Physical Education, MPE
Program description
The MPE program prepares students to successfully teach and conduct research on quality physical education programs for learners in preschool through grade 12.
This flexible program allows students to design a program of study that enhances their interests and professional specializations.There are three program options:
- The teacher certification route provides the coursework and professional experiences necessary for students to obtain certification to teach physical education in Arizona public schools after graduation. Students in this route take a total of 58 credit hours – 33 credits for the master’s degree and 25 credits for teacher certification coursework. Students complete internships prior to a full-time student teaching residency.
- The physical education endorsement route familiarizes students with the most current trends and issues in school physical education. Students can focus on numerous topics within elementary physical education, secondary physical education and adapted physical education. This option may be of interest to students who already have a teaching certificate in a different subject area and are interested in earning a physical education endorsement. Students in this route take 33 credit hours and complete the coursework required for the Physical Education PreK–12 endorsement through the Arizona Department of Education.
- The pedagogy research route is appropriate for students interested in learning more about research on teaching in physical education and other related physical activity settings. This track may be of interest to students who already have a teaching certificate in physical education and are interested in pursuing doctoral studies in the future. Students in this route take 33 credit hours.
Students in all routes learn about designing, implementing and assessing comprehensive school physical activity programs. This type of programming reflects current global trends in promoting physical activity for children, youth, school staff and families in communities surrounding school campuses.
Graduates from the teaching certification route earn an institutional recommendation from ASU for Arizona teacher certification in Secondary Education, 6–12, along with a physical education endorsement, grades PreK–12, from the Arizona Department of Education. In addition, teacher candidates must pass the appropriate Arizona professional knowledge and/or subject knowledge educator exams: National Evaluation Series or Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments. This program may also lead to licensure in other states. Learn more about professional licensure: https://admission.asu.edu/academics/licensure
At a glance: locations and start dates
Next steps to attend ASU
Career outlook
Graduates of Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College are highly sought-out educators in public, charter and private education institutions. Students gain skills in teaching, conducting research and collaborating in teams --- all of which prepare them for success in educational careers focused on physical activity, health and wellness.
Career examples include:
- coach
- educator in community organizations
- educator in educational institutions
- fitness instructor
- teacher
Program contact information
If you have questions related to admission, please fill out the request information form and an admission specialist will contact you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
Cost and aid
Admission requirements
You must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.
You must also have earned a bachelor's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution. Minimum GPA: 3.0 (in the last 60 hours of your first bachelor's program). If you don't meet the GPA requirement, you may be eligible for provisional admittance or a non-degree pathway.