What you will study
UCM’s online Physical Education Pedagogy master’s degree program will give you greater
insight into the core principles of physical education, including effective teaching
methodology and child development, as well as advanced training in curriculum development
and assessment.
Program courses you may take include:
- Trends and Issues in Physical Education and Coaching: In this core course of our online Physical Education master’s degree, you’ll analyze
on-the-job problems and develop strategic solutions.
- Behavior Interventions in Physical Education: Learn about and apply key psychological principles in physical education related to
student motivation, goal-setting, group dynamics, behavior modification and self-perception.
- Physical Activity Promotion: Examine theories of behavior change and evidence-based interventions to promote physical
activity in children and adolescents. Evaluate how your PE program might better integrate
the principles of the Comprehensive School Physical Activity Model (CSPAP).
National Rankings
- #4: Online Master’s in Physical Education with the Highest Return on Investment (OnlineU,
2021)
- Top 15%: Most Focused Colleges for Education (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 15%: Most Popular Master’s Degree Colleges for Health & Physical Education (College Factual,
2022)
Unique learning opportunities in physical education pedagogy
Our graduate program’s focus on applied learning will also get you hands-on experience
in a variety of ways:
- Capstone project: UCM’s online Physical Education Pedagogy master’s degree concludes with a capstone
project, unlike the research thesis required by many other Physical Education master’s
degree programs. We recognize that your goals as a physical education teacher may
not necessarily include academic research. The capstone project is an applied learning
opportunity for you to develop your original ideas in the context of current thinking
in the field.
- Practice what you teach: Conduct a walkability/rideability assessment of the neighborhood around your school
the only way you can — by walking or cycling through it!
- Master the tools of the trade: Develop your expertise on technology in physical education settings, becoming the
leader your department and school need. Create a presentation advocating for increased
funding at your school for technology equipment.
- Learn advanced instructional technology: A central tenet of Physical Education master’s degree programs is to expand and enrich
your understanding of educational technology. In this course, you’ll explore various
curriculum models and design physical education units to use with your students based
on their needs and interests.
What can you do with a Physical Education Pedagogy master’s degree from UCM?
UCM’s online Physical Education master’s degree program with a concentration in Pedagogy
provides the education and practical training you need to become a leader and change
agent in the field.
Many UCM graduates with a Physical Education Pedagogy master’s degree go on to serve
in leadership roles for state and national organizations, pursue doctoral degrees
in physical education or sport pedagogy or take up senior administrative roles within
their departments.
Jobs with a Physical Education Pedagogy master’s degree
Physical Education teachers with a Pedagogy master’s degree are in strong demand in
school districts across the country. Use our interactive tool below to explore regional
trends, growth and salary information for graduates of Physical Education master’s
degree programs.
Financial assistance options for your online Physical Education master’s degree
The University of Central Missouri’s commitment to low student debt means we offer
all of our degree programs at competitive rates, with generous financial aid options
available for both graduate and undergraduate students.
UCM’s online Physical Education master’s degree program represents particularly strong
value. This graduate program has been recognized by OnlineU as #4 in the nation and
#1 in the state of Missouri for a student’s return on their investment (ROI).
The majority of UCM students receive some form of financial aid, including loans,
grants, graduate assistantships and scholarships. Your financial aid advisor will
work with you to determine the best options for financing your graduate education.
In addition to university-wide resources, you may be eligible for funding reserved
for graduate students within the College of Education. Learn more about school- and
program-specific scholarships by using the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Respected Degree, Extraordinary Value
Fourth-highest ROI nationwide
UCM is proud to offer one of the country’s highest-quality and yet most affordable
online Physical Education master’s degree programs. Our fully accredited program has
been ranked #4 in the U.S. and #1 in the state of Missouri by OnlineU for students’
ROI.
Learn From Experts in the Field
Program faculty with academic and real-world experience
UCM’s Physical Education program faculty all have K–12 teaching experience — they’ve
been where you’ve been. Many have been recognized with awards for their teaching ability
and commitment to the profession and lead state, regional and national physical education
organizations.
Meet Dr. Brandy Lynch
Program coordinator, associate professor of Physical Education
Dr. Lynch holds a Ph.D. in Sport and Exercise Science with an emphasis in Sport Pedagogy.
She specializes in the application of technology in instruction, quality assessment
practices and the analysis of effective teaching. She has several leadership roles
in physical education professional organizations at the state and national levels.
Meet Dr. Brad Mears
Professor, Physical Education
Dr. Mears offers graduate students in UCM’s Physical Education Pedagogy master’s degree
nuanced understanding of the latest trends and research in the field. Building on
his multiple advanced degrees, his research interests include curricular integration,
STEM in physical education, technology applications in teaching and learning and elementary
physical education pedagogy.
Meet Dr. Kenneth Bias
Professor, Physical Education
Combining years of professional experience with two degrees in Physical Education
and an Ed.D. in Teacher Leadership, Dr. Bias is a valuable resource for all students
in UCM’s online Physical Education master’s degree program. Pedagogy master’s degree
students in particular will benefit from Dr. Bias’s research on sport education and
pedagogy.
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