Physical Education Initial Certification/Master's Degree Program

This program is designed to provide initial physical education certification to both U.S. and Canadian candidates with bachelor’s degrees. The program is open to students of all academic majors from history to sport administration.  The program is ideal for students with undergraduate degrees in kinesiology, exercise science, health & wellness, etc. who may already meet most of the program prerequisites. 
The program meets New York State certification requirements for grades K-12.  Upon completion of New York requirements, Ontario candidates are eligible for certification in Ontario at the Intermediate-Senior level.

Since coursework is completed at the graduate level, once certification requirements are complete, you can then complete a master’s degree with three additional courses.  A master’s degree is required in New York State for professional certification within five years of initial certification. 

Based upon evaluation of undergraduate transcripts, a program will be developed to ensure completion of undergraduate courses needed to meet New York State requirements for teaching physical education.  These courses include: individual games, team games, dance/gymnastics, human anatomy & physiology w/lab, kinesiology, exercise physiology, and CPR/first aid/lifeguard/water safety certification (US) or Health elective (Canadian).

In addition to the physical education prerequisites described above, completion of 3 credit hours in a foreign language is required for teacher certification in New York State.  Two full years of foreign language in high school will also meet this requirement

For more information about our physical education certification program, contact us by email at GradAdmissions@canisius.edu, call toll free 800-950-2505 or locally 716-888-2545.