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Physical Education, MA, and Single Subject Teaching Credential

Earn a Physical Education, MA, and Single Subject Teaching Credential at Azusa Pacific University

You’ll graduate equipped to lead a comprehensive physical education program with a Master of Arts in Physical Education and Single Subject Teaching Credential. With comprehensive courses, hands-on experience, and online options, APU's faculty-mentors will equip you with teaching methods, curriculum models, fitness concepts, sport pedagogy, and holistic health insights for the 21st century student. You’ll also gain an SB 2042 Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential and be prepared to make a difference in teaching and coaching at K-12, junior college, and university levels. 

Program at a Glance

The Graduate Physical Education Program of Azusa Pacific University comprises a Christian community of scholarly believers who seek to advance the work of God in schools of all levels by effectively training physical educators, coaches, athletic administrators, and exercise science professionals in knowledge and skills through academic excellence and a Christian perspective of truth and life.

Application Deadline

Start times are available throughout the year—fall, spring, and summer. The upcoming application deadlines are:

 

  • Spring 2024: November 27, 2023
  • Summer 2024: March 25, 2024

    The admission requirements for your physical education credential and master’s program will vary depending upon your status as a domestic or international applicant.

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Program Units
47

Cost per unit (credential courses):
$675

Cost per unit (emphasis courses):
$745

Base Cost
$34,974*

Location

  • Azusa (Main Campus), High Desert, Murrieta, Orange County

 

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Yellow Ribbon and Military Friendly School

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Gain Hands-on Experience

  • Develop effective teaching skills for K-12 students learning physical education.
  • Prepare for roles in coaching and leading athletics programs.
  • Learn effective teaching methods for holistic health in diverse classrooms.
  • Learn practical teaching methods for comprehensive physical education programs including a focus on psychomotor, cognitive, and affective learning in diverse classrooms.

By the Numbers

1 of 126 Best Western Colleges according to Princeton Review's 2023 Best Colleges Guide
13 :1 Student-to-faculty ratio
100 % of incoming students receive financial aid

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Program Details

The Master of Arts in Physical Education and Single Subject Teaching Credential program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to teach physical education and coach at the K-12, junior college, and four-year university levels.

Browse the tabs below—if you have questions, visit the Student Services Center page, and we’ll make sure you get the info you need.

Admission Requirements—Domestic Applicants

The university graduate and program admission requirements below must be met before an application is considered complete.

  • Graduate application for admission
  • $45 nonrefundable application fee
  • Official transcripts from all institutions leading to and awarding the applicant’s bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and all postbaccalaureate study

    An official transcript is one that Azusa Pacific University receives unopened in an envelope sealed by the former institution and that bears the official seal of the college or university. A cumulative minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade-point average on the posted degree is required for regular admission status. Provisional admittance may be granted to individuals with a lower GPA if competency can be shown through multiple measures.
  • Two recommendations that assess competence and character. Appropriate recommendations include those who have supervised the applicant’s leadership or teaching experience with children/youth in public or private settings, an employer who directly supervised the applicant, or one faculty/academic reference. References from neighbors, friends, and relatives are not appropriate, unless they have served as supervisors. Additional letters are optional.
  • Résumé (preferred) or statement of experience including the most relevant work and volunteer experience
  • One- to two-page personal statement addressing the following topics: experiences from the applicant’s background that may enhance the teaching experience; the most rewarding and challenging aspects of working with youth; why the applicant wants to teach; preferred grade level and content areas and why; and how the applicant envisions supporting the success of all students and contributing to the profession. Written communication skills will be assessed along with content.
  • Proof of Certificate of Clearance (COC). Applicants for Summer or Fall Terms must have a COC valid through January 31. Applicants for the Spring Term must have a COC valid through June 30. View instructions on Obtaining a Certificate of Clearance (PDF). Applicants are encouraged to begin this step as soon as possible to allow time for the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to process your information.
  • Proof the Basic Skills Requirement has been satisfied
  • Proof of subject matter preparation or proof of paid registration for the next appropriate California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) administration (view teacher test preparation resources)

Send official transcripts to:

Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
[email protected]

What to Expect

After all admission materials have been received by the Student Services Center, the faculty or department chair reviews the applicant’s file. The applicant is notified in writing of the admission decision.

Admission Requirements—International Applicants

Azusa Pacific University is authorized under federal law by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services and the U.S. Department of State to enroll nonimmigrant, alien undergraduate and graduate students. APU issues and administers both the I-20 and DS 2019 (F-1 and J-1 status documents respectively).

To apply for a graduate program at APU, the following requirements must be fulfilled in addition to meeting the domestic applicant and program-specific admission requirements specified above.

