Master of Science in Teaching, Physical Education
Ignite your path to becoming a certified K–12 Physical Education teacher.
The Master of Science in Teaching (MST) in Physical Education (All Grades) at St. Thomas Aquinas College is especially designed for aspiring educators who already hold a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or a related field, and want to advance into K–12 teaching. This program welcomes career-changers and working professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact in schools and communities. Through a rigorous curriculum and hands-on field experiences, you’ll learn to create inclusive, developmentally appropriate learning environments and develop a strong portfolio of instructional strategies to support student success from kindergarten through high school.
You’ll explore fitness education, motor learning, movement science, adapted physical education, coaching principles, and evidence-based assessment—gaining the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to help all students thrive.
Accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), the School of Education fosters a mission-driven community and supports accessibility to help teachers grow in their careers.
Join our supportive academic community, learn from expert faculty, and prepare for a fulfilling career shaping the next generation of healthy, active learners.
A pathway for Career-Changers and Future Educators
This new offering expands our well-established MST program, which is designed to support individuals pursuing a career change. Built for students who earned an undergraduate degree in another field, the MST in Physical Education (All Grades, K–12) provides a direct pathway to teacher certification. You will graduate ready to inspire students, promote wellness, and contribute to vibrant school communities.
flexible for working professionals
Our 34-credit program is structured to support your schedule:
- A collaborative learning environment ensures you receive personalized faculty mentorship and professional guidance.
- Complete the MST in as little as 16 months, or progress at your own pace.
- Courses meet in the late afternoon and evening, allowing you to balance work and school.
Educator Excellence Incentive — Fall 2026 Cohort
In recognition of the College’s longstanding commitment to preparing exceptional teachers, St. Thomas Aquinas College will offer an Educator Excellence Incentive for eligible students applying to the inaugural Fall 2026 MST cohort. Students who apply by March 1, 2026, and meet eligibility requirements will receive a $10,000+ financial award, supporting the ADVANCE initiative’s mission to expand accessible, high-impact pathways for future educators.
At a glance
- Graduate Program
- 34 credits
- Can be completed in 16 months
- Certification: NYS Physical Education (All Grades, K–12)
- Educator Excellence Incentive: $10,000+ award for eligible Fall 2026 applicants who apply by March 1, 2026
CONTACT
- Dana Caponong | Assistant Director, Graduate Admissions | dcaponon@stac.edu | 845-398-4220
In-DEmand FIeld
Physical Education teachers are needed now more than ever. National projections show sustained demand at all grade levels, with the field expected to grow by more than 6% over the next five years. The College Board also reports steady expansion in PE positions as schools prioritize student wellness, physical literacy, and healthy development.
St. Thomas Aquinas College graduates enter the profession prepared to lead, motivate, and inspire.
Featured Courses
How does learning happen? This course explores how the brain develops, functions, and changes over time. Learn research-based practices and models of instruction that bring together neuroscience, cognitive science, and educational psychology to teach students with diverse learning needs and abilities.
This course prepares future physical education teachers to apply K–12 standards using effective pedagogy, instructional planning, and assessment. Students will explore research-based teaching methods, classroom management, and strategies for creating inclusive, engaging, and student-centered learning environments. Emphasizing physical literacy and movement skills, the course covers instructional design across cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains. Students will also examine ethical and professional responsibilities, technology integration, and assessment tools for evaluating and enhancing student learning in physical education. (Field experience required)
Students will broaden their understanding of exercise physiology through study of the advanced principles of exercise physiology and exploring the intricate mechanisms that govern human performance, adaptation, and health. Through a blend of theoretical discussions, lectures, and critical analysis of research, students will deepen their understanding of the physiological responses and adaptations to exercise across various populations and conditions.
Make the most of your student teaching experience in this concurrent seminar that will inspire you to reflect, self-evaluate, and evolve as a teacher. Embracing this process as a student will propel your professional development throughout your teaching career and make it possible to empower your students to achieve their potential.