EdM in Physical Education & Coaching
Physical Education
Our graduate program in Physical Education attracts candidates interested in pursuing licensure to teach physical education, candidates who already hold licenses, and candidates who do not wish to be licensed but are interested in physical education. The program sequence includes coursework on educational theory, research design, curriculum design, adapted physical education, motor development, sociology of sport, and analysis of teaching. The program has two separate tracks: the licensure track and the non-licensure track. Your coursework will vary depending on which track you choose.
Licensure track
The licensure track is for those who know they want to teach in public schools. Upon completion of the program, you will meet the requirements for an initial license to teach physical education at either the elementary or secondary level. Upon completion of additional credits, you may pursue dual licensure in physical education in both the elementary and secondary levels.
Incoming students are not required to hold an undergraduate degree in health or physical education. However, if you do not have a background in anatomy and physiology, kinesiology and exercise physiology, you are required to complete these three science courses prior to graduation. We now offer all of the science classes in our program at the School of Education.
Non-licensure Track
The non-licensure track is designed for those who already attained licensure or who want the flexibility to design a program around individual interests and educational goals. The majority of your coursework will be elective courses chosen in consultation with your academic advisor.
In addition to coursework and practicum experiences, you will have the opportunity to participate in a community service initiative. For the past three decades children from the Boston Public Schools have been taught physical education by Boston University students in a program now known as the School of Education/Gardner Pilot Academy Physical Education Collaboration (formerly the Tuesday/Thursday Physical Education Program). This is a 9 week program that runs in the fall and spring semesters that offers a positive teaching and learning environment. All physical education licensure students are required to teach, but non-licensure students are welcome as well, as part of this valuable community service project to service the needs of children in Boston Public Schools. Our students plan, teach, implement and evaluate movement lessons for children in grades K–5. A faculty member and doctoral student administer this program and mentor the students who teach the children as part of their practicum requirements.
Coaching
The Coaching specialization is designed for individuals seeking either to begin a professional career in athletic coaching or to further their professional development by expanding and deepening their knowledge about coaching. The Coaching specialization is also appropriate for individuals who wish to move towards a career in coaching and/or engage in research on coaching and coach education. Study in this program integrates history and philosophy of sport in society; research on individual and team coaching; and reflections on past and present coaching practice with experienced, successful coaches.
The Coaching specialization includes a range of courses from which students may choose, depending upon their background and interests. Within the 36 credits of coursework, five core courses (20 credits) plus a practicum are required for all students. The remaining four courses are electives selected according to the student’s professional needs and interests in consultation with the advisor. Candidates are required to have completed an introductory course in one of the following areas: human anatomy/human physiology; kinesiology, motor learning, or biomechanics; or exercise physiology. There is no licensure available in the Coaching specialization.
Community Service
For the past three decades, Boston University has partnered with Boston Public Schools to provide students with physical education. In the past, children from the Boston Public Schools have been brought to Boston University to participate in the program known as the Tuesday-Thursday Physical Education Program which is internationally renowned for its teaching-learning environment. Just this year, in order to better meet the needs of the Boston Public Schools students, Boston University took physical education to the Gardner Pilot Academy creating a positive, real-life experience for both the Boston University students and the Boston Public students. All graduate physical education licensure students are required to teach in this community service project where students plan, implement, and evaluate lessons for grades kindergarten through five. The teaching focus for the children is on cooperative physical activities, physical fitness, health, individual and team skills, and problem-solving activities. Lessons with physical activities reinforcing cognitive content are included in the teaching assignments. Non-licensure students in both physical education and health are encouraged to participate in this program as well.
Please refer to the Courses section for a complete listing of courses for this program.
