Physical Education
Prepare for a rewarding teaching career inspiring young people to understand wellness and live a healthy active lifestyle.
Why Earn an MA in Physical Education?
The physical education graduate program will prepare you to teach grades preK-12 physical education in schools. You’ll learn to use exercise, sports, games, and dance in age-appropriate programs to teach students how to live a healthy active lifestyle, and gain the skills necessary to integrate technology and work with individuals and diverse groups in schools and after-school physical activity and sports programs.
Why Major in Physical Education at Adelphi University in New York?
- Advance your career through our evening, in-person program on a timeline that works for you, with the option of full or part-time enrollment.
- Receive personalized attention in small classes, work closely with your professors and transform yourself into an effective physical education teacher.
- Build community connections within our strong network of school districts and educators in the New York area and gain valuable teaching experience through school placements.
Degree Options and Certification
We offer three degree options to meet the needs of incoming students.
MA in Physical Education (Professional)
Designed for students who already hold a valid New York State initial/provisional teacher certification in physical education and will obtain professional certification after completion.
MA in Physical Education (In-Service)
Designed for students who already have initial teacher certification in an area other than physical education.
MA in Physical Education (Pre-Service)
Designed for students without prior teacher certification.
Certification
Successful graduates of this program are eligible for New York State Teacher Certification in Physical Education. New York State Department of Education requires all graduates to sit for the Content Specialty Test in Physical Education. Some coursework may count toward additional areas of teacher certification.
The program gave me the chance to realize my dream of becoming a physical education teacher, helped get me out of my comfort zone by exposing me to public speaking, and gave me the social and professional tools to excel in my PE career.
Exceptional Hands-On Learning
At Adelphi, we believe hands-on experience is key to setting our students up for future career success. You will have the opportunity to work directly with other educators and young people during your fieldwork internship course. For those who are career changers, you will have the opportunity to student teach, full time, 5 days per week, working with a cooperating teacher and a supervising professor from the University gaining firsthand experience. Placements occur both in the boroughs of New York City and on Long Island.
Program Info
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following:
- Graduate application and $60 fee
- Online survey completed by two recommenders
- Personal essay
- Official transcripts from all prior institutions and proof of bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution
- Résumé (preferred)
All teacher certification candidates must take and pass New York State Teacher’s Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) required for their particular area of certification, which includes the Content Specialty Test in Physical Education.
Frequently Asked Questions about Adelphi’s Master’s Degree in Physical Education
A master’s degree in physical education can qualify you for an initial New York State (NYS) teaching license, allowing you to teach physical education in grades K-12. After three years of teaching experience in physical education, you will be eligible to apply for a New York State professional teaching license. Furthermore, pursuing additional credits beyond your master’s degree can increase your earning potential, as teachers often receive salary increases for completing post-graduate coursework, typically up to 30 credits beyond the master’s.
Students who enter the program already holding an NYS initial teaching license can generally complete the program in one and a half to two years of full-time study. For those who aren’t already licensed the program typically takes two years of full-time study. Previous completion of prerequisite courses can further reduce completion time.
Graduate classes at Adelphi are offered Monday through Thursday evenings throughout the year, allowing you to move through the physical education graduate program more quickly. Adelphi offers rolling admission, which means that you have the option of starting the program at five different points throughout the year (fall semester, January Intersession, spring semester, or May or July sessions). Once you are admitted, you’re ready to go!
Pursuing a Master’s degree in Physical Education not only enhances your career prospects but also prepares you for a deeply rewarding career. You’ll learn how to design curriculum and structure relevant and enjoyable lessons from highly knowledgeable instructors, and gain practical experience under the guidance of successful physical education teachers during your fieldwork. Ultimately, you’ll experience a profound sense of purpose by positively impacting the lives of children.
The physical education master’s program is taught in-person with some classes offered online. At Adelphi, we place a high value on creating community in classes through developing personal connections with professors and peers while offering the convenience of some online learning.
Yes, you will be able to apply to complete your fieldwork in specific districts. For those who already work within schools, our team will help you work with your school’s administration on how to create your schedule to complete your fieldwork hours during your lunches and preparation times. Students who already have an initial New York State teacher license do not need to student teach.
Yes, you can do a dual program with health and physical education at Adelphi University. At the end of your program, you will complete your exams to earn an initial NYS teaching license in[P1] both Health Education and Physical Education. You can even simultaneously complete advanced studies in teaching adapted Physical Education to increase your marketability and become more effective at including students with disabilities in physical education.
Adelphi instructors are highly trained professionals who are active in their fields. Full-time professors work hand-in-hand with adjunct professors to make you feel welcome and help you acquire the knowledge to teach physical education to children effectively. Beyond the classroom, you’ll benefit from social and professional gatherings and opportunities to network and enhance your understanding of the field.
Awards & Recognition
