MA in Physical Education and Single Subject Teaching Credential

Students in APU’s M.S. in Physical Education program learn to teach phys ed classes, administrate athletics programs, and coach at all educational levels.

For more information: (626) 815-5473

The Master of Arts in Physical Education and Single Subject Teaching Credential program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to teach physical education and coach at the K-12, junior college, and four-year university levels. The Single Subject Teaching Credential may be completed in the subject area of physical education. It includes comprehensive foundations courses emphasizing methods alongside specialization courses providing content required for the California Single Subject Preliminary Teaching Credential, as well as practical classroom and fieldwork experiences and advanced coursework in the emphasis area of physical education. The mode of delivery includes campus-based classes, field experiences, and online courses, but predominantly includes face-to-face courses.

The Master of Arts in Physical Education and Single Subject Teaching Credential is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), which is transitioning to the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). All single-subject teachers receive certification to teach in a specific content area through their subject-matter competence, which is achieved either through completion of a CTC-approved subject-matter program in physical education or passage of appropriate California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) physical education subtests. Upon completion, the credential candidate will have earned a California Single Subject Preliminary Teaching Credential in Physical Education and a Master of Arts in Physical Education.

Requirements

Graduate physical education students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better, and may not earn lower than a 2.7 (B-). Students who earn below a 2.7 (B-) in a course must retake the course and achieve the minimum GPA requirement. 

Foundation Courses
TESP 501Art of Teaching I: Foundations of Teaching3
TESP 502Science of Teaching I: How Students Learn3
TESP 503The Soul of Teaching: Tapestry of American Education3
TESP 504Schools and Educational Systems3
Specialization Courses
TEP 511Art of Teaching II: Pedagogy and Instructional Design3
TEP 512Science of Teaching II: Effective Assessment Strategies for All Learners3
TEP 531Methods of Teaching Reading and Writing (7-12)3
TEP 532Secondary Pedagogy I: Teaching in Secondary Schools (7-12)2
TEP 533The Differentiated Classroom: Maximizing Capacity of Each Learner (7-12)3
TEP 534Secondary Pedagogy II: Content-Specific Strategies, Teaching, and Assessment (7-12)2
TEP 561Clinical Practice I: Single Subject Credential 12
TEP 562Clinical Practice II: Single Subject Credential 12
Emphasis Core Courses
PE 551Curriculum Theory and Design in Physical Education3
PE 582Seminar in Professional Literature in Physical Education and Sport3
Emphasis Teaching/Coaching Courses3
Select one of the following:
PE 555
Sociological and Ethical Issues in Sport
PE 565
Athletics and the Law
PE 570
Leadership and Administration of Physical Education and Athletic Programs
PE 578
Sport Psychology
Emphasis Health Science Courses3
Select one of the following:
PE 560
Sports Medicine
PE 575
Advanced Principles of Physical Conditioning
PE 580
Wellness and Fitness for Life
Final Capstone Course
PE 585Capstone in Physical Education and Sport 23
Total Units47
1

All foundation courses must be completed prior to beginning clinical practice.

2

PE 585 is completed in the final terms of the master's program, after credential coursework is fulfilled. 

Admission

University graduate admission and program-specific requirements must be met before an application is complete (see Admission to the University). Program-specific application requirements are available online.

International students should contact Graduate and Professional Admissions for application procedures.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this program shall be able to:
  1. Synthesize the history and philosophy of Physical Education and how it interacts with the current discipline.
    2.
  2. Integrate Christian perspectives and biblical truths to Physical Education and Sport.
    3.
  3. Apply the concepts of administration, organization, programming, evaluation, and leadership in Physical Education, Athletic administration, and Sport management.
    4.
  4. Apply psychology, sociology, and ethical theories and practices in Physical Education, Athletic Administration, and Sport manangement.
    5.
  5. Demonstrate the ability to critically analyze research, develop a research proposal, and write according to APA standards.
    6.
  6. Demonstrate proficiency in the development and evaluation of curriculum in physical education and sport.
    7.
  7. Engage and support all students in learning.
    8.
  8. Create and maintain effective environments for student learning.
    9.
  9. Understand and organize subject matter for student learning.
    10.
  10. Plan instruction and design learning experiences for all students.
    11.
  11. Assess student learning.
    12.
  12. Develop as a professional educator.