE teachers are educators with specialized training in kinesiology/movement science, exercise science, nutritional science, and sport psychology, as well as knowledge of educational pedagogy, and the healthy physical, cognitive, and social development of school-age children. Health and physical education are commonly paired, and PE instructors may be asked to teach both subjects in public and private schools. PE teachers are also typically qualified to coach team sports and may be called upon to do so in primary and secondary school settings. Master’s in Physical Education programs provide educators with focused, in-depth training and instruction in the principles and practices of teaching physical education.
What is a Master’s in Physical Education Degree?
Like reading, mathematics, science and social studies, physical education is a teaching specialization that requires both general teaching proficiencies and deep subject-area knowledge. Master’s in Physical Education, or PE, programs are graduate degree programs designed to prepare students who have previously completed a bachelor’s degree for roles as teachers, program directors, and coaches. While some programs are designed to prepare students to apply for their initial state teacher certification or endorsement in health and physical education, other programs require students to already hold their initial teaching credential and be an active, licensed educator.
Students in a PE master’s degree program cultivate expertise in movement science, nutrition, theories of exercise and learn how to apply this knowledge in school settings. They study pedagogy, lesson planning, assessment methods, classroom teaching strategies, and learn how design effective PE and health education programs. Many master’s programs also include coursework that examines contemporary issues in K-12 education. Finally, most master’s programs in PE also require students to complete practical experiences in the form of internships or supervised teaching hours.
Online Master’s in Health and Physical Education Programs
Many accredited colleges and universities now offer fully or mostly online master’s programs to extend the reach of their degree programs and to provide a flexible and more convenient alternative to campus-based programs. Students in an online Master’s in Health and Physical Education programs receive all or most of their didactic training via a program’s learning management system (LMS), which is the generic term for an internet-based, distance learning technology platform. Live and/or pre-recorded lectures and virtual class sessions are streamed via a program’s LMS, and online students complete most of their other coursework, including assignments and exams, using the platform as well.
It is important to note that practical experiences, such as student-teaching internships and supervised practicums, are still completed in-person at a site approved by the program. Online students, similar to campus-based students, often complete their student teaching hours in an educational setting within commuting distance to their home or place of employment. While many online master’s programs in PE do not require students to attend any campus-based sessions for instructional activities, some online programs include one or two campus visits (or residencies) as part of their curriculum. These campus visits are separate and distinct from site-based internships where students complete student teaching hours.
How OnlineEducation.com Identifies and Classifies Online Master’s in Physical Education Teaching Programs
OnlineEducation.com researches master’s in education programs and classifies each program based on several key criteria. To be listed as an online Master’s in PE program, programs must provide focused training in health and physical education primarily via online instruction. Programs that require three or more campus visits per year are not listed on the site, as they are classified as hybrid or campus-based programs. In addition, all programs listed on the site are offered by accredited, non-profit colleges or universities. There is no formal naming convention for Master’s in Physical Education programs. However, there are three basic types of degrees that schools award at the master’s level in PE: Master of Arts (MA), Master of Education (MEd), and Master of Science (MS) degrees. Master’s in PE programs, which are commonly offered through a university’s department or college of education, kinesiology, or professional studies, may have the following common designations:
- Master of Arts in Teaching Physical Education
- Master of Arts in Teaching – Health and Physical Education Certification
- Master of Education in Physical Education
- Master of Science in Education in Physical Education Leadership
- Master of Science in Health, Physical Education, and Coaching
- Master of Science in Kinesiology – Physical Education Teacher Emphasis
- Master of Science in Teaching Physical Education
While programmatic accreditation, which is different from regional accreditation that colleges and universities seek at the institutional level, is not a requirement, many master’s programs in teaching are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Programmatic accreditation can ease the process of qualifying for state certification for those students who intend to apply for certification. In addition, some PE master’s programs have programmatic accreditation from the Commission for the Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
What Students Learn in Online Master’s in Physical Education Programs
There are three foundational components that comprise master’s degree curricula in physical education: theories and practices of K-12 education and pedagogy; exercise, health, and nutrition science; and applied practice. While requirements and focus areas vary by program, Master’s in Physical Education programs provide didactic training in pedagogy and health science coupled with site-based internships or practicums that challenge students to apply what they have learned in their coursework.
