Physical Education Teacher Education

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Designed For

Designed for students seeking advanced preparation as educational researchers and leaders in Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE), this program is ideal for those interested in research‑intensive careers that shape policy, curriculum and physical activity opportunities for children and adolescents.

Career Objective

Our graduates go on to careers as scholars, teacher educators and leaders who advance physical education through empirical research and translational practice. Our alumni work as university faculty, policy‑makers, researchers and community advocates who are committed to improving school‑based physical activity and health.

At a Glance

Program Starts: Fall

Deadline to Apply:
December 15

Length of Program: 48-60 months

Schedule: Flexible

Program Location: On Campus

GRE Required? No

Advance Research and Leadership in Physical Education

One of only 20 institutions nationwide offering a doctoral degree in this field, our program takes a multidisciplinary and translational approach to developing empirically based physical education curricula and comprehensive school physical activity programs within and beyond school settings.

Students engage in rigorous research training while gaining experience in teacher education, coaching and applied physical activity leadership. Through highly interactive coursework and mentored research, students examine how teaching practices, curriculum, supervision and cultural contexts influence children’s and adolescents’ motor performance, knowledge, dispositions and long‑term engagement in physical activity.

Graduates of the program are prepared to shape the future of physical education, physical activity and youth health at local, national and international levels.

Program Area Coordinator, Advisor
Xiaofen Hamilton

Graduate Admissions Coordinator
Stephen Flynn

Program Details

Program Requirements

Faculty

Additional Information

Program Requirements

General Requirements (Minimum 21 Credit Hours)

Foundation Requirements (9 credit hours required)

EDC 380F Sociocultural Foundations
EDC 381F Introduction to Teaching and Teacher Education
EDC 383F Curriculum Theory

Research Methodology Requirements (12 credit hours minimum)

To be taken in sequence:

Step 1 (3 hours)

EDC 381R Introduction to Systems of Human Inquiry

Step 2 (3 hours in any order)

EDC 385R Introduction to Quantitative Research
EDC 386R Introduction to Qualitative Research

Step 3 (6 hours, one course topic from either category)

EDC 387R Advanced Quantitative Research
OR
EDC 388R Advanced Qualitative Research

Directed Research (Minimum 12 Credit Hours)

EDC 396T Directed Research in Curriculum & Instruction (6 hours minimum)
Two additional courses that include a substantial research component approved by an academic adviser.

Please Note: EDC 396T can be taken more than once for credit.

Program Area Specifics

Additional 3 credit hours in Cultural Studies

Organized research methodology courses may be used to fulfill independent study or directed research credits with the approval of the program advisor.

Specialization Requirements (Minimum 15 Credit Hours)

PETE students will complete at least 15 credit hours of related coursework, selected in consultation with and approved by the program advisor. Students are encouraged to take courses across other clusters within the Department of Curriculum and Instruction that support their career goals.

Courses that may fulfill this requirement include:

EDC 384P Analysis of Teaching in Physical Education
EDC 384P Research on Teaching in Physical Education
EDC 385G Current Issues in Physical Education
EDC 385G Curriculum in Physical Education
EDC 385G Research on Teacher Education in Physical Education
EDC 398T Supervised Teaching in Curriculum and Instruction
KIN 395 Cognition and Exercise Across the Lifespan

Courses Outside the Department (Minimum 6 Credit Hours)

Students are encouraged to complete 6 hours of coursework outside of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. These can be from the department of:

Kinesiology and Health Education
Educational Psychology
Educational Leadership and Policy
Special Education

Or from another college with the University of Texas at Austin.

Coursework from sections General Requirements, Directed Research and Special Requirements may fulfill this requirement.

Dissertation (Minimum 6 Credit Hours)

Students are required to continuously register for at least three credits of dissertation (399, 699 or 999W) once they have advanced to candidacy.

Please Note: Students receiving fellowships, assistantships, or other financial aid, may be required to take 9 hours of dissertation credit each semester.

Annual Review

PETE doctoral students are subject to an annual review where they are expected to demonstrate steady progress in coursework, teaching, research and professional service. Students who do not make satisfactory progress may be dismissed from the program.

Faculty