Physical Education Teacher Education
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Designed For
Designed for prospective master’s students who want to advance their expertise in physical education, physical activity, and youth health, this program is ideal for educators, coaches and professionals seeking research‑informed preparation for leadership roles in schools and communities.
Career Objective
Graduates are prepared to become highly skilled physical education professionals who influence how children and adolescents learn, move and thrive. The program equips students with a strong foundation in research and best pedagogical practice as they further their careers as teacher educators, physical activity leaders, coaches and policymakers.
At a Glance
Program Starts: Fall
Deadline to Apply:
December 15
Length of Program: 24 months
Schedule: Flexible
Program Location: On campus
GRE Required? No
Prepare to Lead the Future of Physical Education
The Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) master’s programs emphasize research‑driven teaching and culturally responsive practice in contemporary education and physical activity settings. Through highly interactive coursework, students develop deep expertise in how children and adolescents’ motor performance, knowledge, dispositions and abilities influence lifelong physical activity and health.
Students engage in rigorous study of physical education teaching, teacher education, curriculum, supervision, analysis of teaching and cultural influences in physical activity and educational contexts. Each degree option includes opportunities for students to align their academic work with their professional interests and career goals.
The program offers three master’s degree pathways:
- Master of Arts with Thesis (30 credit hours)
- Master of Arts with Report (33 credit hours)
- Master of Education (36 credit hours)
All three options prepare graduates with strong disciplinary knowledge, research skills and interdisciplinary perspectives that support successful careers in education, research and the public sector.
Program Area Coordinator, Advisor
Xiaofen Hamilton
Graduate Admissions Coordinator
Stephen Flynn
Program Details
Program Requirements
Which Degree Fits My Goals?
Choose the M.A. with Thesis if you
- Want to conduct independent research.
- Plan to pursue doctoral study or research‑focused roles.
- Prefer a program with a formal thesis (EDC 698A & 698B).
Choose the M.A. with Report if you
- Want a research experience without a full thesis.
- Prefer a shorter applied research project (EDC 398R).
- Are interested in practice‑based or applied roles.
Choose the M.Ed. (Coursework‑Only) if you
- Want to maximize elective coursework aligned with your goals.
- Prefer a flexible, practice‑focused program.
- Do not want a thesis or report.
Program Structure
M.A. with Thesis
- 24 hours of coursework
- EDC 698A & 698B Thesis (6 credit hours)
M.A. with Report
- 30 hours of coursework + EDC 398R Report (3 credit hours)
- Includes fewer specialization hours than thesis option
M.Ed. (Coursework‑Only)
- No thesis or report
- 36 hours of coursework
- Includes additional elective hours (9 credit hours)
Course Requirements
Research Methods (3 Credit Hours)
- EDC 380R Educational Research and Design
Cultural Studies Courses
- Thesis Option: 3 credit hours
- Report & M.Ed.: 6 credit hours
Select from:
- EDC 385G Cultural Knowledge of Teachers and Teaching
- EDC 385K Introduction to Multicultural Education
- EDC 385G Race and Ethnic Relations in Schools
- EDC 396 Latino Educational Policy in Texas
- Other advisor‑approved courses with a strong cultural focus
Specialization Courses: Physical Education
- Thesis Option: Minimum 6 credit hours
- Report & M.Ed.: Minimum 12 credit hours
Students who hold an undergraduate degree in a field other than physical education or applied movement education may substitute physical activity or teaching methods courses with advisor or program coordinator approval.
Advisor‑approved courses may include:
- EDC 390T Measurement and Assessment of Physical Activity
- EDC 385G Current Issues in Physical Education
- EDC 390T Analysis of Teaching in Physical Education
- EDC 390T Research on Teaching in Physical Education
- EDC 395 Curriculum in Physical Education
Courses Outside the Department
Minimum 6 Credit Hours (All Options)
Select graduate coursework outside C&I (non‑EDC prefix), such as:
- HED 395 Child and Adolescent Health Psychology
- HED 395 Risk and Resilience in Children and Adolescents
- HED 395 Theories of Health Behavior
- KIN 395 Cognition and Exercise Across the Lifespan
- KIN 395 Exercise and Preventive Medicine
- KIN 395 Children’s Exercise and Activity
- KIN 395 Motor Control: Performance and Learning
- KIN 395 Coaching Theory & Principles I & II
- EDP 380 Fundamental Statistics
Electives
- Thesis Option: Minimum 6 credit hours
- Report Option: Minimum 6 credit hours
- M.Ed.: Minimum 9 credit hours
Electives are selected with advisor approval based on your academic background and professional goals.
Culminating Requirement
- M.A. with Thesis: EDC 698A & 698B Thesis (6 credit hours)
- M.A. with Report: EDC 398R Report (3 credit hours)
- M.Ed.: No thesis or report required
Faculty
Researches fitness education, physical activity promotion among k-16 students, and technologies related to physical education teacher education.
Explores issues in race and culture in physical activity and sport as well as identity development patterns of African Americans.
Marginalization and Perceived Mattering of PE Occupational Socialization Teaching in PE
Additional Information
