Physical Education: Initial Licensure | Springfield College

Physical Education: Initial Licensure

Master of Education or Master of Science
About This Program
Admissions Contact

Rachel Ahlmeyer
Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions & Events
School of Physical Education, Performance, and Sport Leadership
rahlmeyer@springfieldcollege.edu
(413) 748-3383 
Make an appointment 

Are you an International Student?
Please contact intladmissions@springfield.edu 
Make an appointment

Program Contacts
Curriculum and Delivery
  • 40-credit program
  • Courses offered on campus in Springfield, Mass.
  • Tracks in PreK-8 and grades 5-12
  • Course requirements
Start Dates and Duration
  • Start in September (fall semester) or January (spring semester)
  • Courses are offered full time
  • Complete in 4 semesters (pending prerequisites are met)
Paying for Your Education
Career Opportunities
Upcoming Events

Graduate Open House
Tuesday, March 26 at noon or 5:30 p.m.
Register

Tips and Pointers for Applying to Graduate School
Monday, April 29 at 6 p.m.
Register

Springfield College physical education class in Blake

The Springfield College MEd/MS in Physical Education: Initial Licensure is one of the few in the country to offer both a master’s degree as well as initial licensure. Completion of this program will therefore allow graduate students to qualify for initial licensure in elementary physical education (PreK-8) and/or secondary level physical education (5-12).

The program is perfect for students who have earned their undergraduate degrees in fields other than physical education and who wish to complete the Massachusetts teacher licensure requirements in physical education. Completion of this program allows graduate students to qualify for initial licensure at both the elementary and secondary levels.

Through graduate-level content courses and prerequisites that can be taken concurrently with graduate courses, students gain knowledge and prepare for the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure. In methods courses embedded with sequential field-based experiences starting in the first semester, students become more confident and competent teachers. The culminating experience for the program is a full semester student teaching placement. Career outcomes include placements as physical education teachers in grades PreK-12. 

“The faculty at Springfield College want students to succeed and give you the same amount of effort that you put in. Faculty will go above and beyond to see that a student succeeds in making this campus feel like one big family.” Drew Brady, Graduate Class of 2025
Drew Brady - Springfield College
Eric Arabian, Graduate Class of 2024

Student Spotlight

“Springfield College was absolutely the right choice for me. As a parent, coach, and current professional in my field, I feel as though my advisor and professors have really gone the extra mile to ensure my success in the teacher-licensure program. From course scheduling to academic support, I know that there are always people looking out for me and I could not be more thankful!"

Eric Arabian standing outside
Melissa Gramuglia, G'13

Alum Spotlight

"I was definitely nervous about coming into graduate school. I have a Bachelor of Science in athletic training, and my senior year of college I decided that it wasn't something I saw myself making a lifetime career out of. I looked into teaching Physical Education due to the overlap of knowledge, and found Springfield College to have one of the best programs. If I want to be the best, I'm going to learn from the best. I thrived in the "all-in" approach. While challenging, it was the best way for me to learn. Getting into the schools and teaching provides the most real-world experience you can get! I am so much more effective in professional reflection and adjusting lessons because of it."

Melissa Gramuglia smiling

How to Apply:

Admission Requirements

  1. Complete the FREE online application: Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials and instructions for submitting supplemental materials as listed below.
  2. Essay: In two to three double-spaced pages, please describe significant life experiences that have contributed to your interest in your field, your understanding of this field, your occupational objectives, and why you have chosen Springfield College. 
  3. Resume: Please include any college activities, out-of-school leadership experiences, work history, and community involvement to support your interest in or qualifications for graduate study. 
  4. Two letters of recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from a faculty member or direct supervisor: Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.
  5. Transcripts: An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu or mailed to the college address: 

Springfield College
Office of Graduate Admissions
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109

International Applicants

All international applicants from non-English speaking countries are required, in addition to the items listed above, to submit:

  • Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS. Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to our language requirements for more information on acceptable tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and conditional acceptance. If your undergraduate degree was earned in the United States and you successfully completed college-level English, we will consider English language proficiency met.
  • Please note: Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For this we recommend SpanTran, with its customized portal for Springfield College applicants. World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. are also recommended for your credential evaluations.

The staff in the Office of International Admissions can assist you with questions you may have about enrolling at Springfield College as an international student by emailing intladmissions@springfieldcollege.edu.

Application Deadline

Domestic Students:

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space is available.

International Students:

Fall 

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: May 1

Spring 

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: October 1

Undergraduate Prerequisites

  • Anatomy & Physiology I and II  (BIOL 130, 132, 131, 133)
  • Physiology of Exercise  (AEXS 313)
  • Kinesiology (AEXS 319)
  • Performance Assessment (MOST 410)
  • Psychology or Sociology of Sport (MOST 328 or 428 or PHED 658)
  • First Aid & CPR Certification

Skills and Techniques  - 6 credits from the list below

  • PEPC Fitness for Life (1 credit)
  • Choose 2 credits from the following selectives:
    • basketball, volleyball, track and field, educational gymnastics, target games, striking games, territorial and invasion games, racket, net and wall games.
  • Aquatics 
    WSI or Lifeguard (1 credit)
  • Swimming
    PEAC 205
    PEAC 206
    PEAC 104
    PEAC 115
  • Outdoor/Leisure 
    Outdoor Adventure (.5 credits)
  • Movement Across Categories 
    Skill Themes and Movement Concepts (.5 credit)
  • A transcript review will determine if additional prerequisites are required

Fellowships & Scholarships

Let us help you make your graduate education as affordable as possible.

Student Employment

Work on our campus to earn money while pursuing your graduate degree.

Employee Partnerships

Employees of our partnerships are eligible to receive a $5,000 or $10,000 partner grant.