The Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree program in Health and Physical Education within the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education is designed with the goal of improving teaching and offers candidates opportunities for integrated study and practice. Upon completion of the program, eligible candidates meeting appropriate criteria will have the opportunity to earn the T-5 certificate or its equivalent. The updated, fully online program employs profession-specific content aligned with the current NASPE advanced standards. The most recent technology applications will be used to better prepare graduates to apply today’s knowledge to tomorrow’s practice. The aim is to create changes in health and physical education programs through the development of master teachers in health and physical education in the state of Georgia, within the service region and beyond.
Goals
The master’s degree program in physical education strives
- to enhance and ameliorate professional skills of master teachers in physical education;
- to advance the discovery and dissemination of knowledge that relates to the science of human movement, physical activity, and the teaching/learning process; and
- to enable the use of technology for assessment, feedback, and accountability to students, parents, administrators, and legislators.
Program Description
The Master of Education degree program in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education allows candidates to specialize in physical education. With the goal of educating better teachers, the graduate program offers candidates opportunities for integrated study and practice. It is the intent to offer an updated program that employs profession-specific technology for preparation of graduates to apply today’s knowledge to tomorrow’s practice. The aim is to cause changes in the physical education programs in the region toward the ultimate outcome of more healthful lifestyles among youth.
Selected Educational Outcomes
Candidates in advanced teacher education programs will:
- have an in-depth understanding of content knowledge that can be applied to their physical education programs and daily instruction.
- use content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge to design and conduct appropriate learning experiences that facilitate and enhance the growth of learners.
- continuously and collaboratively learn, further their own professional development, and use their abilities to contribute to the profession.
- analyze student, classroom, and school performance data and make data-driven decisions about strategies for teaching and learning so that all students learn.
Selected Outcome Assessments
Candidates in advanced teacher education programs will demonstrate:
- the level of their content knowledge through performance on comprehensive examinations or creation of a professional presentation that summarizes learning from the program and extends those areas to other fields of study.
- their use of instructional strategies and technologies through continuous planning, teaching, and self-evaluation of teaching episodes during a variety of field experience assignments.
- their ability to identify areas of strengths and areas for improvement involving their professional development as well as existing or prospective curricular options applicable to effective instruction and program delivery.
- their ability to positively impact P-12 learners through cross-curricular planning, teaching, and assessment collaborations within their schools.
Prior to admission to any graduate program at Valdosta State University, applicants must first submit a completed application to the Graduate School. A completed application packet includes official transcripts from all institutions previously attended, official test scores (GRE or MAT), completed application form, fee, and any additional program requirements submitted by the admission deadline. To be considered for the preferred term, all required materials must be received by the Graduate School no later than the close of business on the deadline. Applicants are responsible for allowing adequate time for document submission and for ensuring receipt of documents.
Admission Deadlines
- Fall Deadline: July 15
- Spring Deadline: November 15
- Summer Deadline: April 15
Go to the Graduate School website and click on Our Programs, then click on Health & Physical Education M.Ed. Program for information on:
- Specific Health & Physical Education M.Ed. Program Admission Requirements
- Health & Physical Education M.Ed. Program Retention, Dismissal, and Readmission Policies
- Health & Physical Education M.Ed. Program Graduation Requirements
To Apply Online, click here.
Requirements for the M.Ed. Degree with a Major in Health and Physical Education
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 5999 | Professional Orientation | 0 |
| RSCH 7100 | Research Methodology in Education | 3 |
| KSPE 7110 | Physical Education for Exceptional Learners | 3 |
| KSPE 7120 | Physical Education Pedagogy | 3 |
| KSPE 7130 | Curriculum Development in Physical Education | 3 |
| KSPE 7141 | Technology Application in Physical Education | 3 |
| KSPE 7150 | Assessment and Applications in Physical Education | 3 |
| KSPE 7160 | Human Kinetics | 3 |
| KSPE 7171 | Innovative Health-Related Fitness Applications in Physical Education Program | 3 |
| KSPE 7180 | Interdisciplinary Physical Education | 3 |
| KSPE 7261 | Contemporary Program Development | 3 |
| KSPE 7910 | Capstone Seminar in Physical Education | 3 |
| Total Hours | 33 | |
The successful completion of a comprehensive exam or the successful development of a professional portfolio is also required for completion of this degree program.
