Story: Lisa Sollie
This fall, the University of West Alabama will introduce a new Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Physical Education. Available both on campus and online, this advanced degree offers a valuable opportunity for passionate educators to advance their careers and expand their knowledge.
“We are thrilled to finally offer this degree program,” said Dr. R.T. Floyd, director of athletic training and sports medicine at UWA and chair and distinguished professor of physical education and athletic training. He noted that the new degree was developed in response to numerous requests from current graduate students in physical education and alumni working in the field.
Dr. Natasha Satcher-Bell, professor of human performance at UWA, and Dr. Gunnar Cazers, associate professor of physical education, highlighted that the Ed.S. degree is designed to cultivate leadership and advocacy skills in those passionate about teaching and physical activity. The program also aims to help students promote physical activity at local, district, and statewide levels while developing the skills to mentor new and future physical educators.
Cazers added that earning an Ed. S. degree can be a valuable stepping stone for those planning to pursue doctoral or terminal degrees. Additionally, upon completion, it offers the immediate benefit of a pay increase for public school teachers. UWA offers two undergraduate and three master’s degree options in physical education.
Both Satcher-Bell and Cazers believe that introducing the Ed.S. degree will further enhance the university’s outstanding reputation in physical education. The latest enrollment figures show that the graduate-level program is thriving, with over 120 students, and there are approximately 21 undergraduate students.
Floyd commended Satcher-Bell and Cazers for their efforts in designing the program and securing approval from the Alabama State Department of Education and the Alabama Commission on Higher Education. “Launching a new degree program is a significant achievement,” he noted. “I’m excited about the growth opportunities this degree will offer for our physical education programs at UWA.”