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Physical Education, MS

Study Physical Education at Azusa Pacific University

You’ll graduate ready to make a difference through physical fitness with a Master of Science in Physical Education. With the option to pursue a Sport Management Emphasis, you’ll delve into holistic health for modern students, preparing for roles like teaching, coaching, or administration. Faculty-mentors will help you gain the skills and knowledge to lead PE classes, manage athletic programs, and coach at different education levels. We’ll empower you to be a catalyst for change, blending teaching, coaching, and athletic administrative techniques. This degree positions you as a leader in higher education or K-12 districts, shaping 21st-century college sports and physical education programs. 

Program at a Glance

The Master of Science in Physical Education equips students to be difference makers in fields like physical education, teaching, coaching, education, and athletic administration guided by experienced faculty and customized online practices.

Application Deadline

The MS in Physical Education program offers five start times each year: Fall I, Fall II, Spring I, Spring II, and Summer.

Call (626) 815-2020 or email [email protected] for current deadlines.

Apply Now

Program Units
30

Cost per Unit
$745

Base Cost
$22,350*

Location

  • Online (Asynchronous)
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Yellow Ribbon and Military Friendly School

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Gain Hands-on Experience

  • Learn to teach physical education concepts to K-12, junior college, and university students.
  • Build practical skills to coach at different education levels.
  • Prepare for management and administration in athletic programs.
  • Learn about 21st-century holistic health strategies for student well-being.
  • Learn to develop tailored physical education initiatives and make a real difference.

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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Brian Casey ’09, ’12 : A European Football Life

Brian Casey ’09, ’12 has played professional American football for six teams across five countries in Europe. The ability to play the game and inspire others to continue their dreams is the greatest gift I could ever ask for,” he said.

Program Details

The Master of Science in Physical Education equips candidates with the knowledge and skills needed to instruct physical education, administrate athletic programs, and coach at the K-12, community college, and four-year university levels. The goal of this academic program is to develop candidates’ awareness of the process involved in effecting change in the lives of people they will serve. This is achieved through the mastery of professional skills and knowledge and the integration of teaching, coaching, and administrative techniques and strategies. This program caters to working professionals with full-time schedules, allowing for maximum flexibility through an asynchronous online format.

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 submitted by principals, district administrators, professors, or employers who have current knowledge of the applicant’s academic ability and potential
  • Personal Statement of 1-2 pages describing how you anticipate that APU’s master’s degree will enable you to achieve your short- and long-term professional goals.
  • Résumé or statement of experience including the most relevant work and volunteer experience

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

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:

MS in Physical Education with Sport Management Emphasis

The Master of Science in Physical Education program with an emphasis in Sport Management is designed for those seeking entry or advancement in the growing field of sport administration, including teaching and management roles. The program focuses on a range of topics relevant to the industry, including athletic compliance and finance in sports, marketing and public relations, ethics and legal aspects in sports, and facility and event management. Additionally, students have the opportunity to gain comprehensive experience through internships in sport management settings.

This program is ideal for students who desire to integrate their athletic experiences and knowledge with leadership abilities in a sport management setting. Many students who pursue the MS in Physical Education graduated with an undergraduate degree in physical education, kinesiology, or related field, or who have teaching, coaching, or sport management professional work experience.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program can pursue roles in:

  • Community or youth sport programs
  • Health and fitness clubs
  • K-12 schools, junior colleges, and universities
  • National or local sport governing bodies
  • Olympic-level training setting
  • Professional sport franchises
  • Sport entrepreneurship
  • Sport facilities

Program Overview

Total Units: 30

Locations:
Online

How many units do I take each term?

Full-time students take 6 units every 8 weeks. However, students are welcome to attend part-time, if necessary. Academic advising is highly recommended to determine the course load required.

How long is a term?

A term is comprised of an 8-week session. Sessions are offered during Fall 1, Fall 2, Spring 1, Spring 2, and Summer.

How many hours does each class session require?

Classes are offered in a 100% online, asynchronous format. Asynchronous learning allows you to learn on your own schedule, within a certain timeframe. You can access and complete lectures, readings, homework and other learning materials at any time during a one-week period.

How many students will there be in my classes?

APU is noted for its small classes with personalized attention. Most courses do not exceed 15–20 students.

Does APU require theses, dissertations, or capstone projects?

This program culminates in a capstone project.

How soon can I finish this program?

This master's program can be completed in a year.

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, [email protected]

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

Angela Robles

Angela Robles

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

Christy Gendron

Christy Gendron

Associate Professor, Department of Kinesiology, Program Director, Graduate Physical Education: Student Services

 

Career Outlook and Outcomes

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

Kinesiology Major

  • Azusa

Available Concentrations:

Health Professions, Applied Exercise Science

Physical Education, MA, and Single Subject Teaching Credential

  • Azusa
  • Orange County
  • High Desert
  • Murrieta

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