Physical Education Teacher Education, M.S.
Lead the charge for healthier, more active schools with the online Physical Education Teacher Education, M.S. from WVU. Elevate your daily teaching practice, design dynamic curricula, and gain the marketable skills needed to advance your career without putting it on hold.
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Courses and Credits:
10 Courses / 30 Credits
Duration:
2 years
Admission Terms:
Fall, Spring, Summer
Next Start Date:
January 11, 2027
Term Length:
8-week courses
Learning Format:
Online asynchronous
GMAT/GRE:
Not required
Program Overview
Physical education is evolving. Today’s physical educators do much more than teach sports; they build the foundation for total wellness. The online M.S. in Physical Education Teacher Education program from the College of Applied Human Sciences expands on your teaching experience to give you a modern, issues-based toolkit in curriculum design, instructional technology, and student motivation. Whether you want to revitalize your K-12 classroom, lead school-wide health initiatives, or direct community recreation programs, this degree helps you turn advanced educational theory into immediate, visible impact.
Lead Healthy and Active Schools
Prepare to lead modern school-wide wellness initiatives with the advanced training and national instructional standards required for critical leadership roles.
- Aligned with National Standards: Study a curriculum rigorously mapped to the Advanced Teacher Education Standards established by the Society for Health and Physical Educators.
- Immediate Application: Use a practical, issues-based approach designed to let you apply your course concepts directly with your own learners from day one.
- Digital Badging: Earn verifiable micro-credentials built directly into your coursework, allowing you to showcase marketable skills on platforms like LinkedIn.
- The WVU Network: Connect with a world-class network of university faculty, program alumni, and colleagues.
What You’ll Learn
During your time in the program, you will learn to bridge the gap between advanced research and physical education/physical activity. The non-licensure curriculum focuses on the strategic toolkit needed to manage modern school activity programs, navigate instructional technology, and champion population-wide youth wellness.
- Evidence-Informed Practice: Master foundational research methodologies and assessment standards to guide your instruction and support diverse student needs.
- Motor Development: Gain specialized skills in motor development and adapted instruction to effectively serve special populations and unique learner groups.
- Advanced Pedagogy: Learn the core principles of effective teaching, mentorship, and instructional design to facilitate growth in yourself and others.
- Systemic Advocacy: Develop the leadership strategies necessary to promote physical literacy, collaborate with stakeholders, and advocate for healthier school communities.
Featured Courses
Discover some of the courses you can pursue during the program. Explore the full curriculum to learn more.
Application Steps
What You Need to Apply
- Applicants should hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Students may be admitted provisionally with a GPA of 2.75 or lower; however, provisional students must earn a 3.0 in the first 9 hours of coursework to continue in the program.
- It’s recommended students have access to youth (children and adolescents) in school-based physical education or community physical activity/sports settings throughout the duration of the program for course assignments and follow-up application tasks.
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU) to be sent to:
- WVU Office of Admissions - P.O. Box 6009 Morgantown, WV 26505-6009
- Or via email: WVUAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu
- Create a Statement of Purpose
- Personal statements should be 750 to 1,000 words and double-spaced. This is an opportunity to tell the admissions committee more about your reasons to earn this degree and should not repeat the information on your resume.
- Submit a Resume/CV that reflects your education and experience
How to Apply
Applications for WVU’s online programs are processed through the University’s central portal. Follow these steps to set up your account and submit your application.
- Check the prerequisites: Review ‘What You Need to Apply’ to confirm your eligibility and get your application materials ready.
- Create your account: Visit the portal, create your account and start your application.
- Pay your application fee: Complete the required payment within the portal.
- Submit: Carefully review your details and submit your application.
Tuition, Fees, and Aid
Cost per credit hour is listed on each program page. Rates are reviewed annually and subject to change.
Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies, and living expenses. Please visit WVU’s Estimate Costs and Aid website for how to plan for other potential expenses.
- Complete the FAFSA
- Check Employer Benefits: Inquire about potential tuition assistance or reimbursement programs.
- Review Waivers: Understand the specific restrictions on University tuition waivers.
Learn More
Careers and Employment
The online Physical Education Teacher Education, M.S. program will prepare you to become a leader in physical education instruction and curriculum development. You will learn to design engaging programs that promote lifelong fitness, health, and wellness for students of all ages. This program aims to equip you with advanced teaching strategies and leadership skills to elevate physical educaiton and physical activity in schools and communities.
What can I do with a Physical Education Teacher Education, M.S. degree? Explore potential careers, employment environments, and academic pathways:
- Physical Education Teacher
- Adapted Physical Education Specialist
- Coach
- Talent Scout
- Education Administrator - Elementary and Secondary
- Athletic Administrator
- Athletic Director
- Physical Education Professor
- Physical Education Director
- Physical Education Camp Director
- Physical Education Writer/Blogger
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teacher (postsecondary)
Frequently Asked Questions
Online asynchronous means the program is delivered entirely online with no required live meeting times (like Zoom). While you learn on your own schedule, you remain responsible for completing all coursework by the established deadlines.
Please note that instructors are always happy to meet with students on an as-needed basis to provide assistance and answer questions.
If you’d like to dive deeper into the program’s curriculum and student experience, connect with:
Melinda Sierzega
- Email: Melinda.Sierzega@mail.wvu.edu
- Phone: 304-293-0882
- Schedule chat
