MAT Physical Education (PK-12 Certification) at University of South Carolina

Programme overview

Prepare for your certification exam and learn to work with all grade levels to teach children the knowledge and skills to move with confidence and competence in a wide variety of physical activities. Designed for students without an undergraduate degree in teaching, this two-year program will prepare you to pass the Praxis exam and begin work as a physical education teacher in the PK-12 school system. You'll help children and adolescents find personal meaning and enrichment in maintaining a physically active lifestyle.

Faculty: College of Education | Department: Educational and Developmental Science | Duration: 39 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Location: Columbia, SC, United States

What you will study

In alignment with national standards, learn what every beginning physical education teacher needs to deliver the best learning experiences to children of all ages. Courses like directed teaching in physical education and observational analysis of sports techniques and tactics in addition to teaching opportunities outside of the classroom.

Career pathways

Potential careers include Physical Education Teacher, Coach.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admissions (University of South Carolina Academic Bulletin): Regulations and requirements for admission to graduate study and graduate degree candidacy for Initial Teacher Certification Programs correspond to those of The Graduate School. To be considered for admission to the M.A.T. in Physical Education, applicants must complete the Graduate School application process, which includes submission of following: Official transcripts Personal Statement Resume 2 Letters of Recommendation

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer terms; Fall applications open the prior September, Spring applications open in January and Summer applications open in May.

The graduate application fee is $50 per primary application, reinstated effective August 1, 2026. Deadlines are programme-specific. The Moore School of Business, the Arnold School of Public Health and the College of Nursing use their own applications; the Moore School charges an additional $50 application fee for graduate programmes.

Apply through the official page: https://www.sc.edu/admissions-at-sc/applications/index.php

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