Health and Physical Education

Quality health and physical education is the foundation for lifelong wellness. It's far more than just physical activity. It's about equipping PK-12 students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to live long healthy lives. Our programs build educators who can inspire a generation to live healthier lives by fostering a holistic connection between physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development. Students learn to integrate physical education pedagogy with public health perspectives, making them leaders in and beyond the classroom.

At George Mason's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), we prepare some of the nation's best health and physical educators. Our pathways are designed for all career stages, including people who want to become teachers and get their initial health and physical education teacher licensure, as well as current teachers who want to advance their careers with a graduate degree. Whether you're pursuing our comprehensive bachelor's degree, our online master's in physical education (MEd), or adding a personal health and wellness minor, we provide the credentials you need to make a difference.

Why Choose George Mason CEHD

Flexible formats for all educators. We offer multiple pathways, including a 100% online PE master's programs, designed to help working professionals and students balance their education with personal responsibilities. Our undergraduate program has in-person, hybrid and fully online courses.
A holistic view of health. Our undergraduate curriculum uniquely connects physical education with holistic wellness and public health, empowering you to foster lifelong health literacy in your students.
Learn from expert faculty. Gain knowledge from expert faculty who bring research-driven methods and provide deep mentorship within a supportive, collaborative learning environment.
Career-defining credentials. Our undergraduate programs provide a clear path to a pre K-12 Health and PE license for new teachers and a master's degree for licensed educators.
Versatile Career Pathways. Prepare for a health and physical education degree that opens doors to roles in teaching, coaching, and public health advocacy.

What Sets Us Apart?

Alignment with national standards. Our master's degree courses are developed around the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, preparing you for advanced certification and leadership roles. And our undergraduate program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). 
Extensive real-world experience. Our undergraduate students gain hands-on teaching practice with at least 30 accumulated field hours plus an entire semester of student teaching at both elementary and secondary levels.
Comprehensive PK-12 preparation. Our undergraduate program emphasizes instruction across all grade levels—elementary, middle, and high school— to ensure our graduates are confident and effective educators for all students.
Focus on total student development. We train students to integrate physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development, allowing them to address the needs of the whole child.
Dedicated financial support. Health & PE students are eligible to apply for special funding opportunities, including the G. Linda Rikard Scholarship.