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“This degree is exactly the type of professional development I needed. The courses are related to the content, and they allow for research and projects to be embedded into my daily instruction and practices. I received support not only from my professors but from the other students as well to improve in different areas of my teaching!”
— Amanda Madden, MEd '21
Mason's Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning (ASTL) physical education concentration allows current physical education teachers to increase their content knowledge so that they can deliver an engaging, cutting-edge curriculum to their students.
The PE concentration provides course work in classroom research, curriculum development, assessment, collaborative supervision, research in pedagogy, advanced health education, and advanced adapted content. Our students increase their subject-area knowledge while also fine-tuning their teaching performance, improving learning for their students.
- Deepen your knowledge of physical education so you can bring a more innovative curriculum to your students.
- Aligned with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, the courses help teachers think and practice with the same level of reflection and skill as Board-certified educators (a great next step after graduating!).
- Grow your career with the advantages of a master’s degree, including the possibility of increased pay and the opportunity to be a curriculum leader in your school.
No, this is not an initial licensure program. This is an advanced program for educators who have already begun their teaching careers and who can draw on their classrooms as spaces for inquiry. The program is for teachers who are in their first years, middle years, or later career years. Educators will strengthen their general and PE/Health-specific pedagogical practices to improve student engagement and learning.
Possibly! The program allows up to 12 graduate credits to be transferred from another accredited institution of higher education. Consultation with an ASTL advisor is necessary to determine if and what courses may be acceptable to a specific concentration. Substitutions cannot be made for the five core courses of the ASTL program (EDUC 612, EDUC 613, EDUC 614, EDUC 606, EDUC 615). Courses that are older than ten years or courses in which a grade lower than a B- was earned will not be accepted for transfer, even if the courses were taken at Mason.
Graduates of this program have become:
- Department chair/Team leads
- College-level instructors
- Leaders of local and national professional associations
- Activity directors (formerly called athletic directors)
Core Courses (12 credits)
Concentration Courses (15 credits)
Elective Courses (3 credits)
Choose one course from the following:
Note: Students may choose an alternate elective with advisor approval.
Total: 30 credits
Program Exit Requirement
Professional Development Portfolio: A performance-based assessment that provides concrete evidence of teacher professional development throughout the ASTL program. Students finalize and present their portfolios in their final spring semester.
- Program can be taken 100% online (Concentration courses are all online; Core courses offered both online and face-to-face)
- Designed to be completed in approximately two years (for June start) while working full time as a teacher
- New students begin program in June and August (Summer and Fall admissions only)
Fall Semester
(classes starting in August) |
Spring Semester
(classes starting in January) |
Summer Semester
(classes starting in May, June, or July) |
Priority*: April 1
Space Available: August 18 |
Applications not accepted for this term |
Priority*: February 1
Space Available: May 15 |
For more information and to apply, visit the admissions website.
* Priority deadline ensures consideration for the intended semester as well as financial aid options for students. Programs will continue to review applications until at capacity. Some programs do not review applications past the priority deadline.
All application materials must be submitted through George Mason’s online graduate application. In addition to meeting general university admissions requirements, applicants will need to provide the requirements below.
To be considered for graduate studies, the following items are evaluated during the admission review process:
- Graduate application and fee
- 750- to 1,000-word written statement of your goals and interest in the program
- Current resume
- Two letters of recommendation: Applicants should follow the instructions included in the online application to submit the recommendation forms directly to their recommenders. Mason does not accept paper recommendations. Recommendations should be professional or academic in nature.
- Transcripts from all previous institutions attended in the United States. Please refer to the Office of Graduate Admissions information page for specific requirements regarding uploading unofficial transcripts.
- Applicants with transcripts from institutions outside of the United States could have additional requirements. Please refer to the How To Apply page for specific requirements about submitting international transcripts, evaluations, and English language proficiency.
Admission to graduate programs at George Mason University is competitive. Applicants are evaluated on the strength of their academic backgrounds, results of standardized exams (if required by the program), work experience, and any additional evidence of potential success in the program. Faculty admissions review is a holistic review of requirements as well as the applicant’s potential academic and professional success upon completion of the program.
At a minimum all admitted students must have:
- An earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, or international equivalent, verified from official transcripts. Expectation of an earned baccalaureate prior to the first day of classes for the term for which the student is applying will also meet this requirement. See the graduate admissions policy for more information.
- A minimum 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale in baccalaureate study. Students with less than a 3.0 GPA are encouraged to apply, addressing previous academic challenges and highlighting evidence for future success in their goal statement.
- International students should reference Admission of International Students for additional requirements.
| TUITION CLASSIFICATION |
COST PER CREDIT |
| Virginia Resident |
$748.50
(includes MSF*) |
| Non-Virginia Resident |
$948.50
(includes MSF*; discounted from $1,679.50) |
| VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program** |
$635.50
(includes MSF*) |
| CEHD Course Fee |
$25 - $84 |
| Total Cost for Virginia Residents per Credit |
$773.50 - $832.50 |
| Total Cost for Non-Virginia Residents per Credit |
$979.50 - $1,038.50 |
| Total cost for VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program* |
$660.50 - $719.50 |
Graduate New Student Fee
(non-refundable, one-time fee) |
$60 |
Please Note: Refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees. Internship courses will incur a higher course fee to fund on-site assistance involving intensive clinical training/supervision.
*Mandatory Student Fee (MSF): $159.50
**VA state residents who are eligible must apply for the 15% PreK-16 VA Educators Discount in order to take advantage of the lower tuition. Eligible students receive 15% off the total tuition and mandatory student fee.
For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers, and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department. Also, many school districts offer tuition reimbursement options. Speak to your employer for more information.
Physical Education Concentration: Academic Advisor
Dr. Dominique Banville
ASTL Academic Advisors guide students through their program of study. After admission, reach out to your advisor to plan your program of study and plan for your first course! Stay in touch with your advisor each semester to consult on your course selection and program progress.
Nancy Holincheck
Academic Program Coordinator
Dominique Banville
Physical Education
Risto Marttinen
Physical Education
Stephanie Dodman