Friday 27 July 2012

Online Masters of Physical Education Degree Program Overviews


Online master's degrees of physical education, also known as Phys. Ed. or P.E. are fairly common. Some degree programs have specialties like coaching or adapted physical education. Most are Master of Science degrees, but there are a few Master of Arts degrees. Prerequisites for some programs include a bachelor's degree in physical education, exercise science, or at least certain background courses in physical education. Other programs may require teacher certification. Some require both.

Online Physical Education Master's Degree Programs

Most states require teachers to complete graduate courses or earn a graduate degree to become eligible for certain career advancement opportunities or salary increases. As in many areas of teaching, online physical education degree programs have been developed to aid teachers in meeting these requirements.
A very few of these programs focus on adapted physical education for children with physical disabilities and a few more have a coaching or sports science specialization. But nearly all Phys. Ed. programs focus on basic physical education fundamentals. Program requirements range from 29 to 36 semester hours of credit. Time needed to complete most degree programs is estimated at 2-2.5 years.

Curriculum for a Master's Degree in Physical Education

The classes in a master's degree in physical education degree program are designed to help students develop motor skills and attitudes that will help them choose active, healthy lifestyles and instill those values in their students. Physical education teachers need to be able to develop lessons and programs for a variety of ages and levels of physical ability. General physical education courses include:
  • Teaching physical education effectively
  • Professional issues
  • Motor development
  • Legal issues in physical education
  • Physical education assessments for K-12
  • Designing a physical education curriculum

Curriculum for a Master's Degree in Physical Education with Coaching Focus

Many teachers who earn an advanced degree in physical education do so because they wish or need to coach a school sports team. Most online physical education programs include a course or two in coaching, but a few programs offer coaching as an emphasis. Some students may be interested in similar programs that have coaching as the major. Some of the specialized coursework in coaching includes:
  • Coaching administration and organization
  • Coaching techniques and skills
  • Growth and development of players
  • Injury prevention and sport safety
  • Physical conditioning and preparation
  • Research methods and analysis

Curriculum for a Master's Degree in Physical Education with Adapted Phys. Ed. Focus

Most physical education teachers will occasionally have students with physical disabilities, and must find a way to work with them. Although most physical education programs will have one class in adapted physical education, some teachers want more knowledge and experience than a single course offers. There are occasional online degrees that focus on adapted physical education. Coursework may include:
  • Adapted physical education
  • Movement and assessment in physical education
  • Disability sports
  • Adapted aquatics
  • Professional and family relations in special education
  • Field practicum or internship in adapted physical education

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