Get on track for physical education leadership roles through the online Education Specialist in Elementary Education program from Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM). You can choose the Physical Education concentration to gain expertise in developing curriculum, mentoring fellow educators, and enhancing student health and well-being.
Online EdS in Elementary Education – Physical Education
Explore advanced research and instructional methods in K-6 physical education through coursework and a hands-on practicum. Graduates are prepared to lead PE programs and pursue Class AA certification in Alabama.
This concentration immerses you in the teaching strategies and learning theories that drive successful PE programs. The courses delve into instructional design, emerging technologies, and best practices for physical education in elementary schools. You'll also meet requirements to advance from Class A to Class AA certification in Alabama, which helps expand your earning power.*
Application Deadline1/7/27
Start Date1/11/27
Online
Modality
As few as 1.5 years
Duration
30
Credit Hours
$483 per Credit
In-State Tuition
Online
Modality
As few as 1.5 years
Duration
30
Credit Hours
$483 per Credit
In-State Tuition
Program Overview
Advance as a Game-Changing Leader in Physical Education
Learn advanced methods for improving PE outcomes at the elementary school level
Transfer up to 12 credits to accelerate your journey to an EdS degree
Ranked among the top public schools and best colleges for veterans by U.S. News & World Report1
Named one of the top 10 schools by Military Friendly® for 2026–20272
No GRE testing requirement for qualifying students
Curriculum
Strengthen PE Programs in Your Community
At AUM, you'll examine the latest research and trends while preparing to move physical education forward in elementary schools today. The customizable Physical Education concentration lets you choose courses on the psychology of effective coaching, how nutrition fuels performance, the social dynamics of sport, and other topics matching your interests. Each term lasts 16 weeks, and the program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Duration: 16 WeeksCredit Hours: 3
A study of theoretical frameworks, concepts and designs in qualitative research. Includes an overview of historical and current issues. Field experiences and research initiated. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.
Duration: 16 WeeksCredit Hours: 3
A basic research course designed to evaluate research design, methods and experimentation in education and related areas.
Duration: 16 WeeksCredit Hours: 3
This course provides a fundamental understanding of educational statistics and enhances the ability to perform essential statistical analysis and interpretation in a variety of experimental situations for program and services evaluation.
Duration: 16 WeeksCredit Hours: 6
Candidates will prepare a theoretical thesis formulated from research conducted in their classroom or other educational setting. The method(s) of inquiry will be selected based on a review of current literature.
Duration: 16 WeeksCredit Hours: 3
This course provides a fundamental understanding of educational statistics and enhances the ability to perform essential statistical analysis and interpretation in a variety of experimental situations for program and services evaluation.
Duration: 16 WeeksCredit Hours: 6
Candidates will prepare a theoretical thesis formulated from research conducted in their classroom or other educational setting. The method(s) of inquiry will be selected based on a review of current literature.
Must choose 1 of the following courses.
Duration: 16 WeeksCredit Hours: 3
Examination of and training in collaborative teaching in educational settings. Participants will study interpersonal relationships with other professionals in the school setting and with families of students with exceptionalities. Included are evidenced-based best practices in collaboration, the fundamentals of group processes, and skills needed for collaboration. Prerequisite: ESPE 6200.
Duration: 16 WeeksCredit Hours: 3
Introduction to the social and cognitive foundations of stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination and how these biases effect education. The focus will be on awareness of why prejudice develops and its pervasiveness in the educational community. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Duration: 16 WeeksCredit Hours: 3
Course includes factors impacting family relationships, with special emphasis on child/parent interactions, child abuse, neglect and exploitation; family structure, attitudes and multicultural issues of selected diverse populations will be examined. This course meets CAST certification requirements.
Duration: 16 WeeksCredit Hours: 3
The advantages and limitations of curriculum and instructional strategies for teaching basic mathematics and reading skills to students with exceptionalities. Students will learn about modifications and accommodations of basic mathematic and reading instruction to integrate learners into the general curriculum. This course will focus on evidence-based reading instruction for students with exceptionalities. Basic mathematics strategies for teaching students with exceptionalities will be covered. The course provides the tools to individualize instruction in a variety of school environments based on assessment, effective planning, and instructional design.
Duration: 16 WeeksCredit Hours: 3
This course is designed to embrace students’ comprehension of urban/rural schooling with particular attention to the following: 1) relationship between the urban context and educational policies and practices in urban/rural schools; 2) along with a service learning component in urban/rural schools, the historical, socioeconomics, and political factors influencing urban education; and 3) the distribution of opportunity in cities and their schools; and effective pedagogical and organizational practices that close the achievement gap, including multicultural education, the development of positive school cultures and the use of community service and resources.
Duration: 16 WeeksCredit Hours: 3
Provides opportunities for students to understand the effects of attitudes, experiences, ethnicity and other cultural factors on the counseling process and relationship. Also includes counseling strategies for client populations experiencing loss, victimization, discrimination or other specific concerns.
