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Physical Education Teaching

Help every student move, grow and thrive.

Master's

The Physical Education Teaching master's program prepares professionals to lead high-quality, evidence-based physical education programs that enrich lives.

Whether you want to specialize in teaching students with disabilities or in leading outdoor and adventure programming, our graduate program provides two areas of emphasis that provide experience to thrive:

Students can choose one, select both or complete the program without an emphasis, tailoring it to your goals

In our program, you'll gain the hand’s-on experience and confidence to lead diverse student populations effectively. Students enrolled in the APE emphasis may elect to certify their program and receive UWL endorsement for a WI K-12 APE teaching license.

A program within Exercise & Sport Science

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Choose your emphasis or select both


Adapted Physical Education (MS)

This practitioner-focused track supports teachers seeking to expand their expertise in working with PK–12 students with disabilities. You'll gain:

  • Evidence-based instructional strategies
  • Technology integration skills
  • Clinical experience with adapted physical education PK-12 students with disabilities
  • Preparation for adding the Wisconsin 1860 Supplementary Teaching License (for licensed Wisconsin educators)

Format: In-person only
Emphasis coordinator: Dr. Brock McMullen

Adventure & Outdoor Pursuits (MS)

This practitioner-focused track is for physical educators seeking specific expertise in adventure and outdoor pursuits. Graduates gain:

  • Adventure education facilitation, outdoor leadership, and risk management skills
  • National ACCT Challenge Course Certification training opportunity
  • Hands-on learning experiences creating challenge courses, planning field trips and more

Format: In-person or hybrid (note: hybrid students must attend three courses in person)
Emphasis coordinator: Dr. Brock McMullen

Career outlook

What jobs are there?

Graduates of the Physical Education Teaching (MS) program work in a wide range of settings:

  • PK–12 schools: Physical education teacher, coach or department chair
  • Higher education: Instructor, coach, student-teacher supervisor
  • Outdoor and adapted programs: Challenge course director, outdoor adventure guide
  • Academic pathways: Some graduates pursue doctoral studies and now serve as college or university faculty members
 What salary can I expect to make?

Salaries for graduates vary based on the type of institution and geographic location. For example, the median annual salary for high school teachers in the U.S. is $64,580, while postsecondary instructors earn a median salary of $83,980, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Graduates working in recreation or community-based roles may see different salary ranges depending on the setting and position.

Our graduates are prepared to enrich and lead school physical education curriculum and instructional processes through application of research related to effective teaching and instructional program development.

Why choose UW-La Crosse Physical Education Teaching graduate program?

100% job placement

Our graduates enjoy full job placement in the field of physical education teaching.

Real-world experiences
  • Students collaborate with local schools and community members and learn innovative practices to teaching adventure education and outdoor pursuits.
  • Engage in best practices due to the collaboration between practicing teachers and in-person graduate students.
Evidence-based instruction

The curriculum focuses on applying research-driven strategies and educational technology.

Clinical experience

Students complete hands-on practicum hours in PK–12 settings, working alongside expert physical education teachers—many in adapted environments.

Innovative learning spaces

Students access resources through our Pedagogy and Physical Activity Lab, including teaching materials, lab equipment, indoor and outdoor ropes courses, and rock wall.

Featured courses

  • Outdoor Pursuits & Experiential Learning
    ESS 705 | 3 credits
    This course utilizes the interdisciplinary nature of outdoor pursuits and experiential learning to enhance learner knowledge of and contribution to physical and educational growth. In addition, the pedagogical focus provides opportunities for learners to enhance their leadership and facilitation skills with groups of people in the outdoors. Repeatable for credit - maximum six. Lect. 1, Lab 4. Offered Summer.
  • Disability and Physical Activity Implications
    ESS 530 | 3 credits
    The causes, characteristics, incidences, and impacts of physical, sensory, emotional/behavioral, intellectual, and other developmental disabilities. Content includes a wide variety of low and high incidence disabilities (mild through severe/profound levels for each) and the implications for physical education instruction in PK-12 educational settings. Emphasis is on movement and motor development implications, adaptations, and instructional strategies to enhance physical activity and gross motor skills of individuals with disabilities, ages 3 through adulthood. Prerequisite: admission to Master of Science Physical Education Teacher Education Program. Offered Fall, Summer.
  • Curriculum Design in Physical Education
    ESS 737 | 2 credits
    This course presents an in-depth study of curriculum development and a variety of physical education curricular models for all PK-12 grade levels. Emphasis is on designing state and national standards based curriculum, and evaluating current written physical education curricula to assess effectiveness and student learning. Offered Fall.
Explore other in-person, education-focused programs
Portrait of Scott Rosenfeld

Hear from an alum

Scott Rosenfeld

"I could not have felt more prepared to start working as an APE teacher than I did after completing my graduate assistantship at UWL. Being able to work hands-on with all ages of students with a variety of disabilities made me a highly qualified teacher candidate and was extremely helpful when interviewing with potential employers.”

Portrait of Megan Lund

Hear from an alum

Megan Lund

“Every time I think about my experience with this program, I think simply of how grateful and fortunate I am to be on this journey with this staff and the with others in the program. The knowledge, insights, ideas and conversations shared between us have immediately impacted my teaching practice (and my students) positively! Best decision ever!”