Physical Education: Initial Licensure
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Admissions Contact
Rachel Ahlmeyer Are you an International Student? |
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Program Contacts
Kathy Mangano Valerie Annear |
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Curriculum and Delivery
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Start Dates and Duration
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Upcoming Events
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The Springfield College MEd/MS in Physical Education: Initial Licensure is one of the few in the country to offer both a master’s degree as well as initial licensure. 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).
The program 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.
What job can I get with a master's degree in Physical Education?
A master's degree in Physical Education from Springfield College prepares you for a variety of impactful careers in education and health promotion. Graduates often become physical education teachers, guiding students in developing physical fitness, sports skills, and healthy lifestyle habits. You might also pursue roles as athletic coaches, helping athletes improve their performance and reach their full potential.
Data is from the 2024 Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Preschool teachers educate and care for children younger than age 5 who have not yet entered kindergarten. They teach language, motor, and social skills to young children.
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers help students learn and apply important concepts. Many teachers use a hands-on approach to help students understand abstract concepts, solve problems, and develop critical-thinking skills. For example, they may demonstrate how to do a science experiment and then have the students conduct the experiment themselves. They may have students work together to solve problems.
High school teachers generally teach students from the 9th through 12th grades. They usually specialize in one area. They may teach several different classes within their subject area. For example, a high school math teacher may teach algebra, calculus, and/or geometry.
Some high school teachers take on additional responsibilities, such as coaching sports or advising academic clubs, activities that frequently take place before or after school.
How to Apply:
Admission Requirements
- Complete the online application: Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials and instructions for submitting supplemental materials as listed below.
- 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.
- Two letters of recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from a faculty member or direct supervisor: Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.
- Transcripts: An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required. 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
- $100 non-refundable International Application fee
In addition to the above admissions requirements, all international applicants from non-English-speaking countries are required to submit:
- Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS: Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to our language requirements for more information on acceptable tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and conditional acceptance. 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 (NACES). For this we recommend SpanTran, with its customized portal for Springfield College applicants. World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. are also recommended for your credential evaluations.
The Office of International Admissions can assist you with questions you may have about enrolling at Springfield College as an international student by emailing intladmissions@springfieldcollege.edu.
Application Deadline
Domestic Students:
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space is available.
International Students:
Fall
- Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: May 1
Spring
- Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: October 1
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 prerequisites are required
