About

This online program enables licensed North Carolina teachers to acquire advanced competencies in physical education. Acquisition of the MAEd qualifies graduates for master’s-level salary when employed by a North Carolina school district. Additionally, the program complements completion of the requirements for National Board Certification.

The master of education (MAEd) is awarded by the College of Education in conjunction with the Department of Kinesiology. To be eligible, applicants must hold a current North Carolina Teaching License. If the license is not in physical education, applicants may be required to fulfill additional prerequisites.

ECU Advantage

The mission of the College of Health and Human Performance is to improve health, well-being, and quality of life. By providing instruction, conducting research, and performing service in health, exercise science, recreation, and leisure, the college strives to advance and disseminate knowledge concerning enhancement of health, physical performance, and quality of life of individuals and communities, particularly those is eastern North Carolina.

Our faculty offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in the areas of Kinesiology, Health Education and Promotion, and Recreation Sciences. The college is also home to the Air Force and Army ROTC programs which offer minors that can be combined with other degrees on campus.

As an ECU student, you can research your future career in Steppingblocks. Explore real-world stats about your major, your interests, and your dream job title with data-powered career exploration tools designed for doers like you.

What You Will Study

Program Coordinator: Bomna Ko (153 Minges Coliseum; 252-328-0017; kob@ecu.edu)

The Physical Education, MAEd is a 100% online, performance-based program designed to develop advanced competencies in K-12 physical education. The curriculum integrates both theory and practical application of pedagogy in a variety of areas: assessment, technology, supervision, effective teaching practices, intercultural issues, and content knowledge in physical education. 

The physical education core courses are designed to align with components of National Board Certification by focusing on enhancement of teaching effectiveness, assessment, reflective practices, research, differentiated instruction for diverse learners, and the development of supervisory skills and intercultural competencies. Elective courses are included to meet physical educators' needs in current school settings: adapted physical activity, coaching, and motor learning. The professional core requires courses in leadership and communication, differences in human learning, and research. The desired outcome is preparation of specialized physical education professionals who are able to exemplify teaching effectiveness for K-12 students' education and to serve as leaders in the physical education profession.

The degree is administratively located in the Department of Kinesiology in the College of Health and Human Performance.

The degree requires a minimum of 33 s.h. as follows:

Professional core courses - 9 s.h.
  • ADED 6550 - Leadership and Communication Skills in Education
    • OR
  • ELEM 6550 - Leadership and Communication Skills in Education

  • EDUC 6001 - Introduction to Differences in Human Learning in Schools
  • KINE 6300 - Research Techniques in Kinesiology
  • KINE 6301 - Research Seminar in Kinesiology
Physical education core courses - 18 s.h.
  • KINE 6101 - Technology, Assessment, and Differentiated Instruction in Physical Education
  • KINE 6108 - Analysis of Teaching Practice in Physical Education
  • KINE 6109 - Reflective Supervisor and Practitioner in Physical Education
  • KINE 6110 - Intercultural Issues and Content Knowledge in Physical Education
  • KINE 6303 - Physical Activity Programs for Individuals with Developmental, Emotional, and Learning Disabilities
  • KINE 6990 - Practicum in Kinesiology
  • KINE 6991 - Practicum in Kinesiology
Restricted elective courses - 6 s.h.

Choose two courses from the following: 

  • RCSC 6131 - Management and Leadership in Recreation and Sport
  • SMGT 6132 - Legal Aspects of Sport Management
  • KINE 6202 - Motor Learning
  • KINE 6445 - Sport Psychology
  • KINE 6903 - Physical Activity Programs for Individuals with Orthopedic, Neurologic, and Sensory Impairments
Comprehensive Assessment Requirement

All ECU graduate programs require students to successfully complete a comprehensive assessment. This program requires an action research project (KINE 6990, KINE 6991).

    Licensure for the Physical Education, MAEd

    The Physical Education, MAEd leads to a NC Advanced, M Level license in Physical Education Grades K-12. Candidates must hold a valid NC initial, A level license in Physical Education Grades K-12 in order to be eligible to upgrade the license to the advanced, M level upon program completion. Candidates may be admitted to the Physical Education, MAEd if they do not hold the valid NC initial, A level license in Physical Education Grades K-12, including anyone with a license in another area, with an out-of-state license, or with no license at all. These candidates will be required to sign the LNNC Waiver and by doing so are duly informed that they will not receive the NC recommendation for Physical Education Grades K-12 advanced, M level licensure until the NC initial, A level licensure requirements are met, which will include additional NC licensure tests. The LNNC Waiver can be located by clicking here. The waiver should accompany the application for admission to the MAEd. ECU degree programs satisfy the professional licensure and/or certification requirements in North Carolina and prepare students to sit for these exams. Requirements in other states may be different. Upon successful completion of ECU educator preparation program degree requirements and licensure requirements for the State of North Carolina candidates will be eligible for an ECU recommendation for a NC license. However, final licensure granting decisions are the sole responsibility of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction not ECU. Candidates who seek out of state employment or out of state licensure will have to meet the receiving state's requirements. There is no automatic licensure reciprocity between states. ECU will verify the completion of an approved, accredited program for candidates who seek this verification, but those candidates will be responsible for working with the receiving state to complete any additional requirements to obta in the license and/or employment in the receiving state.

      For more information about this degree visit the university's academic catalogs.
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