About This Program

The Office of Educator Prep and Licensure can help answer your teaching license questions.

Contact

Kathy Mangano
Graduate Coordinator
Department of Physical Education and Health Education
(413) 748-3147
kmangano@springfield.edu

Linda Davis-Delano, PhD
Director of Educator Preparation and Licensure
Office of Educator Prep and Licensure
(413) 748-3146
ldelano@springfield.edu

The Springfield College physical education teacher licensure program is one of the few in the country to offer both a master’s degree as well as initial licensure.

The program, which can be completed in two to three years, is perfect for students who have earned their undergraduate degrees in fields other than physical education and who wish to complete the Massachusetts teacher licensure requirements in physical education. Completion of this program allows graduate students to qualify for initial licensure at both the elementary and secondary levels.

Through graduate-level content courses and prerequisites that can be taken concurrently with graduate courses, students gain knowledge and prepare for the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure.  In methods courses embedded with sequential field-based experiences starting in the first semester, students become more confident and competent teachers.  The culminating experience for the program is a full semester student teaching placement.  Career outcomes include placements as physical education teachers in grades PreK-12. 

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Eric Arabian G'23

Student Spotlight

"Springfield College was absolutely the right choice for me. As a parent, coach, and current professional in my field, I feel as though my advisor and professors have really gone the extra mile to ensure my success in the teacher-licensure program: from course scheduling to academic support, I know that there are always people looking out for me and I could not be more thankful!"

Eric Arabian standing outside
Melissa Gramuglia G'13

Alum Spotlight

"I was definitely nervous about coming into graduate school. I have a Bachelor of Science in athletic training, and my senior year of college I decided that it wasn't something I saw myself making a lifetime career out of. I looked into teaching Physical Education due to the overlap of knowledge, and found Springfield College to have one of the best programs. If I want to be the best, I'm going to learn from the best. I thrived in the "all-in" approach. While challenging, it was the best way for me to learn. Getting into the schools and teaching provides the most real-world experience you can get! I am so much more effective in professional reflection and adjusting lessons because of it."

Melissa Gramuglia smiling
Admissions Requirements

This program enrolls students in the fall and spring terms only.

Complete the application form. No application fee.

Start your application process by completing the online application form. Be sure to complete your application by submitting all the required materials outlined in this section. 

Graduate Admissions Essay

Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials. Once you login to your application portal you'll be able to upload your essay.

In two to three double-spaced pages, please describe significant life experiences that have contributed to your interest in your field, your understanding of this field, your occupational objectives, and why you have chosen Springfield College. 

Resume

Please include any college activities, out-of-school leadership experiences, work history, and community involvement to support your interest in or qualifications for graduate study. Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials. Once you login to your application portal you'll be able to upload your resume. 

Letters of Recommendation

This program requires two letters of recommendation. Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.

Interview

It is recommended that applicants complete an interview.

Official Transcripts from All Institutions Previously/Currently Attended
  • An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required.
  • Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. In some cases, including if you plan to request coursework be transferred, a course-by-course translation is required. For this we recommend the World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
  • In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu, or mailed to the college address:

    Springfield College
    Office of Graduate Admissions
    263 Alden Street
    Springfield, MA 01109

International Applicants

All international applicants from non-English speaking countries are required, in addition to the items listed above, to submit:

  • Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS. If your undergraduate degree was earned in the United States and you successfully completed College level English, we will consider English language proficiency met.
  • Please note: Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. In some cases, including if you plan to request coursework be transferred, a course-by-course translation is required. For this we recommend the World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.

Our Associate Director of International Admissions Nicholas Venn can answer any questions you may have about enrolling in Springfield College as an international student. You may email him at intladmissions@springfield.edu or via phone at (413) 748-3891.