International applicants must also:

  • Demonstrate proficiency in English through a placement test with the Academic Success Center, or through a TOEFL/IELTS score that meets program-specific requirements. Refer to APU’s English proficiency requirements to learn more. Request that official test scores be sent to APU. All other forms of proof indicated in the English proficiency requirements must be submitted directly to International Services.
  • Provide a Graduate Affidavit of Financial Support (PDF) and a bank statement from within the last six months proving financial ability to pay for education costs through personal, family, or sponsor resources.
  • Submit a copy of a valid passport showing biographical data, including your name, country of citizenship, date of birth, and other legal information.
  • Get foreign transcripts evaluated. International credentials (transcripts, certificates, diplomas, and degrees) must be evaluated by a foreign transcript evaluation agency. View our policy and a list of approved Foreign Transcript Evaluation Agencies.

Send official transcripts to:

Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
[email protected]

What to Expect

After all admission materials have been received by the Student Services Center, the faculty or department chair reviews the applicant’s file. The applicant is notified in writing of the admission decision.

Graduate Physical Education Programs

Tuition and Fees
  Cost
Graduate Physical Education Programs (per unit) $745
Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization (per unit) $745
School of Education Credential Tuition
  Cost
Education master’s degree, credential, authorization, and certificate programs (except School Counseling and School Psychology programs) (per unit) $675

View a complete list of university fees.

All stated financial information is subject to change. Contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020 for more information.

Financial Aid

Several types of financial aid are available to graduate students. The resources range from federal loans and state grants to, for some graduate programs, fellowships and scholarships. For details about financial aid available for your program, please contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020.

Military Benefits

Military members—and in some cases their spouses and dependents—qualify for financial assistance covering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, so you can be confident that you’ll receive the benefits and flexibility you need to complete your education.

Physical Education Scholarships

Kyle Ian MacDonald Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is in honor of Kyle Ian MacDonald, MS ’15, a graduate of APU’s MS in Physical Education program. The intent of this scholarship is to financially support students in the pursuit of teaching and mentoring students through coaching, physical education, exercise science, and sport management. Awards range from $2,500-$2,800. To apply, fill out the Kyle Ian MacDonald Memorial Scholarship Application (PDF) by August 1 and email the completed form to [email protected].

Physical Education MOU Partner Discounts

Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) are agreements between Azusa Pacific University and various entities (such as cities, counties, and businesses) that allow for employees of those entities, their spouses, and their children (up to age 26) to receive a tuition discount for select Azusa Pacific programs. MOUs are a great way for employers to promote the professional development and advancement of their employees.

The School of Education and the School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences offer a 10 percent tuition discount for eligible employees of the following districts, counties, and charter schools who will start in a graduate education program through the School of Education or a graduate physical education program through the School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences.

Please note: The School of Education’s doctoral program (Ed.D. in Educational Leadership) is not eligible for any MOU discount. The discount cannot be combined with other institutional aid.

Contact the Student Services Center at [email protected] or (626) 815-2020 to work with a Student Account Specialist to see if your school district participates.

School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences Alumni Tuition Discounts

APU’s School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences (BAS) offers an alumni tuition discount for APU alumni starting in the following graduate programs:

Students must be in good academic standing and maintain satisfactory academic progress with a minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0. Students must be enrolled at least half-time. If qualifications are met, the discount may be renewed each term. APU will pay $500 per term (up to $2,000 over the course of the program). This discount cannot be combined with other institutional aid. Contact Student Financial Services for complete eligibility details.

Note: Award and eligibility are applicable for the 2022-23 academic year and apply to students admitted beginning fall 2020. The discount is subject to change.

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

If you have questions, we’re here to help! Connect with a representative who can walk you through the program details and application process.

Contact Your Admissions Representative

Additional Program Contact

Sarina Bautista Program Manager - Graduate Physical Education [email protected], (626) 815-5473

Department of Kinesiology

Phone

(626) 815-5086

Mail

Department of Kinesiology
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000

Hours

Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Student Services Center

Contact (626) 812-3016 or [email protected], and visit apu.edu/ssc for details on the admissions process, financial aid, and class registration.

International Services

International students should contact +1-626-812-3055 or [email protected], and visit apu.edu/international/.

  • Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). 
  • The Master of Arts in Physical Education and Single Subject Teaching Credential is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)
  • National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), which is transitioning to the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Featured Faculty

Andrew Alstot

Andrew Alstot

Associate Professor, Department of Kinesiology, Coordinator MA in Physical Education

Cindy Tanis

Cindy Tanis

Professor, Department of Kinesiology

Angela Robles

Angela Robles

Associate Professor, Department of Kinesiology, Program Director, Graduate Physical Education: Curriculum Management and Event Planning

Career Outlook and Outcomes

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Note: This information is current for the 2023-24 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.
 
*Base Cost (cost per unit x program units) is provided to aid in program comparison only.
All stated financial information is subject to change. View Tuition tab above.

Related Programs

Physical Education, MS

  • Online

Available Concentrations:

Sport Management

Teaching, MAEd, and Single Subject Teaching Credential

  • Azusa
  • Orange County
  • High Desert
  • Murrieta

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