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About this field

The Master of Arts in Teaching in Health and Physical Education program is an opportunity for college graduates who hold a bachelor's degree or more advanced degree in a content area from an accredited college or university to earn a master's degree in education and be recommended for a Georgia clear renewable T-5 teaching certificate. This is a 36-credit hour masters degree program requiring extensive field experiences and college course work. This program is designed for the preparation of teachers for core academic areas of health and physical education. Two options are available. Track one is for candidates who are current educators seeking certification in HPE and track two is for individuals who are not employed in education.

The Valdosta State Difference

The MAT in Health and Physical Education offers students an opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills to become a certified educator in a PK-12 classroom.  This fully online degree provides a flexible schedule for completing the required coursework.  

What You'll Learn

Program candidates will gain knowledge and skills to build a solid foundation for teaching in health and physical education. Course curricula include foundations and technology in HPE, sports science and nutrition, PE teaching methods at elementary and secondary levels, and common topics in health and physical education. All candidates will complete an internship before the end of the program. 

Graduation Requirements

• Candidates must succefully complete the KSPE 2999 requirement the first semester of enrollment to progress in the program. 
• Candidates must fulfill the SPEC 3000 requirement prior to program completion.

More Information

Click here for more information about our Tuition and Fees

Click here for more information on requirements for Admission, Graduation, and Retention

Internships

All placements for field experiences and clinical practice will be coordinated through the COEHS Office of Clinical Experiences and Certification and the Department of Teacher Education.

Candidates employed in a P-12 school will be required to complete all applied assignments in KSPE 6700, KSPE 6710, KSPE 6911, and KSPE 6790. Employed candidates may complete these applied assignments in their own classrooms/schools when the grade levels are appropriate. 

 To ensure candidates have experience in all required grade levels, they will be placed in an appropriate school to complete assignments that are not appropriate for their current teaching assignment. An employer verification and consent form in which the principal gives consent for the candidates to complete field experiences in other schools will be required prior earning an S in EDUC 2999 and enrollment in the methods courses. 

KSPE 6700 Elementary Physical Education Content & Methods (First Fall Semester)

No less than 30 hours are expected to be completed in a health and/or physical education elementary setting with a mentor with no less than three years’ experience, who is currently teaching health and/or physical education, and who is licensed to teach health and/or physical education. 

KSPE 6710 Middle Grades & Secondary Phys. Ed. And Health Content & Methods (First Spring Semester)

No less than 30 hours are expected to be completed in a health and/or physical middle or high school setting with a mentor with no less than three years’ experience, who is currently teaching health and/or physical education, and who is licensed to teach health and/or physical education. 

KSPE 6911 Special Populations & Diversity in Sport and Phys. Ed. Methods (Second Fall Semester)

No less than 30 hours are expected to be completed in a health and/or physical education middle or high school setting with a mentor with no less than three years’ experience, who is currently teaching health and/or physical education, and who is licensed to teach health and/or physical education. This placement also requires experience in a special education/adaptive classroom. 

KSPE 6790 Student Teaching in Health & Physical Education or  KSPE 6890 Internship in Health & Physical Education

No less than 16 full weeks are expected to be completed in a school in a health and/or physical education setting with a mentor with no less than three years’ experience, who is currently teaching health and/or physical education, and who is licensed to teach health and/or physical education. 

Program Coordinator

Dr. Eugene Asola

efasola@valdosta.edu

Careers

• Athletic Director
• Certified Health Educator
• Certified Physical Education Teacher
• Coach
• Community Center Athletic Director
• Community Recreation Director
• Corporate Trainer

• Dance Instructor
• Nutrition Instructor
• Sports Camp Director
• Sports Camp Instructor
• Wellness Coordinator
• Wellness Instructor