intro
The final cohort of the physical education teacher education master's program is scheduled to begin spring 2025. Please contact an academic advisor with any questions.
Do you enjoy teaching children about physical activity? Our master’s degree in Physical Education Teacher Education (PE/TE) prepares you to research data about teaching and learning. The program consists of graduate courses, graduate teaching, and practical experiences. You will then be able to put these skills into practice in your own instructional settings. Our physical education master’s degree will also provide you a foundation to continue your studies at the doctoral level if you choose.
Traditional Master's Degree Overview
Applications for the M.S. degree are not being accepted for the 2023-2024 academic year.
The Traditional Master’s degree is for students that have already obtained Class B undergraduate teacher certification in physical education and are seeking a master’s degree. This degree leads to recommendation for Class A Alabama professional educator certification.
Coursework
-
Teaching field courses — 12 hours
-
Additional courses — 21 hours
-
Thesis or Non-thesis Option
Research
Alternative Master's Degree Overview
The Alternative Master’s degree is for students without professional educator certification in physical education. This degree leads to recommendation for Class A Alabama professional educator certification.
Coursework
-
Teaching field courses — 14 hours
-
Professional Studies — 9 to 12 hours
-
Internship — 10 hours
Research
Admission
Prerequisite
- Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university
Application Deadlines
- Applications and all other relevant material must be received by the Graduate School by the following dates:
- February 1 for Graduate Assistantships (completed online with your graduate school application)
- May 1 for Fall semester start (August)
- April 1 for International applicants for Fall semester start (August)
Admission Requirements
GRADUATE SCHOOL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
For the admission process, you will need to provide the following in your application to the Graduate School:
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- Application fee payment
International applicants must also submit:
- TOEFL or IELTS test
- Medical insurance plan and an Official Statement of Financing
SCHOOL OF KINESIOLOGY ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum GPA 3.0
- Resume
- Letter of Intent
- Approval from the School of Kinesiology Director, Graduate Studies Committee, and faculty
Although we only require a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university, we strongly recommend that our graduate students, who have not completed undergraduate degrees in kinesiology or other related fields, complete undergraduate coursework in exercise physiology, biomechanics, and motor learning prior to starting a graduate degree program in Kinesiology.
Additionally, basic science courses are the foundation of the Kinesiology academic discipline and we suggest securing this knowledge prior to starting our program. Based on your interest and studies in our graduate program, the following foundational coursework is recommended:
Physical Education Teacher Education
- General Biology, Anatomy & Physiology
VIEW ALTERNATIVE MASTER’S ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Program Contacts
Information for Students
Prospective Graduate Students
-
View The Graduate School’s information for prospective students.
-
Contact our Graduate Program Officer, Jared Russell, Ph.D., (334) 844-1429
Current Graduate Students
-
View The Graduate School website for current students.
-
View Teacher Certification Requirements