The practice of teaching PE is grounded in knowledge of human physical, behavioral, and cognitive development and kinesiology or the science of human movement, as well as a holistic understanding of the relationship between diet, exercise, and physical and psychological wellbeing. Students in a Master’s in Physical Education program learn how to apply scientific knowledge and evidence-based practices to craft age-appropriate curricula for elementary and secondary school students. They also learn how to assess program effectiveness and cultivate tools to conduct learning assessments and provide adaptive instruction to assist children and young adults with disabilities. Finally, most master’s programs in the field include coursework covering contemporary issues in health and physical education and the ethical issues in PE instruction.
It is important to note that master’s students generally spend at least one semester engaged in a site-based practicum. Practical experience typically take the form of working in schools and other PE settings under the supervision of a trained health and physical education instructor.
Common Courses in Online Master’s in Health and Physical Education Programs
As noted above, curricula vary by school and by program. However, there are foundation elements of physical and health education that are inherently part of a master’s-level curriculum. The table below provides a representative overview of common master’s program courses aggregated from online Master’s in Physical Education programs currently offered by accredited, non-profit colleges and universities.
| Course Title | Course Description |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Physical Education | An overview and examination of physical education curricula, program design, and pedagogy for children in elementary school (grades K-8). Includes modules in “the skill theme approach” to children’s physical education classes, movement concepts, and common PE activities. |
| Secondary School Physical Education | An overview and examination of physical education curricula and program design at the secondary school level, covering grades 9-12, with a focus on developmentally appropriate physical fitness activities, the incorporation of health education into the PE curriculum, and the use of various sports, dance, and other movement-based learning activities in the PE classroom. |
| Nutrition and Physical Education | Nutrition science for the PE instructor with a focus on the connections between diet, physical activity, exercise, and sports. Course content includes modules on the biochemical, physiological, and behavioral aspects of diet and nutrition and their role in promoting health, fitness, and sports performance. |
| Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology | The science of movement and the application of kinesiology and exercise research findings to the design of PE programs in elementary and secondary schools. |
| Positive Behavior Management and Discipline in Physical Education | An examination of various evidence-based practices for creating positive learning environments, managing behavioral issues, and fostering teamwork through the PE curriculum. |
| Inclusive Outdoor Education | Program planning strategies for incorporating inclusive outdoor education into the physical education curriculum. |
| Research and Contemporary Issues in Health and Physical Education | A review of contemporary literature pertaining to health and physical education programming, with a focus on critical assessment of findings and practices. Topics include addressing diversity issues in health and physical education curricula and taking an evidence-based ethical approach to teaching PE. |
| Technology in Physical Education | Covers the growing use of technology to improve teaching and learning outcomes in education settings, particularly as these developments relate to how physical education is taught in elementary and secondary schools. |
| Curriculum Construction in Physical Education | An overview of physical education curricula with a focus on historical, theoretical and philosophical influences on curriculum construction, the role of the standards movement on local, state, and national K-12 physical education programs, and best practices for creating PE curricula. |
| Sport-Based Physical Education | How to teach sport-based activities in the context of physical education, with an emphasis on developmental appropriateness, inclusiveness, and adaptive teaching methods for children and young adults with diverse backgrounds and abilities. |
| Health and Wellness Education | The PE teacher’s role in providing health instruction in elementary and secondary schools, and methods for incorporating health education in the PE curriculum. |
Admissions to Online Master’s in Physical Education Programs
Admissions criteria and requirements vary by program, but all master’s programs in education require candidates to hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Online master’s in education programs, including Master’s in Physical Education programs, may be designed for licensed teachers who have already attained initial certification, in which case applicants must hold a valid state teaching credential, or for aspiring teachers who have not yet qualified for licensure. Prospective students should confirm with their programs of interest whether or not a teaching license and teaching experience is required for admission before applying.
