May 15, 2025  
2024-2025 Graduate Catalogue 
    
2024-2025 Graduate Catalogue

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


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Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Amelia Huelskamp

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


Program Objectives:

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

  1. Demonstrate the application of basic and advanced principles of motor skill acquisition in the instruction of physical education and health at all grade levels.
  2. Demonstrate proficiency in a variety of teaching styles to meet the needs of diverse students during individual and group instruction.
  3. Effectively design and administer K-12 physical education and coordinated school health programs.
  4. Demonstrate the ability to conduct age/stage appropriate physical education and health learning outcomes assessment at all grade levels.
  5. Demonstrate effective communication skills when interacting with diverse students, colleagues, administrators, and families.
  6. Use technology to enhance the academic achievement of K-12 students.
  7. Use technology in the supervision and evaluation of teaching.
  8. Demonstrate knowledge about current trends and issues in physical education and health.

Exit Requirements:

Candidates completing the specialization will be required to complete a teaching portfolio, which includes evidence of effective planning, implementation, and assessment of instruction. The portfolio will be based on specialization objectives and state/national standards for health and physical education. This portfolio may be submitted to meet state requirements for teacher licensure.

Admission Requirements


  1. Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university completed before graduate study begins
  2. Official copies of transcripts of all college, university or community college work (undergraduate and graduate). Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better is required.
  3. 3 letters of recommendation
  4. 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.
  5. Application and supplemental documents must be submitted by the published deadline.

Degree Requirements (33 total credit hours)


Professional Core (6 credit hours):


Choose TWO courses from the list below:

Internship (6 credit hours):


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

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