Bowling Green, Ky. - Western Kentucky University's Department of Physical Education will offer an online Master of Science in Physical Education with a Teacher Education Option beginning the fall term of 2005.

The teacher education option focuses on the skills necessary to teach physical education. This program meets the Kentucky Teacher Requirements for Advanced Teaching Standards.

The PE teacher education option is designed for teachers wishing to advance professionally and improve their teaching effectiveness, according to Dr. Randy Deere with Western's Physical Education and Recreation Department.

"Many of our students are teacher/coaches who have after school and evening professional responsibilities and are not able to travel to campus for the traditional evening classes," he said. "We believe the online teaching/learning strategy will afford those students an opportunity to continue their education while meeting their personal and professional responsibilities."

A student can be admitted to the physical education program if he/she has an undergraduate physical education major or the equivalent of an undergraduate minor in physical education. Students should contact the department head for specific prerequisite courses.

Western's commitment to professional preparation of teachers has always been a priority. "Our Physical Education program mirrors the university's commitment to provide exemplary education for teachers pursuing advanced degrees," Dr. Deere said.

The WKU PE Department is offering this online degree in partnership with the Division of Extended Learning and Outreach. "Online programs such as this make it more convenient for students who are already in the workforce to take the courses necessary for advanced degrees," according to Carrie Davis, coordinator of Cohort Programs at DELO.

Students taking online courses can work on assignments at any time of day or night, which many times is the only way they could participate in the classes.

"New technologies have made online degree programs an increasingly popular option for institutions and students," said Dr. John Bonaguro, dean of the College of Health and Human Services at WKU. "The use of the Internet, e-mail, video conferencing and other interactive systems enables our Department of Physical Education and Recreation to implement new and unique modes of teaching and learning that attracts students who are away from campus or cannot travel to campus very often. Our new online degree program in physical education is a good option for people who seek to enhance and advance their careers in physical education."

For information on the program, contact Dr. Randy Deere, WKU Department of Physical Education and Recreation, at (270) 745-3347 or by e-mail at randy.deere@wku.edu or Carrie Davis, coordinator of Cohort Programs at (270) 745-5308 or by e-mail at carrie.davis@wku.edu.

For questions about online courses or how to get registered and connected to class, contact the WKU Distance Education department at (270) 745-4158 or visit the department's website at http://www.wku.edu/reachu/.

More WKU news is available at www.wku.edu. If you'd like to receive WKU news via e-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.

For information, contact Bill Oldham at (270) 745-1926.