Health and Physical Education (MAT)
Health and Physical Education (MAT) Application Deadline
Be the Future
The Health and Physical Education (MAT) equips future teachers with the knowledge and skills to support diverse learners in grades PK-12. Students will master effective teaching strategies and critical thinking through a cohort model, ready to meet the needs of 21st-century classrooms. Eligible students benefit from UofL’s Tuition Reduction initiative, saving approximately 25% on graduate tuition.
Course Catalog
Master of Arts in Teaching Health and Physical Education
Unit: College of Education and Human Development (GE)
Department: Health and Sport Sciences
Program Website
Academic Plan Code(s): HPEDMAT
Program Information
The Master of Arts in Health and Physical Education degree provides Kentucky certification in grades P-12.
The Departments of Teaching and Learning and Health and Sport Sciences are committed to the highest standards of professional preparation. Our programs have sought and received national accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Graduates of initial teacher certification programs at the University of Louisville begin their teaching careers secure in the knowledge that they have been prepared for the real world of classrooms through a rigorous teacher preparation program.
The degree offers school-based methods in the fall semester (August-December) in health and physical education for grades P-12. During the fall semester, candidates will take their methods courses and a reading and writing across the curriculum course. During the spring semester, candidates complete 15-weeks of student teaching at both the elementary and secondary levels, and a weekly seminar class. The program's schedule coincides with that of the public schools. Candidates progress through the program in a cohort group. The program is full-time and classes are offered only during the day.
Admission Requirements
Candidates who meet the following criteria may be eligible to apply to the Master of Arts in Teaching program. Candidates considering application to the MAT program should contact the MAT admissions counselor (teacher@louisville.edu) prior to applying for admission. UofL undergraduate students, with a major in Health and Human Performance - Physical Education Teacher Preparation, should direct questions to Dr. Carla Vidoni at carla.vidoni@louisville.edu.
Admission is competitive. Candidates who meet minimum academic requirements are not guaranteed admission to the program.
- Graduate application/MAT Program. This should be completed three to four weeks prior to the application deadline.
- Praxis II Content Exam(s) The praxis test of content "Health & Physical Education" required for admissions.
- Bachelor's Degree from Accredited College or University with a Minimum 2.75 Grade Point Average (official transcripts required). If you are a current UofL student, you do not need to submit transcripts!
- Prerequisite Course Requirements
- Grade of C or higher in Oral Communication Course
- Grade of C or higher in ENGL 102
- TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo
- Professional Writing Requirements
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Acceptable interview
- Signed Professional Code of Ethics/Technology User Agreement/Statement of Understanding of Admission Guidelines
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HSS 605 | Teaching and Learning for Elementary Physical Education | 4 |
| HSS 606 | Teaching and Learning for Secondary Physical Education | 4 |
| HSS 609 | Teaching and Learning for Health Education | 4 |
| EDTP 620 | Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum | 3 |
| Mid-point assessment 1 | ||
| HSS 611 | Seminar in Student Teaching in Health and Physical Education | 3 |
| HSS 612 | Student Teaching: Elementary Physical Education 1 | 4 |
| HSS 613 | Student Teaching: Middle/Secondary Physical Education 1 | 4 |
| HSS 615 | Student Teaching: Health Education | 4 |
| Minimum Total Hours | 30 | |
- 1
These courses are the exit requirements for this program. Includes teacher certification in P-12 health and physical education
Mid-point Assessment: All content methods classes listed above passed with a cumulative 3.0 GPA; satisfactory dispositions assessment; Electronic documentation of 200 hours of diverse and approved field experiences; satisfactory performance on all Hallmark Assessment Tasks; Target performance or better on all rubrics.
Certification Assessment: Satisfactory dispositions assessment; passing scores on required PRAXIS exams; completion of degree requirements.
Degree Assessment: All program coursework with 3.0 cumulative GPA (no more than two "C's" in degree courses); 2.5 cumulative GPA in content course requirements; a "C" GPA or higher in each student teaching; satisfactory performance on all Hallmark Assessment Tasks; Target performance or better on all rubrics.
Degree Candidacy: Students not enrolled during the semester in which they intend to graduate must register for degree candidacy as outlined in the Graduate Catalog.
Praxis Disclaimer: Teacher certification requirements are subject to change. Before registering for certification test(s), please refer to the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) website at www.epsb.ky.gov or www.ets.org/praxis/ky for current requirements.
The Master of Arts in Teaching Health and Physical Education (HPEDMAT) program prepares students to meet the requirements for certification and/or licensure. If you plan to pursue professional licensure or certification you should first determine your state’s criteria for examination and licensure to see how/if our program meets those requirements prior to enrollment. We recommend that you also contact your state’s licensing board directly to verify that the requirements have not changed recently and to answer any questions especially those regarding additional requirements beyond the degree.
More information about certification or licensure is available at the following website: https://louisville.edu/about/departments/academic-planning-accountability/disclosures/professional-licensure.
For programs with an online option, more information about certification or licensure is available here: https://louisville.edu/online/About-Us?tab=disclosures.
More about Health and Physical Education (MAT)
Teacher education candidates should visit the Educator Preparation Program page and review the expectations listed under the "Review These Teaching Profession Expectations" section.
Students who graduate from the MAT enter careers in PK-12 teaching in health and physical education.
Physical Education and School Health students who have completed the MAT program have consistently secured jobs as physical educators or health educators in a variety of schools in Jefferson Co. Public Schools, Oldham Co. Public Schools, and Bullitt Co. Public Schools. Some students have acquired teaching positions in private schools, and others in different states. Teaching in a different state requires verification of equivalency of Kentucky teacher certification in the chosen state.
Dr. Carla Vidoni, Program Director
Department of Health and Sport Sciences
University of Louisville, Louisville, KY – 40292
Email: carla.vidoni@louisville.edu
Phone: 502-852-8844
Candidates considering application to the MAT Program and questions about the application should be directed to teacher@louisville.edu. Candidates will be notified via e-mail regarding the admission decision no later than six weeks after the application deadline. Applicants who are selected for admission will receive information about a mandatory orientation session.