Health and Physical Education

Physical Education Degree

With licensure for PreK-12 Health and Physical Education 

The Health and Physical Education program has been in existence for several decades and is highly respected by students at Mason and teachers in the field. It prepares undergraduate students for licensure in the teaching profession of health and physical education at the elementary, middle and high school grades. The program is accredited by the Virginia’s Department of Education and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. This program has graduated numerous teachers and leaders in the field.

The curriculum is research based, stresses teaching standards established by the National Association of Sport and Physical Education and uses current teaching practices emphasizing student learning in physical education. Meaningful assessment of students is highly valued along with planning for diverse learners. Central to the program is its school based field experiences in which majors teach various grades in schools with the supervision of carefully chosen master teachers.

Graduates of the program are well prepared to begin careers as professional educators. They are expected to continue their education through workshops, convention presentations and reading current literature as a means of staying abreast of recent trends based on research in the field. Ultimately, they are encouraged to pursue leadership opportunities for improving our profession.

The MEd in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Physical Education

This program is designed for full time practicing teachers in health and physical education with the purpose of advancing their knowledge and teaching/research skills. The program offers a 30 credit degree combining a core of twelve credits of education courses taught through the Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning (ASTL) program in the Graduate School of Education. The other eighteen credits are physical education courses that provide advanced learning in teacher analysis, curriculum development and adapted physical education. Conducting and analyzing research leads the graduate student toward becoming a teacher researcher. This process is stressed by both the ASTL core and the PE concentration with the goal of providing advanced course work that strengthens the abilities and knowledge base of the experienced teacher.

George Mason University will verify completion of the requirements of a Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) state-approved preparation program at the graduate or undergraduate level. Such verification does not guarantee the issuance of Virginia Collegiate Professional, Postgraduate Professional, or Pupil Personnel license from the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is solely the student's responsibility to comply with all requirements for licensure by the Commonwealth. Under Virginia law a social security number is required for licensure.