Physical Education Masters Degree (M.Ed.), PreK-8, 5-12, Professional

Overview

The Master of Education degree program in the Department of Sports Medicine and Human Performance is designed to complement the undergraduate teacher certification program. It will enable the qualified student to satisfy all state competencies for Professional Licensure as a teacher of elementary or secondary physical education.

The Master of Education degree is designed to serve individuals who possess Initial certification and who are required to earn the Professional teacher certification. Additionally, individuals with Professional Licensure required to earn Professional Development Points toward re-certification or wish to pursue a M.Ed. with emphasis on Physical Education may also be served by this program.

Topics Covered

  • Current Issues in Physical Education 
  • Organization and Administration 
  • Advanced Motor Learning 
  • Biomechanics 
  • Curriculum Development 
  • Liability and Risk Management 
  • Technological Applications 

Program Highlights

  • Movement Science courses are all online 

Schedule of Coursework

Two courses are offered in the fall semester, spring semester and during summer session I (May-June). 

For admission requirements please visit our website here.

 

  • 34

    credits

  • Movement Science (30 credits)

  • Education courses (4 credits)

Requirements

M.Ed. Programs for Licensed Teachers

Westfield State University has a history and abiding commitment of preparing educators who serve the educational needs of prekindergarten through secondary school students in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Our teacher education programs embrace this vision, Education Leaders Building Inclusive Learning Communities, a vision grounded in our department's 5 foundational pillars: Critical Engagement with Diversity, Community Building, Social Justice, Scholarship, and Reflection.

Westfield State University teacher education programs are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Westfield State University was awarded full accreditation for seven years in June 2020. AAQEP also awarded our educator preparation program with a commendation for our work in anti-racist education.

Professional licensure programs are designed to meet the needs of teachers who already possess an initial level Massachusetts teaching license, and are seeking a master's degree that will lead to a professional teaching license in the same or related field. In order to be eligible for a professional license, teachers must have taught for three years in the area of their initial license, as well as meet other requirements listed in the licensure regulations.

Candidates in professional licensure programs will demonstrate their commitment to diversity at several points in their program. Each candidate will be required to reflect on his or her beliefs, values, experiences, and/or current practices for developing competencies that support diversity. Decisions about a candidate's performance in professional licensure programs will be based on multiple assessments.

Specialist Teacher License

The Reading Specialist, Initial, M.Ed. program is designed for licensed teachers in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or Moderate Disabilities who desire initial licensure as a Reading Specialist.

For candidates who have taught for three years in the area of their initial teaching license (Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or Moderate Disabilities), and who have met the other requirements listed in licensure regulations, it will also lead to professional licensure in the area of the first teaching license.

Westfield State University has a history and abiding commitment of preparing educators who serve the educational needs of prekindergarten through secondary school students in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Our teacher education programs embrace this vision, Education Leaders Building Inclusive Learning Communities, a vision grounded in our department's 5 foundational pillars: Critical Engagement with Diversity, Community Building, Social Justice, Scholarship, and Reflection.

Westfield State University teacher education programs are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Westfield State University was awarded full accreditation for seven years in June 2020. AAQEP also awarded our educator preparation program with a commendation for our work in anti-racist education.

Program Description

This 34-credit hour program is designed for physical education teachers who possess Initial Licensure and who are required to earn the Professional teacher license. It will enable the qualified student to satisfy all state competencies for Professional Licensure as a teacher of elementary or secondary physical education. Additionally, individuals with Professional Licensure required to earn Professional Development Points toward re-certification or who wish to pursue a M.Ed. with emphasis on Physical Education may also be served by this program. Students without the appropriate license may work toward the initial license for Physical Education PreK-8 or 5-12 and apply up to six semester hours of graduate work toward the master's degree.

To be admitted to the program, applicants must have an initial or professional Massachusetts license in physical education.

See Admission requirements for graduate programs.

Requirements for Master’s Degree - 34 Credits

A. Prerequisite coursework or experience

Content knowledge in the following areas must be documented in the student's previous academic record or professional experience. Any gaps in coverage must be fulfilled as determined by the student's graduate advisor.

  • Adaptive physical education
  • introductory course in computer applications
  • Introductory course in child or adolescent psychology OR motor development and behavior
B. Required courses (34 credits)
Additional Guidelines

Students are required to successfully complete a written comprehensive examination to demonstrate mastery of knowledge gained in coursework and to relate concepts across the curriculum. The comprehensive exam may be taken after completing a minimum of 27 credits

Contact Us

Program Director
Dr. Robert J. Rausch
rrausch@westfield.ma.edu  

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Contact us

Graduate Outreach Team