Physical education
Master of Education
Overview
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Inspire active and healthy kids
Help students build healthy habits that last a lifetime. University of Idaho's Master of Education (M.Ed.) in physical education prepares educators to create engaging learning experiences, promote school wellness and lead physical activity initiatives that support students, families and school communities.
Designed for both licensed teachers and students seeking initial teacher certification, this flexible graduate program combines evidence-based teaching practices with hands-on learning to prepare leaders in physical education. You’ll explore curriculum design, assessment, instructional strategies and whole-of-school physical activity programming while learning how to create inclusive environments that encourage lifelong physical activity and healthy living.
Throughout the program, you'll learn to:
- Design engaging physical education lessons that motivate students of all abilities.
- Teach games, sports and movement activities that promote lifelong fitness.
- Lead school-wide physical activity initiatives that extend beyond the gym.
- Use research and assessment to improve teaching and student outcomes.
- Apply problem-based research to address physical activity and physical education challenges in your own educational setting.
Graduates are prepared to lead high-quality physical education programs, promote school wellness and increase opportunities for physical activity in K-12 schools. Choose the pathway that best fits your professional goals:
- One-year online option for certified physical education teachers seeking an advanced degree.
- Three-semester on-campus option that includes initial teacher certification for those entering the profession.
- Students may begin the program in the fall, spring or summer semester, providing flexibility to balance graduate study with personal and professional commitments.
This degree could be a good fit if you:
- Enjoy physical activity, sports and promoting healthy lifestyles
- Want to become or advance as a K-12 physical education teacher
- Are interested in school wellness and Whole-of-School Physical Activity Program
- Enjoy working with children and adolescents
- Are patient, creative and enjoy motivating others
- Want to lead programs that improve student health, learning and well-being
Advanced physical education
Curriculum
The M.Ed. in physical education is a 27-35 credit program combining coursework and applied learning experiences. You'll build expertise in physical education while developing practical strategies you can immediately apply in educational settings.
View the Movement Sciences Graduate Student Handbook for details and program requirements on earning this degree.
Explore program details in the University Catalog
With research opportunities embedded in the K-12 classroom experiences, graduate students in the Master of Education in physical education program have many opportunities to conduct intensive research, learn hands-on and to teach within the University of Idaho community.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
4,157 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Postsecondary Education Teachers • Postsecondary Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers
$87,482 - Middle School Teachers
$83,937 - Secondary School Teachers
$82,338 - Coaches and Scouts
$47,576 - Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors
$50,229
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Tuition and fees
University of Idaho is committed to making graduate education accessible and helping students navigate the cost of earning an advanced degree. In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, many graduate students receive funding through assistantships, research opportunities and other forms of academic support.
Here are a few key resources to help you understand graduate tuition, funding opportunities and available financial support:
- Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in accessing federal financial aid and certain institutional funding opportunities.
- Estimate your cost of attendance: Visit U of I’s cost of attendance page to explore estimated tuition, fees and living expenses associated with your graduate program.
- View a breakdown of tuition and fees: Visit the Student Accounts page to explore current tuition rates, fees and detailed cost information based on your program, residency status and enrollment level.
- Explore scholarships and graduate funding opportunities: Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities based on academic achievement, area of study and professional experience.
- Learn about assistantships: Many graduate programs offer Research Assistantships (RAs), Teaching Assistantships (TAs) or Graduate Assistantships (GAs), which may provide tuition support, stipends and valuable professional experience. Assistantship availability and funding levels vary by program and department.
- Connect with your program: Some graduate funding opportunities are coordinated directly through academic departments or faculty research projects. Prospective students are encouraged to review department funding information and speak with program representatives about available opportunities.
If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships or graduate funding, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors and graduate program staff can help you explore options and make informed financial decisions throughout the admissions process.
Graduate students have funding opportunities specific to Movement Sciences programs in the form of teaching assistantships.
Learn more about teaching assistantships within the Department of Movement Sciences.
Contact information
Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities.
Movement Sciences contact:
Cate Loiacono
eganca@uidaho.edu
For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:
Graduate Admissions contact:
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001
Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page.
Application information
Applicants for the M.Ed. in physical education must meet the following admission requirements:
Program availability
- Concentration: Non-thesis
- Semester intake: Fall, spring or summer
- Eligible for 4+1 admission for U of I undergraduates
- Eligible for Expedited admission for U of I undergraduates
- Eligible for out-of-state tuition waiver through the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) for qualifying applicants
- Not eligible for international students who require F-1 visa status
- Note: The one-year online physical education pedagogy option is only available for certified teachers.
- Deadlines: General application deadlines
- Start dates: View the academic calendar to see start and end dates
University requirements
- Education level: Bachelor's degree in a similar or related field from an accredited or recognized institution (earned or expected before the start of the graduate program)
- Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. Official transcripts sent by the issuing institution(s) will be required if admitted. View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.
- GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
- GRE: Not required
- Letters of recommendation: Three
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Other requirements: Program interview
- Valid picture ID (required to verify students’ identity and will be kept confidential)
- English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).
- Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.
- Application fee: $50
Application and admission process
Applications are submitted online and are specific to the program and term selected. Applicants seeking admission to multiple programs must submit a separate application for each program.
Before submitting an application, applicants must provide personal and academic information from all post-secondary institutions attended, recommender information, required program-specific materials, and their intended program and start term.
Applications are reviewed for admission by the academic program. Only complete applications, including required letters of recommendation and payment of the application fee, will be forwarded for evaluation and admission decision. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their applications early to allow sufficient time for a thorough review.
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.
Overview
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Have questions?
Have questions about the program? Connect with our program coordinator or request more information to learn about curriculum, faculty advisors, research opportunities, graduate funding and career outcomes.
Cate A. Egan Loiacono
Why earn your M.Ed. in physical education at University of Idaho?
Flexible pathways: Choose between a one-year online option for certified teachers or a three-semester on-campus pathway that includes initial teacher certification.
Applied learning: Gain hands-on experience through classroom teaching, problem-based research and projects that address real physical education challenges in K-12 schools.
Whole-school impact: Develop the skills to lead physical education, promote school wellness and create opportunities for students to be active throughout the school day.