Physical Education and Health Specialization - M.A.T.

Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Clarice (Sue) Combs

The Masters of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) with a specialization in Physical Education and Health (PEH) is a 33-hour program for students who are seeking initial teaching certification in Physical Education and Health. Successful completion of the program and licensure requirements will lead to a Master’s Degree and North Carolina Physical Education and Health teacher certification. The target audiences for this degree include those who wish to teach Physical Education and Health to children in K-12 schools or adults in higher education settings.

Program Objectives

Upon completion of the graduate M.A.T. in Physical Education & Health Specialization, the candidate should be able to:

Demonstrate the application of basic and advanced principles in motor skill acquisition in the instruction in physical education and health at all grade levels.
Demonstrate proficiency in utilizing a variety of teaching styles applicable to student learning styles during individual and group instruction.
Effectively design and administer K-12 physical education and coordinated school health programs.
Demonstrate the ability to conduct age/stage appropriate physical education and health learning outcomes assessment and evaluation at all grade levels.
Demonstrate effective communication skills that can be utilized when interacting with colleagues, administrators, and families.
Use technology to enhance the academic achievement of K-12 students.
Students will demonstrate appropriate methods for working with diverse student populations.
Students will demonstrate appropriate use of technology in the supervision and evaluation of teaching.
Students will demonstrate knowledge about current trends and issues in physical education and health.

Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university completed before graduate study begins
Official copies of transcripts of all college, university or community college work (undergraduate and graduate). Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better is recommended
3 letters of recommendation
This program prepares individuals for North Carolina teacher certification in the area of Physical Education & Health. A letter of interest (no more than 2 pages) describing any past experiences that might prepare you for your studies and your future goals in this area is required.
Application and supplemental documents must be submited by the published deadline

Degree Requirements (33 total credit hours)

Professional Core (9 credit hours):

EDN 500 - Human Development and Learning Credit Hours: 3
EDN 520 - Instructional Development Credit Hours: 3
EDN 509 - Education in a Multicultural Context Credit Hours: 3

Core Courses (18 credit hours):

PED 515 - Adapted Physical Activity Credit Hours: 0 Or 4 (4 credit hours required)
PED 531 - Field Experience in Physical Education and Health Credit Hours: 2
PED 546 - Analysis of Teaching in Physical Education and Health Credit Hours: 3
PED 585 - Curriculum Development in PEH Credit Hours: 3
PED 589 - Assessment & Supervision in PEH Credit Hours: 3
PED 590 - Action Research in PEH Credit Hours: 3

Internship (6 credit hours):

EDN 590 - Student Teaching in Education Credit Hours: 3 To 12 (6 credit hours required)

Exit Requirements

Candidates completing the specialization will be required to complete a teaching portfolio, part of which would include an action research project. The portfolio will be based on specialization objectives and state/national standards for PEH teachers.
Required to earn a grade of A or B in EDN 590 - Student Teaching in Education Credits: 6