MASTERS DEGREE PROGRAM IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Guideline

Courses and/or experiences that fulfill the guideline

1.0  Undergraduate background requirements for entry are established for the master's degree program:                                                                   

1.1 Policies and procedures for determining deficiencies for admission are established and listed.  A candidate entering the master's degree program without the baccalaureate degree in physical education removes deficiencies by completing sequential undergraduate courses or by demonstrating necessary competencies.

2.75 GPA                                                                                  3 letters of reference                                                                   Interview                                                                                   GRE score 950 or HIGHER

2.0  The curriculum for the master's degree program in physical education ensures that a minimum of 50% of the total degree program shall be in physical education.

Core Courses = 8-12 cr hours

6-13 cr hours in emphasis area

3.0  The curriculum for master's degree program in physical education shows competency in methods of inquiry:                                                                     

3.1 A minimum of 15% of a candidate's program focuses on methods of inquiry.  Content addresses in-depth study in research methods, research design, and analyses of quantitative or qualitative data.

18% of course work deals with methods of inquiry through the courses listed below:

PHED 505 Statistics - 3 cr 

PHED 677 Research Techniques - 3 cr

4.0  The curriculum for master's degree program in physical education shows evidence of one or more areas of interest:                                                         

4.1 An area of interest is comprised of a minimum of 25% of a candidate's program.  Areas of interest are identified and accompanied by a listing of courses that describe the content.

Areas of Interest include: 

• Adapted Physical Education
• Pedagogy
• Sports Medicine: Adult Fitness 
• Sports Medicine: Biomechanics
• Sports Medicine: Exercise Physiology 

Required Courses: 

• Adapted PE: 12 cr = 36% 
• Pedagogy: 8 cr = 24%
• SM: Adult Fitness: 12 cr = 36%
• SM: Biomechanics: 10 cr = 36%
• SM: Ex. Physiology: 6 cr = 18%

4.2  One identified area of interest which a candidate may select is teacher education.  The list of accompanying courses includes content in such areas as curriculum, teaching effectiveness, administration etc. as applied to physical education.

  See accompanying materials for required classes per emphasis area.

5.0  The curriculum for master's degree programs in physical education shows evidence of breadth in the theoretical base of the discipline building on initial experiences acquired at the undergraduate level:                                                                   

5.1  Breadth in the curriculum enables the candidate to select courses in physical education outside the area of interest.  The theoretical base of the discipline includes such areas as, but not limited to, biomechanical, philosophical, physiological, and psychological perspectives.

Electives per Emphasis Area 

Adapted PE: 8 cr = 24%

Pedagogy: 8-13 cr = 24-39%

SM: Adult Fitness: 9 cr = 27%

SM: Biomechanics: 11-15cr = 33-45%

SM: Exercise Physiology: 18 cr = 45%

Wide range of courses within the department are available for students to select.  Some emphasis areas have suggested electives.  The students background and goals help determine which electives are appropriate.

6.0  The curriculum for master's degree programs in physical education requires some form of scholarly endeavor resulting in a culminating experience:                                                              

 6.1  Culminating experiences shall include endeavors such as a masters thesis, research or creative project, comprehensive examination, etc.

The culminating experience in the Master's Degree Program consists of either a Thesis or Independent Study.  The Exercise Physiology and Adult Fitness Emphasis Areas are requiring the Thesis, while other Emphasis Areas are allowing students to choose either option.  Students select a major professor and a committee to advise them for the Thesis and Independent Study.                                       Independent Study projects may include:

• Applied research 
• Development of teaching Modules or teaching aids
• Curriculum development projects 
• Computer program development
• Historical reviews 
• Data analyses
• Development of evaluative instruments   

7.0  The scope and quality of content of each graduate course shall be appropriate for the master's degree level:                                                                                       7.1  Workshops and courses that have as their primary emphasis the acquisition of motor skills are not appropriate.

All courses are academic classes appropriate for graduate students.

7.2  Courses shall rarely be offered concurrently for undergraduate and graduate credit.  For a course to be offered for dual credit, the majority of the enrollment shall be graduate candidates, and the content of the course shall be presented at the graduate level.  Rationale shall be provided for any course offered for dual undergraduate and graduate credit.

There are no courses taught in the graduate program that emphasize the motor or activity skill acquisition.  There are no concurrently offered classes for graduate and undergraduate credit.  All classes are 500 level and above.

8.0  A maximum of 20% of the credit hours required for the master's degree may be transferred from another institution.

The University policy allows for a maximum of 12 hours, however, the department standard is 6 credit hours.  This policy has been strictly enforced.

9.0  Credit earned more than six years prior to graduation shall not be counted toward the master's degree unless a revalidation of course competencies is demonstrated.

Out-of-date (over 6 years) can only be validated if it adheres to the GraduateSchool policy.