Physical Education Pedagogy

A Master of Education in Physical Education provides two options:
Option 1: Advanced work in physical activity pedagogy.
Option 2: Post-baccalaureate teacher certification in physical eduction, and advanced work in physical activity pedagogy.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education with an emphasis in physical activity pedagogy and character education, prepares individuals to lead, serve and research learning and teaching as they apply to character and value-laden issues in physical activity settings. Students might also work with the Center for Ethics to study the topics of morals and ethics in sports.

The programs offer opportunities to become involved in nationally-recognized research and to work hand-in-hand with local schools to promote movement, physical activity, fitness and wellness.

Prepare for Success

A physical education degree provides graduates with the opportunity to help a sedentary generation plagued with decreasing wellness (e.g., obesity, low levels of fitness). A background in one or more of the disciplines of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance is helpful in preparing you to enter these degree programs. If you want to be on the forefront of a field that increasingly needs trained professionals, you should consider a graduate degree in P.E. pedagogy.

Your First Year

Master of Education in Physical Education

Option 1: You will take coursework in advanced physical activity pedagogy. This includes coursework in physical activity pedagogy such as curriculum and program development, health promotion, principles of behavior change, assessment of physical activity, contemporary issues in physical activity and health, and coursework in education, such as models of teaching, and schools in context.

Option 2: You will take coursework related to certification in physical education.  This includes movement, physical activity and foundation courses, and after acceptance into teacher education, you will take pedagogy courses in physical education and education culminating in a semester long internship.  In addition you will take coursework in advanced physical activity pedagogy and research. Students often take additional coursework (approx. 21 cr) to attain certification in a health minor.

Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in physical activity pedagogy and character education

You will take coursework related to research methods and design, physical activity pedagogy, character education and education, courses related to a cognate area of your interest, and courses related to your research and dissertation work.

What You Can Do

With a M.Ed. in Physical Education, you can become a:

• Physical education teacher 
• School physical activity director 
• Recreational sports director
• Coach
• Athletic department administrator

With a Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in physical activity pedagogy and character education, you can become a:

• University professor
• Education administrator

Opportunities

An M.Ed. degree in physical education pedagogy trains you for jobs in education and sports administration. Jobs in this field are in high demand and salaries vary from state to state.

A Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in physical activity pedagogy and character education trains you for jobs in higher education. Currently there is a great need for physical education teacher educators in universities and colleges throughout the nation.

Current Research

Some of the exciting faculty research in the field of physical education pedagogy includes a collaboration with the City of Moscow on a Safe Routes to School initiative, which provides education to the community on ways to encourage children to walk or bike to school.

Other research, by Justin Barnes, Grace Goc Karp and Sharon Stoll is about “Fair Play – Influences on Intentional Rule Violation.”

Activities

In addition to a number of recreational and sport organizations, students become involved in graduate and professional organizations, special interest organizations and professional/career organizations.

Hands-On Experience

With research opportunities imbedded within the community public schools, graduate students in physical education pedagogy have extensive opportunities to conduct intensive research and to learn hands-on and teach within the University of Idaho community. Students involved in character education are involved in creating curriculum for sports teams or in gathering data from our new servant leadership online certificate course for coaches.

Faculty Involvement

A small student-to-faculty ratio provides a unique opportunity for students to interact closely with faculty.

Grace Goc Karp
Program Coordinator, Physical Education
Research Interests: Physical Education Teacher Education, Assessment in Physical Education; Technology use in Physical Education, School to Community Physical Activity Enrichment
» View Grace Goc Karp's Profile

Philip W. Scruggs
Assistant Professor
Research Interests: Pediatric physical activity measurement & interventions
» View Philip Scruggs' profile

Sharon Stoll, Ph.D
Research Interests: Moral reasoning in Competition, Moral development in competition and physical activity; Servant leadership in physical activity; sport ethics.
» View Sharon Stoll's Profile