K-12 Physical Education Licensure with MA in Education

Part of: Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science Department, Education Department, School of Graduate Studies

Offered as: Accelerated Degree, Education Licensure

Degree: Bachelor to Master of Arts in Education

Undergrad Pathway: K-12 Physical Education

Licensure: K-12 Licensure

Part of: Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science Department, Education Department, School of Graduate Studies

Offered as: Accelerated Degree, Education Licensure

Degree: Bachelor to Master of Arts in Education

Undergrad Pathway: K-12 Physical Education

Licensure: K-12 Licensure

This accelerated program allows students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Arts in Education within five years. The program is designed to provide a streamlined path to teacher licensure and advanced educational training.

Years 1–3: Undergraduate Studies

Students focus on completing core academic and disciplinary coursework, along with general education requirements and electives. These foundational years also include experiential learning opportunities and skill development within the student’s chosen field of study.

Year 4: Licensure Preparation

In the fourth year, students transition into education-specific coursework and begin a clinical residency. This hands-on experience involves collaborative teaching in real classroom environments, helping students apply educational theory and meet the requirements for initial teacher licensure in Colorado.

Year 5: Graduate Studies

The final year centers on advanced coursework in education, culminating in a Master of Arts in Education. Students may choose from several emphasis areas—such as Teacher Leadership, K–12 Online Teacher Leadership, or Reading Leadership—to deepen their knowledge and enhance career opportunities.

Physical Education Requirements

Accelerated Degree programs let students earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in less time. After an accelerated undergraduate study, students begin graduate courses, saving time and money. This fast-track option builds skills and experience, helping students start their careers sooner.

Program Requirements Degree Plan

A licensure complements a degree and is awarded by entities other than Western. Often awarded by the state for teaching, it is a public and professional assurance that state teaching standards are met and the student is prepared to teach.

After you have completed the undergraduate portion of your coursework, you apply for the teaching placement and the graduate program. Learn more about application requirements, scholarships, and more.

Licensure and Graduate Requirements

Scholarships

Scholarships by Department

The Western Colorado University Foundation offers scholarships for this program. Explore eligibility requirements and funding opportunities.

Explore Scholarships

General Western Scholarships

Western Colorado University offers merit—and need-based scholarships, recognizing achievement, financial need, and special talents.

Explore Scholarships

Department News

Shaping the Future of Physical Education and Sport: Kanae Haneishi’s Mission of Inclusion and Wellness

Sports and athletics have always been an important part of Kanae Haneishi’s identity. As a girl growing up in Japan, like any adolescent searching for…
Read More
Western Graduate Students, Faculty Member Receive Distinguished Achievement Award

Recipients conducting important research in four disciplines Western Colorado University’s School of Graduate Studies is delighted to announce the recipients of the 2024 Distinguished Achievement…
Read More
Western Colorado University study shows big benefit from AI-guided workouts

Western professor, students show us we can do more with less We get an added month of longevity for each workout, which is pretty remarkable…
Read More
First-generation Western student Georgia Grana beats the odds

“I hope that someday I can be a positive influence on my students.” Georgia Grana knows better than most that being the first isn’t always…
Read More
Western, Palmer College of Chiropractic partner to offer headstart on graduate degree

“We are thrilled to give our students this unique opportunity to support career progress” GUNNISON, Colorado: Western Colorado University is pleased to announce a new…
Read More
Western Hosts West African Dance and Drummers

Mark Gibson, a Western Recreation and Outdoor Education professor, used his Alternative Programming Class to invite the Kissidugu Foundation to Western Colorado University’s campus. The…
Read More
Lacie Wise Earns Education Department’s Exceptional Resident Award

Born and raised in Gunnison, Colorado Lacie Wise graduated with honors from Western Colorado University with a Bachelor’s degree in History with teacher licensure and…
Read More
Clinical Trial Adds Rigor to Exercise and Sports Science

To finish her PhD., Exercise and Sports Science (ESS) major Erin Smith decided to go above and beyond with her research requirement. For her research…
Read More
Western Research Proves CAROL Bike May Be the Wave of the Future

Getting Fitter Faster It’s the dream of every busy person trying to get in shape or maintain their fitness levels —intense work outs in less…
Read More
Leadership and Experiential Learning Projects at Western

Leadership and experiential learning projects are one of the core components of the Western Colorado University experience. With program-specific clubs, on-campus events, off-campus trips, and…
Read More
Western Among Best Colleges that Offer Hands-on Learning Experiences

Colleges that offer hands-on learning experiences give students the opportunity to practice their field of study in an immersive, exciting way. At Western Colorado University,…
Read More
Inaugural Disability Film Festival opens this week in virtual format Hosted by Western Colorado University’s Education and Communication Arts Programs

With nine films by filmmakers spanning four continents, Western Colorado University this week launches its inaugural Disability Film Festival—with a three-hour program airing virtually on…
Read More
New partnership helps Red Rocks Community College students earn accelerated master’s degrees

Western Colorado University (Western) and Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) today launch Elevated and Accelerated, a cross-institutional degree track that enables RRCC students—after taking the…
Read More