Choose a total of 4 of the following courses.
Duration: 16 WeeksCredit Hours: 3
Provides an in-depth study of instructional methods, the learning process, evaluation, curriculum trends and factors impacting the physical education program. May be taught concurrently with PHED 4030.
Duration: 16 WeeksCredit Hours: 3
Measurement, evaluation and neurological structure of the human organism. Researching the motor learning aspect of the development of motor skills is an integral component of the course. May be taught concurrently with PHED 4050.
Duration: 16 WeeksCredit Hours: 3
Provides an in-depth study of current research, issues and trends in elementary physical education. Research is conducted in these areas to ascertain the best current practices available.
Duration: 16 WeeksCredit Hours: 3
Introduces the sociological aspects of sport and physical activity. Attention given to the role of sport in connection with other spheres of social life such as family, education, politics and the media.
Duration: 16 WeeksCredit Hours: 3
An overview of the relationships between nutrition and motor performance. Consideration of materials applicable to nutrition and survey of current literature in the field of nutrition education.
Duration: 16 WeeksCredit Hours: 3
Introduces and evaluates the psychological aspects of teaching and coaching. Emphasis on the psychological preparation of the individual athlete and team cohesiveness.
Must choose a total of 2 of the following 6 courses or an advisor approved course not listed.
Duration: 16 WeeksCredit Hours: 3
This course is designed to introduce and apply the fundamentals of instructional design using a systems approach model; that is, the ideas and procedures for analyzing, designing, developing, implementing and formatively evaluating instruction. In this course, the emphasis will be on the development of authentic instructional materials.
Duration: 16 WeeksCredit Hours: 3
This course is designed to explore existing and emerging technologies used in education, with an emphasis on current and future practices and strategies. Students will be required to demonstrate their understanding of a variety of digital tools in technology-rich learning environments and communicate and collaborate globally with others.
Duration: 16 WeeksCredit Hours: 3
This course examines the role of leadership as it relates to the implementation of educational technology and is designed to apply the skills and knowledge needed to direct the use of learning technologies in a variety of educational settings. Students taking this course will be exposed to a range of concepts and components related to the coordination and direction of technology facilities and resources in industry and/or a K-12 setting.
Duration: 16 WeeksCredit Hours: 3
Methods, procedures and evaluative instruments for determining teaching effectiveness, pupil learning, and attainment of educational goals in cognitive, psychomotor and affective areas. May be taught concurrently with FNDS 4800.
Duration: 16 WeeksCredit Hours: 3
Effective teaching in multicultural and diverse environments. Includes content and strategies in classroom management, curriculum and instructional techniques for elementary, middle school and secondary teachers.
Duration: 16 WeeksCredit Hours: 3
Supervised independent study of issues, problems and trends affecting educational theorizing and practice. Emphasis on application of knowledge from social sciences to predict and resolve educational problems.
ADMISSIONS
Apply for Your Online Education Specialist Degree
Online Application
Official Transcripts
3.25 GPA
AUM makes it simple to apply to the Education Specialist in Elementary Education – Physical Education program. We offer generous transfer credit opportunities, and our rolling start dates allow you to apply anytime. Our enrollment team is here to help every step of the way — request information to learn more.
Cost reflects tuition only, does not include fees.
Military Benefits
Auburn University at Montgomery is proud to support the educational goals of military veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, guardsmen, and their families. We participate in the Yellow Ribbon program, and Military Friendly® ranked us among the Top 10 schools for 2023-2024. Moreover, our Veteran and Military Resource Center offers an array of resources for fostering a smooth admissions process and online student experience.
Financial Aid Opportunities
At AUM, we strive to make your online degree program as affordable as possible, with cost-effective tuition for in-state and out-of-state students. We encourage you to complete your FAFSA® form to determine your financial aid eligibility — the school code for Auburn University at Montgomery is 008310.
A Quality Experience for Online Learners
Earn your degree online from Auburn University at Montgomery to experience a quality education with the flexibility to succeed in class and your career. You can complete your coursework using your laptop or mobile device with opportunities to study when and where it's convenient.
- Academic support: Access online advising and tutoring
- Career services: Prepare to succeed after graduation
- Help desk: Get technical assistance for your program
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AUM accepts applications on a rolling basis, so the sooner you apply, the sooner you can start.
Sources
- U.S. News & World Report. "Auburn University at Montgomery Rankings." Retrieved April 30, 2026, from https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/auburn-university-at-montgomery-8310/overall-rankings.
- Military Friendly®. "Auburn University at Montgomery." Retrieved April 30, 2026, from https://www.militaryfriendly.com/school-profile/?sid=88.
*Certification requirements vary by state. Be sure to review the requirements for the location where you plan to teach after completing your program.