In addition to submitting an application and academic transcripts, applicants may be asked to furnish a resume or CV, graduate admissions test scores (typically from the GRE or MAT), a personal goals statement, answers to one or more essay questions, and/or several professional or academic references. Many programs also have a minimum GPA requirement, usually around 2.75, 3.0, or higher on a four-point scale. Finally, some programs may ask for a virtual interview with an admissions committee member as part of the overall application process.
Online Master’s in Physical Education Format Options
Not all online programs are structured the same. There are several formatting differences that can impact the relative convenience and flexibility of an online Master’s in Physical Education program, including online instructional methods, enrollment options, and campus visits. For example, some programs utilize real-time online instruction, also known as synchronous instruction, while other programs do not have scheduled virtual meetings and only use asynchronous instruction. Similarly, there are programs that offer part-time, full-time, and/or flexible enrollment options and programs that require students to attend a limited number of campus visits. Each of these format differences is described in further detail in the sections below.
Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Instruction: Synchronous instruction is similar to traditional, campus-based instruction in that it takes place in real-time. As a mode of online instruction, it can include live-streamed lectures and/or scheduled virtual class meetings. Asynchronous instruction, in contrast, does not include any real-time instruction and encompasses everything from pre-recorded lectures and class modules that can be streamed at a students’ convenience, to readings, written assignments, and exams that would typically be completed outside of the classroom. While all online programs have materials that students can access on their own time, not all online graduate programs utilize synchronous instruction, as it can be difficult for working professionals across time zones to attend live sessions.
Students who would prefer an online learning experience that more closely resembles attending campus-based classes may want to consider programs that utilize synchronous instruction. Students who want an online program that offers maximum scheduling flexibility should find programs that do not utilize synchronous instruction. There are pros and cons to each mode of online instruction. Asynchronous instruction offers greater convenience but with less structure, while synchronous instruction provide great structure but with less overall convenience. Both modes of online instruction require students to be self-motivated and self-disciplined as online programs are just as rigorous as on-campus programs. Potential applicants should strongly consider their learning preferences in order to choose a program that offers a mode of online instruction that best aligns with their preferred learning style.
Part-time vs. Full-time Enrollment: Enrollment choices determine the amount of time it takes to complete a master’s program, and the time students have to devote to coursework each week. Full-time enrollment in an online Master’s in Physical Education generally requires about 40 or more hours per week of engagement from students and can lead to graduating in 12 to 24 months. Students who opt for part-time enrollment take fewer courses per semester, which can equate to spending 15 to 20 hours per week on coursework when school is in session. However, students who enroll part-time typically earn their degree in two, three, or four years.
Many online master’s programs have part-time and full-time enrollment plans, while others are designed specifically for either part-time or full-time enrollment. Programs that use alternatives to the traditional 15-week fall and spring semester academic calendar may be structured in ways that allow even “part-time” students to graduate in two years or less. For example, a program that offers 8-week courses five or six times per year may allow students who take one or two courses per term and still graduate in 16 to 24 months.
Campus Visits: Most online Master’s in Physical Education programs do not require any campus visits. However, some programs ask or require students to attend one or more on-campus sessions for hands-on learning and networking that benefits from having students meet in person. These campus-based sessions, which may include orientations or workshops, can be a valuable addition to the learning experience for online students. However, campus visits can also cause scheduling conflicts and require travel that can add to the overall cost of an online master’s program.
Therefore, applicants should reach out to their programs of interest to determine whether programs can be completed fully online or if they require a limited number of campus visits in order to choose a program that best fits their personal and professional goals. This is especially important for students who do not live within commuting distance to the campus of the school offering the online program. OnlineEducation.com researches online programs to ensure that programs listed on the site are either fully or primarily online and do not require more than two campus visits per year.