Physical & Coaching Education Programs

Physical Education Graduate Programs teach methods aimed at enhancing the physical health of students. This could involve taking courses in sport psychology, physiology, and injury prevention. Additionally, some courses may address topics in nutrition, coaching and other health-related fields.

Depending on your degree choice, you may also have the chance to develop new physical education methods based on your own research. Additionally, some courses may cover coaching techniques as well as how to instruct others in physical practices.

What is a Masters in Physical Education?

Masters in Physical Education programs are typically two year programs which award a Master of Science (MS) degree. However, MA physical education masters programs may also be available.

Some masters in physical education programs offer an opportunity to select an emphasis. This may allow students to focus on a particular area of interest and take additional elective courses. Examples include Human Performance and Wellness, Adapted Physical Education, Coaching and Sports Administration and Applied Kinesiology.

Applicants to masters in physical education programs may need a bachelor’s degree in a related area, or some amount of relevant coursework. Otherwise, programs may request students complete additional coursework. Schools may also request references and a minimum GPA. Requirements, timelines and available concentrations vary.

What is the Curriculum for a Masters in Physical Education?

Classes within a masters in physical education program teach how to monitor and enhance the long-term health of others. This could require taking a look at many different factors like diet and physical exercise. Then, masters in physical education programs offer opportunities for students to apply that knowledge and design action plans. These exercise and wellness programs could be customized to address the health issues of men and women of many different ages.

While earning your masters degree in physical education, you could have the chance to study some of the following topics.

• Health, Sport & Movement Psychology
• Exercise Physiology
• Physical Health Statistics
• Sport Ethics
• Teaching & Coaching
• Wellness & Prevention Strategies

While courses may primarily focus on the active body, masters in physical education programs may also focus on subjects like nutrition and supplementary ways to keep the body functional. When researching programs, keep your eyes out for Health, Physical Education, and Research (HPER) programs. These are holistic masters programs that spend more time covering alternative health matters.

Courses often vary by school. Contact potential schools for more information.

What is a Graduate Certificate in Physical Education?

A graduate certificate in physical education is typically a succinct program that focuses on methods to effectively coach a team of athletes. Certificate programs may be a great fit for students looking to expand their current PE career. Students who are looking for additional professional coaching opportunities might also be interested. (bls.gov)

First, courses focus on the principles associated with training as a team. This includes workout techniques as well as team bonding. In addition, you could have the chance to study ways to reduce or avoid sports-related injuries. This could include subjects like scheduling methods, proper cooldowns, and methods to assess fatigue.

After studying these general techniques, students may then have the chance to take part in a sport practicum. During the practicum, students coach a team in their preferred sport. This gives students a chance to apply their new knowledge and experience in a real-world scenario.

What is a PhD in Physical Education?

The PhD in physical education places more emphasis on student research. The aim of classes is to help students better research wellness topics. Using their collected data, students could potentially create new ways to combat current physical health concerns. The end goal of students of these programs is to publish works to enhance current physical education practices. Other physical education graduate programs focus on students designing fitness plans, but the PhD in physical education places more emphasis on student research.

The aim of classes is to help students better research wellness topics. Using their collected data, students could potentially create new ways to combat current physical health concerns. The end goal of students of these programs is to publish works to enhance current physical education practices.

Students pursuing a PhD in physical education may also be able to further concentrate their knowledge to a specific area of research. For example, students could have the chance to study some of the following.

• Exercise Science
• Health
• Minesmetrics
• Leisure Studies

Classes may differ by school. Check with possible schools for more information about their course offerings.

PhD in Physical Education Dissertation

Like many other doctoral programs, a PhD in physical education program generally requires students to complete a dissertation to graduate. In this case, students could conduct PE research either during their classes or as part of an independent study. Then, they could present their data and conclusions in their dissertation. In order to complete this requirement, students may have to defend their dissertation to the department faculty.

Accreditation

When researching physical education graduate programs, you may want to consider those that are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The CAEP strives to enhance teacher education programs by encouraging higher learning institutions to cover new teaching techniques. To do this, the CAEP constantly evaluates schools’ progress and programs to see if they reflect current practices and technology.

By choosing a program accredited by the CAEP, you could have the chance to participate in a program that strives to be at the forefront of the physical education field. Programs could include recent findings in nutrition, training, and coaching techniques.

What are Physical Education Graduate Program Types?

Physical education graduate programs are offered as on-campus, online, and hybrid programs. While each program covers the core material discussed above, they each offer unique ways for students to experience their education. Below are a few examples of physical education program types. Programs offered may vary by school.

Physical Education Graduate Schools

On-campus physical education graduate programs may provide more access to practicum classes. This is because they may have more access to training facilities like gyms and sports fields. More practicum classes could be a chance to test out physical education methods on actual people. These courses might also be a great way to receive direct feedback about your training experience from participants and professors.

Students who pursue physical education graduate programs are also educators could be able to take courses at atypical times. For instance, many classes might take place at night instead of during your school hours. This way, you could pursue your education and profession simultaneously.

Online Physical Education Graduate Programs

Other professionals may find online physical education graduate programs more to their liking. In some cases, you may be unable to attend classes because of other outside obligations. This could include scheduling or location to name a few problems.

Online programs could allow you to log into your classes as your time allows. This could make scheduling your classes around your routine more convenient. Additionally, your classroom could be located wherever you have internet access.

Hybrid Physical Education Graduate Programs

Hybrid programs combine online and on-campus physical education graduate programs. The majority of the hybrid coursework is conducted online, much like the online program. This means students could still conveniently log into class from their home computer or another location. But, during a semester, students could have the chance to come onto campus to take part in a practicum class. This way, you could be able to practically apply your skills and knowledge in a real-world setting.

Potential Careers with a Physical Education Degree

After graduation, many students may choose to pursue a teaching career with the help of their physical education graduate degree. These positions often require students to have earned a bachelor’s degree in their preferred field in order to pursue entry-level roles. For example, students could consider the following positions after graduation.

• Elementary Teacher (bls.gov)
• Middle School Teacher (bls.gov)
• High School Teacher (bls.gov)

It’s important to note that teaching positions may require additional licensure before being able to teach. Some states also require students to complete graduate coursework to maintain their licensure (bls.gov). Your graduate degree in physical education could fulfill this requirement.

Others may choose to pursue a career as a fitness trainer or instructor. While these positions typically require a high school diploma for entry-level roles, earning a graduate degree could demonstrate your in-depth knowledge of physical education (bls.gov).

Physical education graduate programs could be a great opportunity to learn more about the habits and exercises that contribute to maintaining a healthy body. More importantly, that knowledge could help others in their quest for a healthier lifestyle. To continue your search for a perfect program, browse the list of links on this page.

GradSchools.com Offers 133 Graduate Schools with Coaching Education Graduate Programs