Master of Science in Physical Education (MS)

The physical education specialist may become specifically trained in human performance/ health fitness, gain advanced knowledge of physical education and sport, prepare for the National Athletic Trainer's Association certification exam, or design a program of study to meet specific needs (individualized program option).  

Master of Science in Athletic Training (MS) offers concentrations in:

Master of Science in Physical Education (MS) offers concentrations in:

It is possible to enroll as a post-master's or non-degree candidate to obtain professional development points (PDPs) or gain advanced knowledge in a specialized topic.

Tinsley Center

Program Features

  • Courses offered in the new Adrian Tinsley Center, equipped with state of the art exercise physiology and biomechanics labs and equipment.
  • Most courses, and all required courses, are offered in the late afternoon or evening, and during the summer to accommodate the working professional.
  • Enrollment in graduate courses is small and instruction is personalized.
  • When appropriate, individualized study can be provided through directed studies, theses or projects.
  • Opportunities exist to take elective courses outside the department.

Curriculum

Please note that the College Catalog (pdf) is the official college resource for up-to-date program information and course descriptions. The curriculum listed below is for informational purposes only. Please consult the College Catalog for the most current requirements.

Not all classes are available each semester. To view what courses are currently being offered, please view current course offerings.

Core Courses For All Concentrations

The graduate program of study, involves a minimum of 30 graduate credits, other core courses vary with concentration.

Concentration in Adapted Physical Education (APE):
For more information, contact Dr. Joseph Huber at 508-531-2982, jhuber@bridgew.edu

This concentration is designed to prepare individuals to work with students who have special needs.

  • PHED 451 Prosthetics and Orthotics (3 credits) 
  • PHED 484 Physical Education for Children and Youth w/Disabilities (3 credits)
  • PHED 494 Advanced Study of Motor Programs for Individuals w/Chronic Health Conditions (3 credits)
  • PHED 508 Motor Learning (3 credits)
  • PHED 511 Research Methods in Physical Education (3 credits)
  • PHED 595 Internship In Physical Education (3-6 credits)
  • Coursed in psychology and/or special education appropriate to individual program (9 credits)
  • Electives appropriate to program (3-6 credits)

Concentration in Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP):
For more information, contact Dr. Marcia Anderson at 508-531-2072, mkanderson@bridgew.edu

This concentration is an entry-level athletic training program, accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs (CAAHEP). Graduates will have the necessary academic and clinical experiences to sit for the National Athletic Trainer's Board of Certification Examination and be licensed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In addition to acceptance into the Graduate School, students must have completed the following courses or their equivalent:
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II
  • Introductory Psychology
  • Introduction to Athletic Training
  • Biomechanics/Kinesiology
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Nutrition
  • Sports First Aid

Required Courses

  • PHED 511 Research Methods (3 credits) (Every Fall)
  • PHED 400 Physiology and Techniques of Strength Fitness (3 credits)
  • ATTR 410 Nutrition for the Physically Active (3 credits)
  • ATTR 509 Drugs in Sport (3 credits)
  • ATTR 540 Management of Lower Extremity Conditions (3 credits)
  • ATTR 541 Management of Upper Extremity and Torso Conditions (3 credits)
  • ATTR 542 Therapeutic Exercise (3 credits)
  • ATTR 543 Pharmacology for the Physical Active (1.5 credits)
  • ATTR 546 Medical Conditions for the Physically Active (1.5 credits)
  • ATTR 550 Therapeutic Modalities (3 credits)
  • ATTR 561 Level I Clinical Experience in Athletic Training (3 credits)
  • ATTR 562 Level II Clinical Experience in Athletic Training (3 credits)
  • ATTR 563 Level III Clinical Experience in Athletic Training (3 credits)
  • ATTR 564 Level IV Clinical Experience in Athletic Training (3 credits)
  • ATTR 590 Administration in Athletic Training (3 credits)
  • Written comprehensive exam or PHED 502 Research Thesis (3 - 6 credits) and an oral comprehensive exam, or a 3 credit project and an oral comprehensive exam.

Concentration in Human Performance and Health Fitness (HPHF):
For more information, contact Dr. Robert Haslam at 508-531-2064, RHaslam@bridgew.edu

This concentration is designed to prepare individuals for clinical and supervisory positions in human performance and health fitness.  Graduates will obtain the background necessary to acquire advanced jobs in corporate fitness, YMCA, and cardiac rehabilitation settings.

  • PHED 511 Research Methods (3 credits) (Every Fall)
  • PHED 515 Advances in Exercise Circulation (3 credits) (Even year; Spring)
  • PHED 517 Experimental Processes in Physical Education (3 credits)
  • PHED 518 Advances in Exercise Metabolism (3 credits) (Odd year; Spring)
  • PHED 519 Advances in Exercise Prescription (3 credits) (Fall; Even years)
  • PHED 544 Applied Laboratory Techniques in Exercise Science (3 credits) (Summer)
  • PHED 595 Internship in Physical Education (1-6 credits)
  • Culminating Experience:
    • Written Comprehensive Exam OR
    • Research Thesis (3-6 credits) with an Oral Comprehensive Exam OR
    • Physical Education Project (3 credits) with an Oral Comprehensive Exam

Suggested Electives: Specific course selection will be made by the adviser and the student based upon the student's professional background and program objectives. The following courses would be appropriate:

