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Kinesiology: Physical Education Teacher Certification

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Customized for Your Career: Find Your Fit in Our Graduate Physical Education Program

Whether you're already a physical education teacher or considering a career shift to this dynamic field, you can choose from the perfect Kinesiology degrees at UAB to match your career aspirations.

The role of a physical education teacher transcends traditional gym and field settings, impacting every facet of a school community. Research consistently demonstrates the vital link between movement, physical activity, academic achievement, and overall well-being. A graduate-level degree at UAB allows you to customize your path to meet your interests, providing current research, knowledge, and skills to widen your circle of influence and increase your impact in physical education, coaching, and the school community.

At UAB, our graduate-level degrees focusing on physical education are designed to accommodate your schedule. You can pursue some of our degrees with online courses while maintaining your full-time job.

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Available Degrees

The MS in Kinesiology with a concentration in Physical Education is offered in two ways — Traditional and Alternative. The traditional master’s is designed for students who already have a teacher’s certification and the alternative master’s is for students who are not currently certified teachers. Students enrolled in the traditional master’s program may finish their degree requirements in as few as three semesters or may choose to take a slower path — up to five years — to complete their degree. Students enrolled in the alternative master’s program must complete certain prerequisite courses, and it may take six semesters to complete the entire program.

The alternative master's program is a 45-48 credit-hour degree designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in a field other than education who want to become teachers. Students who successfully complete this program will earn a master’s degree in education and be eligible to apply for Class A certification in their specific teaching field.

The traditional MS in Kinesiology with a concentration in Physical Education with Teacher Certification degree is a 30–33 credit-hour program for physical education teachers with a Class B teaching certificate. Graduates of the traditional master’s program are eligible to apply for Class A certification through the Alabama State Department of Education. The traditional master’s degree program is entirely online, which makes it flexible for full-time teachers.

 

The EdS in Education degree is a 30-33 credit-hour program open to teachers with a master's degree in physical education and Class A teacher certification. Completing this program allows graduates to apply for Class AA certification in physical education. The EdS degree program is entirely online, which is excellent for working educators.

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Earn a Higher Salary in Alabama with a Class A or Class AA Teaching Certification

Advancing your teaching career with a graduate-level degree will increase your salary in Alabama.

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Curriculum

The curriculum for the graduate physical education program varies depending on the degree level. Courses cover topics such as curriculum development in physical education, statistical methods and research, and strategies and issues in K-12 physical education. Students must also write a thesis or successfully complete a portfolio assessment.

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Resources

Jamie Giangrosso

Class of 2002, 2006, 2008, 2014

As a proud multiple alumna from the UAB School of Education Physical Education and Educational Leadership programs, I can honestly tell you that it transformed my life into something bigger than I could have imagined. I went to graduate school to become a better teacher for my students. I ended up going back two more times because it not only made me a better teacher, it made me a better leader to where I was making a significant impact on the lives of not only my students but my colleagues as we worked together to provide the very best for our students. I now get to visit multiple school systems in the state, facilitating and watching fellow educators provide all students in our state with the most outstanding education possible. UAB did that for me, and I am a proud Blazer! Ever Faithful. Every Loyal.

Michael Franklin

Class of 2011, 2016, 2023

The UAB graduate program in Kinesiology Physical Education has been a wonderful experience for me. I was able to earn my Master's and Educational Specialist degrees online while still being able to balance my role as a teacher, head coach, and athletic director. The program allowed for coursework flexibility tailored to my current role as a coach and athletic director. I highly recommend the Graduate Kinesiology program at UAB to any current coach or teacher wanting to expand their knowledge and experience in a way relevant to the daily rigors of teaching and coaching.

Why Choose Physical Education at UAB?

Onlne Courses

The traditional master’s program and EdS in Education with a physical education focus are offered 100% online.

State and Nationally Accredited

Learn more about our accreditation (CAEP & ALSDE).

Simple Admissions Process

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