Advanced Studies in Physical Education

Program Description

This fully online Concentration in Physical Education is designed for practicing health and physical education teachers with the purpose of advancing their knowledge and teaching/research skills. This Concentration provides course work in physical education research, curriculum development, collaborative supervision, research in pedagogy, and advanced adapted content.

What it costs

The cost is $748.50 per credit hour for VA state residents, $948.50 per credit hour for Non-VA residents. There is a 15% PreK-16 VA Educators Discount available for VA state residents who are eligible and apply. See the Cost tab below for a breakdown of tuition and fees. All of Mason’s tuition rates and fees can be found on our Student Accounts site.

Application Deadline

This program has a priority application deadline of April 1 and a space available deadline of August 18 for fall. This program does not have a spring start. The program begins in the summer for a two-year timeline, or begins in the fall for a three-year timeline. Apply for fall for a summer start.

For all application information and deadlines, see the CEHD Admissions site.

Request Info

DETAILS COURSES COST CAREERS CONTACT READY TO APPLY?

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.

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 (2024-2025)

TUITION CLASSIFICATION	COST PER CREDIT
Virginia Resident	$748.50 (includes MSF*)
Non-Virginia Resident	$948.50 (includes MSF*; discounted from $1,679.50)
VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program**	$635.50 (includes MSF*)
CEHD Course Fee (New Window) (PDF)	$25 – $84
Total Cost for Virginia Residents per Credit	$773.50 – $832.50
Total Cost for Non-Virginia Residents per Credit	$979.50 – $1,038.50
Total cost for VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program*	$660.50 – $719.50
Graduate New Student Fee (non-refundable, one-time fee)	$60

Please Note: Refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees. Internship courses will incur a higher course fee to fund on-site assistance involving intensive clinical training/supervision.

*Mandatory Student Fee (MSF): $159.50

**VA state residents who are eligible must apply for the 15% PreK-16 VA Educators Discount in order to take advantage of the lower tuition. Eligible students receive 15% off the total tuition and mandatory student fee.

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.

USEFUL RESOURCES
Program Contact
Academic Program Office	Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning (ASTL) Phone: (703) 993-2794 ASTL Email: astl@gmu.edu
Program Website	Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning: Physical Education Concentration
Follow CEHD on Twitter	@MasonCEHD
“Like” CEHD on Facebook	https://www.facebook.com/MasonCEHD

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 cehdooa@gmu.edu or 703-993-2892.

MEd Advanced Studies in Physical Education