Teaching: Health and Physical Education, Graduate Certificate – Online

You’ll develop the skills to:

• Plan and deliver engaging, standards-based instruction
• Promote health, fitness, and lifelong wellness
• Use data-driven assessment strategies
• Differentiate instruction for diverse learners
• Create inclusive, supportive learning environments

Total: 16 Credit Hours

1. Required Courses (13 credit hours)

• MDSK 6162 – Planning for K-12 Instruction (3 credits)
• MDSK 6252 – Differentiated Instruction for Adolescent Learners (1–3 credits)
• MDSK 5204 – The Connected Classroom (2 credits)
• MDSK 5256 – Methods in Teaching Health and Physical Education (3 credits)
• MDSK 5300 – Content Area Instruction and Assessment (3 credits)

2. Internship / Student Teaching (3 credit hours)

• MDSK 6470 – Graduate Student Teaching and Internship (3–6 credits)

• 100% online (synchronous and asynchronous coursework)
• Completed in as few as three semesters
• Includes clinical observations in NC classrooms
• Culminates in a 16-week full-time student teaching internship

For employed teachers:
If you are currently teaching or secure a teaching position during the program, you may complete clinical experiences and student teaching in your own classroom.

To apply for the Graduate Certificate in Teaching – Health and Physical Education (K-12), applicants must meet the following requirements:

• A four-year undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution
• A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75
  • (For alternative ways to demonstrate academic competence, contact the Office of Teacher Education Advising and Licensure (TEAL))
• Two professional references in a supervisory capacity (e.g., principal or manager) and/or academic references (e.g., professor)
• A satisfactory statement of purpose
• Signed Commitment to Disposition form
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended during or after high school
• Clear criminal background check
• Applicants seeking a Residency License require a content GPA of at least 2.7 based on a minimum of 18 hours of relevant coursework. Candidates must also be in good academic standing with their last institution.

Content Area Requirement (one of the following):

• Hold a relevant undergraduate degree, or
• Obtain or already possess 21 credit hours of coursework in the content area for which licensure is sought, or
• Earn passing scores on the related PRAXIS II Subject Assessment

Internship / Student Teaching

The graduate-level student teaching/internship is the culminating experience of the Graduate Certificate program, providing candidates the opportunity to demonstrate readiness for the North Carolina Initial Professional Licensure (IPL).

• Candidates are placed in an appropriate K-12 classroom for a full-time, semester-long experience
• Work is completed under the supervision of both a licensed classroom teacher and University faculty

This experience allows candidates to apply coursework in a real-world teaching environment and refine their instructional practice

For Residency Teachers:

Candidates who are currently teaching may be eligible to complete the internship in their own classroom. However, they must contact the Office of School and Community Partnerships upon admission to:

• Determine if their classroom meets program and licensure requirements
• Confirm eligibility for using their current teaching placement for the internship experience

Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible for:

• North Carolina Initial Professional Educator’s License (IPL)
• Licensure in Health and Physical Education (K-12)
• Qualification to teach in public schools across all grade levels

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) issues a Special Subjects (K-12) license, enabling graduates to work with students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

The Graduate Certificate in Teaching – Health and Physical Education:

• Prepares you for immediate entry into the teaching profession
• Provides support navigating state licensure requirements
• Offers flexible online learning designed for working professionals
• Connects you to a strong network of schools and educators across North Carolina

NC Resident: $309.59 per credit hour
Non-Resident: $1,186.59 per credit hour