Physical Education Teacher Education

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

A girl prepares to serve a volleyball.

UT Austin is one of only twenty institutions in the country that offers doctoral degree plans in Physical Education Teacher Education. We offer degrees that empirically contribute to contemporary education and physical activity settings in which children can be motivated to stay active and healthy.

  • M.A. (Report or Thesis)
  • M.Ed. (Coursework or with K-12 Teacher Certification)
  • Ph.D.

Physical Education Teacher Education is not accepting master’s program applications for fall 2024.

Through empirical research and best pedagogical practice, students enrolled in these degree plans experience highly interactive coursework. As the health of children and adolescents becomes an increasingly important topic, our students will become experts in the factors that influence their motor performance, knowledge, dispositions, and abilities related to physical activity participation and health.

Coursework focuses on the research of:

  • teaching in physical education,
  • teacher education in physical education,
  • curriculum,
  • supervision,
  • analysis of teaching, and
  • cultural influences in physical activity and education settings.

Students are required to conduct independent research projects. Graduates from our program have excellent opportunities for job placement in academia, research institutions, and the public sector.

Photo of faculty member Jeffrey  Colburn
Assistant Professor of Practice

Professional Development for Physical Education Teachers, Teacher Education in Physical Education, Technology in Physical Education including remote observation and communication

Photo of faculty member Xiaofen D Hamilton
Professor

Researches fitness education, physical activity promotion among k-16 students, and technologies related to physical education teacher education.

Photo of faculty member Tracey J Naumann
Assistant Professor of Practice

Marginalization and Perceived Mattering of PE Occupational Socialization Teaching in PE

  • Erin Centeio

    Assistant Professor, Wayne State University Detroit, Michigan Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, 2012

  • Brian Dauenhauer

    Assistant Professor of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Northern Colorado Greeley, Colorado Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, 2014

  • Willy Kipkemboi Rotich

    Assistant Professor of Physical Education, St. Bonaventure University St. Bonaventure, New York Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, 2010

Photo of Xaiofen Harrison

Program Area Advisor, Coordinator
Xiaofen Hamilton



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