Leadership in Physical Education (MA)
Master of Arts
Become a more effective and reflective Pre-K-12 Physical Education teacher.
- Delivered entirely online
- Begin any term - Apply now for Fall 2026 or Spring 2027
You may be eligible for a $2,000 Online & Distance Education Scholarship -- complete the application today!
Features
Entirely Online | 30 Credits | 2 Years
- Courses are designed using the Quality Matters set of professional standards based upon research, best practices and national standards for course design.
- Courses address topics such as motor learning, curriculum development, effective teaching and sport psychology.
- Ranked in the top 20% online master's in education program in 2026 by U.S. News and World Report
As an Online & Distance Education student, you’ll have dedicated support to assist you with registering for classes, navigating the course sequence and billing process, preparing for graduation and much more.
Fabio Fontana
Program Coordinator
Department Head and Professor, Kinesiology
fabio.fontana@uni.edu
319-273-6854
Alyssa Dyall-Bruner
Graduate Recruitment Coordinator
Online & Distance Education
alyssa.dyall-bruner@uni.edu
319-273-2416
Request Information
During fall and spring semesters, courses are scheduled in eight-week modules on select Wednesday evenings via Zoom. Some courses are offered online using Blackboard, a dynamic platform that will enhance your learning experience and sense of community with fellow classmates.
Our graduates are prepared to:
- Advocate for physical education in their schools and districts
- Design comprehensive school-based physical activity programs
- Apply research principles to teaching practices
- Model best practices and serve as leaders
Individualized Support Services
Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the Learning Center
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
During fall and spring semesters, courses are scheduled in eight-week modules on select Wednesday evenings via Zoom. Some courses are offered online using Blackboard, a dynamic platform that will enhance your learning experience and sense of community with fellow classmates.
Our graduates are prepared to:
- Advocate for physical education in their schools and districts
- Design comprehensive school-based physical activity programs
- Apply research principles to teaching practices
- Model best practices and serve as leaders
Individualized Support Services
Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the Learning Center
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
To be admitted, students must have:
- 2.75 is the minimum GPA to be accepted without provision; applicants with a GPA lower than 2.75 may still be admitted provisionally, at the discretion of the program and the Division of Graduate Studies.
Along with the application, you’ll need to submit:
- An applicant statement describing your professional goals, motivation for applying to the program, and your area of research interest or expertise.
- Professional resume
- Two letters of recommendation
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required.
Online & Distance Education Scholarships
Online & Distance Education offers $2,000 scholarships for degree-seeking students enrolled in select graduate programs.
TEACH Grant
Students may also qualify for the TEACH Grant, a federal program that offers additional financial support to students preparing for careers in high‑need teaching fields and who commit to completing required service obligations after graduation.
Eligible students must contact the UNI Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships for more information.
Next Steps
Express Interest
Complete our online information request form. We'll send program updates, important information, and application deadlines directly to your inbox!
Apply
To be admitted, students must have:
- An applicant statement describing your professional goals, motivation for applying to the program, and your area of research interest or expertise
- A professional resume
- Two letters of recommendation
Along with the application, students should have their official transcripts sent directly to the Office of Admissions
Delivery of this program is contingent on a sufficient number of students being accepted into the program.
Mykel Carlson
"I'm in my third year teaching Elementary Physical Education. I love learning new things, which led me to pursue my master's degree. This program has inspired me to keep finding information to promote our field, and to use that information to benefit my students."
Class of 2021, Physical Education - Pedagogy MA