MEd Advanced Studies in Physical Education

Who should apply?

• Current Physical Education/Health teachers who have been teaching for at least one year
• Teachers who want to deepen their knowledge of physical education to bring exciting, cutting edge curriculum to their students
• Teachers who want to grow their careers with the advantages of a master’s degree, including increased pay and an opportunity to be a voice for curriculum leadership in their schools

Why choose George Mason?

• The program is aligned with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) and the courses help teachers think and practice like board-certified teachers.
• One of the few online graduate programs for already practicing and/or licensed Physical Education teachers offering high-quality job-embedded coursework

Program  requirements may change; please refer to the Mason Course Catalog for the most up-to-date requirements. See the ASTL Physical Education Concentration form for course details.

Most courses in this program are delivered asynchronously and offerings vary by semester.

Requirements: 30 credits total

• 12 credits ASTL core courses
• 15 credits PE concentration courses
• 3 Credits Elective Courses

ASTL Core Courses

• EDUC 606: Education and Culture (3 credit hours)
• EDUC 612: Inquiry into Practice (2 credit hours)
• EDUC 613: How Students Learn (3 credit hours)
• EDUC 614: Designing and Assessing Teaching and Learning (2 credit hours)
• EDUC 615: Educational Change (2 credit hours)

Concentration Courses

• PHED 660: Research Reading Seminar in Physical Education (3 credit hours)
• PHED 670: Analysis of Teaching in Physical Education (3 credit hours)
• PHED 672: Curriculum and Assessment in Physical Education (3 credit hours)
• PHED 673: Motor Development for Special Populations (3 credit hours)
• PHED 680: Mentoring and Supervising in Physical Education (3 credit hours)

Elective: (3 credits)

*Choose one course from the following:

• EDCI 630: Supporting English Learners in PK-12 Schools (3 credit hours)
• EDUC 608: Teacher Leadership for Professional Learning (3 credit hours)
• EFHP 610: Advanced Exercise Physiology (3 credit hours)
• EFHP 611: Movement and Fitness Assessment (3 credit hours)
• EFHP 614: Advanced Exercise Nutrition (3 credit hours)
• EFHP 618: Exercise and Sport Psychology (3 credit hours)
• HEAL 516: Program Development and Resources in Health Education (3 credit hours)

Note: *Students may choose an alternate elective with advisor approval.

Tuition (2021-2022)

Please Note: In addition to the tuition and fees described, various course and lab fees may be assessed depending on the course(s) in which the student is enrolled. Please refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees. Internship courses will incur a higher CEHD course fee to fund on-site assistance involving intensive clinical training/supervision.

*VA state residents who are eligible must apply for the 15% PreK-12 VA Educators Discount in order to take advantage of the lower tuition. Discount applies to tuition and mandatory student fees only.

Financial Aid

For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department. Also, many school districts offer tuition reimbursement options. Speak to your employer for more information.

This program is for teachers who are currently working as Physical Education teachers, but do not yet have an advanced education degree. It develops research-focused, student-centered teacher leaders with coursework that focuses on the theory, pedagogy, and research supporting physical education.

Incorporating 18 credits of Physical Education coursework and 12 credits in Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning (ASTL) Core coursework in learning, inquiry, culture, and educational change, this program leads to a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction degree. This program is non-licensure. Those interested in licensure should visit the School of Kinesiology’s Health and Physical Education program page.

All applicants should review the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) Admissions page. For international applicants, see guidelines for International Graduate Requirements.

Prerequisites

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree from a US institution that is accredited by one of the organizations found here
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of study (Some applicants with a lower GPA may be admitted provisionally if there is sufficient evidence of potential success)
• One year of documented, successful teaching or related educational experience

Application Materials

• Graduate application
• Application fee
• Goals statement (750-1000 words) that addresses reasons for choosing this ASTL program
• Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (applicants do not need to send in transcripts for courses taken at George Mason University). Official transcripts are required after admission.
• Two letters of recommendation from professional references targeting applicant’s teaching skills and academic abilities
• For International Applicants:

• • Copies of unofficial university transcripts and any earned degree, translated to English and evaluated by the Mason Office of Admissions or through a verified external evaluation service. Please visit this page for more information.
  • Verification of English language proficiency. Please see the English Proficiency Requirements page for more information.

If you have any questions during the application process, please contact the CEHD Admissions Office at cehdgrad@gmu.edu or (703) 993-2010.