COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Education in Physical Education (MEd – PE) at DePaul University is a licensure‑focused graduate program that combines academic coursework, field experiences, and student teaching to prepare students to teach physical education from pre‑kindergarten through high school. The curriculum requires the completion of 56 quarter hours of graduate study, including foundational education courses and specialized physical education coursework designed to develop teaching knowledge and skills in movement, health, and instruction. Students take introductory courses in human development and learning and education in society, followed by advanced physical education classes that cover topics such as introduction to physical education, educational psychology and measurement of learning in physical education, language and literacy in physical education, curriculum and instruction for secondary physical education, motor development across the lifespan, adaptive physical education, and health, fitness, and nutrition. Activity‑based courses such as swimming and folk & social dance provide practical movement experiences, and the program culminates with student teaching and a student teaching seminar to refine instructional practice in real school settings. In addition to coursework, students complete supervised field experiences in diverse educational environments before entering full‑time student teaching. The curriculum also ensures students meet Illinois licensure requirements, including the necessary content area tests and field hours, equipping graduates with the professional preparation, practical experience, and pedagogical competencies needed to become effective and reflective physical education teachers.