  • PHED 400 Physiology and Techniques of Strength Fitness (3 credits)*
  • PHED 402 Exercise Metabolism (3 credits)
  • PHED 403 Cardiovascular Function, Analysis and Evaluation (3 credits)*
  • PHED 404 Exercise Prescription and Cardiac Rehabilitation (3 credits)
  • PHED 405 Exercise Circulation: Mechanics and Morphology (3 credits)
  • PHED 502 Research (variable credit)
  • PHED 503 Directed Study (3 credits)
  • PHED 504 Nutrition for Sports, Exercise and Weight Control (3 credits)
  • PHED 516 Exercise Electrocardiography (3 credits)
  • PHED 520 Health Fitness Program Planning and Management (3 credits)
  • PHED 530 The Motor Domain: Implications for Chronic Disabilities (3 credits)
  • PHED 531 Motor Performance Adaptations for Moderate and Severe Disabilities (3 credits)
  • PHED 545 Physical Conditioning and Training in Sport and Exercise (3 credits)
  • HEAL 471 Nutrition (3 credits)
  • HEAL 483 Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health (3 credits)
  • HEAL 518 Quantitative Methods in Health Promotion/Epidemiology (3 credits)

Graduate credit can be given for courses numbered 400 and 500 except the following:

  • PHED 412 Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation in Teaching Physical Education
  • PHED 414 Coaching
  • PHED 415 through PHED 431
  • PHED 491 Field Based Pre-Practicum (5-12) - Physical Education
  • PHED 492 Practicum in Student Teaching (5-12) - Physical Education
  • PHED 498 Field Experience in Physical Education RC 498 Field Experience in Recreation
  • PHED 499 Directed Study in Physical Education

*Recommended based on student's program. Both may be taken. 

Concentration in Applied Kinesiology (AK)
For more information, contact Dr. Karen Richardson at 508-531-2067, karen.richardson@bridgew.edu

This concentration provides a student with advanced knowledge of physical education and sport.  Teachers with initial licensure may use the program to apply for professional licensure.  Students may also integrate the core classes with appropriate adapted and special education classes to improve their skills as an adapted physical educator.

  • This concentration is endorsed by the Department of Education for Physical Education teachers who already have their initial license to advance to the professional license. Students who successfully complete this concentration do not need to individually go to the D.O.E. upon graduation.
  • PHED 511 Research Methods (3 credits) (Every Fall)
  • PHED 517 Experimental Processes in Physical Education (3 credits) (Every Spring)
  • Culminating Experience:
    • Written Comprehensive Exam OR
    • Research Thesis (3-6 credits) with an Oral Comprehensive Exam OR
    • Physical Education Project (3 credits) with an Oral Comprehensive Exam

Required (select 4 of 5)

  • PHED 546 Applied Biomechanics and Movement Analysis (Even year, Fall)
  • PHED 508 Motor Learning (Even year, Summer)
  • PHED 545 Physical Conditioning and Training in Sports and Exercise (Odd year, Fall)
  • PHED 506 Philosophy and Principles of Physical Education (Even year, Spring)
  • PHED 571 Psychological/Social Issues in Sport (Odd Year, Spring)

Electives (12 credits): 4 appropriate program related classes or 2 classes and thesis

Strength and Conditioning (SC)
For more information, contact Dr. Ellyn Robinson at 508-531-2055, ERobinson@bridgew.edu

This graduate program will further the student's knowledge of strength and conditioning.

Prerequesites:
1. Bachelors Degree
2. Physiology of Exercise, Anatomy, and Theory & Practice of Progressive Resistance Training or equivalent

Required Courses:

  • PHED 511: Research Methods (3) Every Fall
  • PHED 517: Experimental Processes in Physical Education (3) Every Spring
  • PHED 523: Strength and Conditioning Laboratory (3)
  • PHED 543: Foundations of Resistance Training (3)
  • PHED 545: Physical Conditioning and Training in Sports and Exercise(3) Odd year; Fall
  • PHED 504: Nutrition for Sports, Exercise and Weight Control (3)
  • PHED 595: Internship in Strength and Conditioning (3-6) Any Semester
  • Electives: 9 Credits
  • Culminating Experience:
    • Written Comprehensive Exam OR
    • Research Thesis (3-6 credits) with an Oral Comprehensive Exam OR
    • Physical Education Project (3 credits) with an Oral Comprehensive Exam

Individualized Program of Study (IP):

For more information, contact Dr. Robert Haslam at 508-531-2064, RHaslam@bridgew.edu

Development of a program of study, in consultation with the program adviser, to meet individual career and educational goals. The program must include a minimum of 15 credits in physical education. 

  • PHED 511 Research Methods (3 credits) (Every Fall)
  • Culminating Experience:
    • Written Comprehensive Exam OR
    • Research Thesis (3-6 credits) with an Oral Comprehensive Exam OR
    • Physical Education Project (3 credits) with an Oral Comprehensive Exam

 

Admission

Application for admission should be made through the Office of Graduate and Continuing Education. Applicants who do not possess an adequate background in physical education and/or related areas will be required to make up course deficiencies. Such background coursework will not be applied to the graduate program's minimum credit requirements.

Admission Requirements

Students seeking admission to a program leading to a master's degree must hold a bachelor's degree from a four-year institution of acceptable standing. (College seniors may be admitted on a conditional basis). Master's degree applicants must meet the following criteria  to receive a "clear admit" (full graduate student status):

  • A composite score of 900 on the quantitative and verbal parts of the GRE General Test.
  • A 2.75 undergraduate GPA based upon four years of work, or a 3.0 undergraduate GPA based upon work completed during the junior and senior years.
  • A rating of 1 (on part IV) on the three letters of recommendation (with 1 being the highest rating on the scale). At least two of the recommendations should be from professors and the third letter of recommendation could be from a professional employer.

Applicants who do not meet the "Clear Admit" status can be granted a "Conditional Acceptance". For more information regarding "Conditional Acceptance" contact the office of Graduate and Continuing Education.

Last Modified: July 7, 2009