Applied Movement Science

The Applied Movement Science major is designed to prepare students for positions as physical education teachers at the elementary, middle, and secondary school levels. Nationally, the programs that prepare physical education teachers are known by the acronym PETE: Physical Education Teacher Education. This all-level teacher certification program consists of 127 hours of course-work and fieldwork. It allows students to explore developmental issues of children and adolescents, learning theory, teaching methods, and incorporates a substantial component of field experience in the public schools. To increase marketability, many graduates of this program will also pursue coaching opportunities as well as certifications in other teaching fields.

For more information, visit the Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) website.

Program prerequisites:

In order to enter their Professional Development Sequence (PDS), students must complete all prerequisite courses listed on the four-year guide below with a grade of "C" or better in each course and have a 2.5 overall UT GPA. Students in this program are also required to participate in the Laptop Initiative For Future Educators Program (LIFE) and therefore, must have an approved Macintosh Laptop prior to entering the EDC 370E: Teaching Elementary Physical Education course. This course is taken during the spring semester prior to entering the PDS, typically during a student's second year in the major. The Physical Education Teacher Education program has an undergraduate major, Applied Movement Science, and a graduate program in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

Degree plans and Four-Year Guides:

The first and second year course listings in these documents are to be used as guides to assist you with selecting a schedule, and should be used with the degree plan. These courses can be taken during the fall, spring or summer terms. Twelve to fifteen hours are recommended during the fall and spring semesters.

Professional Development Sequence application:

The application for the PDS is due on October 1 each year.

M.Ed. Plus EC-12 Physical Education Teacher Certification:

The Physical Education Teacher Education Masters of Education M.Ed in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction is now aligned with the post-baccalaurate program to enable students to work simultaneously on the masters degree and EC-12 physical education teaching certification. Both the M.Ed and teacher certification can be completed in 2 years. If you have a bachelors degree and are interested in both a masters in physical education teacher education and physical education teacher certification apply today.

Certification information:

Visit the Texas Education Agency Website