To submit materials:

After submitting your online application form you will receive user login credentials to access your student application portal. From that portal, you will be able to upload your graduate admissions essay and your resume. Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload their letter to your application. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu, or mailed to the college address:

Springfield College
Office of Graduate Admissions
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109

Physical Education Teacher - Initial Licensure concentration

Sequence of Courses

Physical Education Teacher - Initial Licensure program is intended to meet the needs of those students who have earned undergraduate degrees in fields other than physical education and who wish to complete the Massachusetts Teacher Licensure requirements in physical education. Completion of this program will therefore allow graduate students to qualify for initial licensure in elementary physical education (PreK-8) and/or secondary level physical education (5-12).

Note: This program of study is subject to change due to changes being made to the Massachusetts Department of Education Licensure regulations.

Standards for Practicum Placement

All graduate/postbaccalaureate Physical Education Licensure students must meet the following specific requirements along with those identified for Teacher Preparation Program Admission.

  1. Complete all prerequisites for specific program (may be in process).
  2. Meet or exceed a 3.0 professional cumulative index, consisting of any courses taken with the following prefixes: AEXS, EDUC, HLTH, MOSK, MOST, PEAC, PEPC and PHED (cumulative indexes will be from the last semester completed). (This includes all undergraduate prerequisites taken at Springfield College while enrolled as a graduate student.)
  3. Students must also receive a grade of B or better in pre-practicum in order to be eligible to begin the practicum experience.
  4. Demonstrate the personal characteristics needed to become a teacher (for example: responsible, dependable, hard working, professional, committed to the field of education.)
  5. Earn a passing score on the Massachusetts Tests for Education Licensure - Communications and Literacy Skills Test and the Physical Education Subject Test.
  6. Recommendation for practicum placement by department.

Undergraduate prerequisites

  • Anatomy & Physiology I and II  (BIOL 130, 132, 131, 133)
  • Physiology of Exercise  (AEXS 313)
  • Kinesiology (AEXS 319)
  • Performance Assessment (MOST 410)
  • Psychology or Sociology of Sport (MOST 328 or 428 or PHED 658)
  • First Aid & CPR Certification

Skills and Techniques  - 6 credits from the list below

  • PEPC Fitness for Life (1 credit)
  • Choose 2 credits from the following selectives:
    • basketball, volleyball, track and field, educational gymnastics, target games, striking games, territorial and invasion games, racket, net and wall games.
  • Aquatics 
    WSI or Lifeguard (1 credit)
  • Swimming
    PEAC 205
    PEAC 206
    PEAC 104
    PEAC 115
  • Outdoor/Leisure 
    Outdoor Adventure (.5 credits)
  • Movement Across Categories 
    Skill Themes and Movement Concepts (.5 credit)
  • A transcript review will determine if additional prerequistes are required

A. Program requirements (21 credits)

B. Pedagogy requirements (12 credits)

C. Research Core requirement (3 credits)

D. Research requirements (4-9 credits)

1. Thesis option (9 credits)

2. Independent Study option (4 credits)

E. Degree Information

Candidates in the Physical Education Teacher - Initial Licensure program are eligible for the M.Ed. or M.S. Degree in accordance with Plan A or Plan B as described in the Degree Requirements section under Academic Policies and Procedures.  Students must complete a minimum of 37 credit hours.

View the catalog.

APPLY ONLINE

Priority deadlines are as follows:

  • July 15 for fall (September) entry
  • December 1 for spring (January) entry

All required supporting materials are due as follows:

  • August 1 for fall (September) entry
  • January 1 for spring (January) entry
Graduate Program Courses $1,105 per credit
Approximate total cost for Master of Education (45 credits) $49,725
Approximate total cost for Master of Science (40 credits) $44,200
Graduate Student Fee* $385
Enrollment Deposit $300

All approximate costs above are based on 2020-21 academic year costs.

*The graduate student fee (full time) includes the following costs for the 2020-21 academic year.

  • Student Government Fee: $20
  • Community Engagement Fee: $35
  • Recreation Fee: $315
  • Class Dues: $15

The graduate student fee (part-time) is $85 per semester.

VIEW ADDITIONAL FEES AND ESTIMATED INDIRECT EXPENSES

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