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MS in Physical Education, Adapted Physical Education and Sport Concentration

Exterior of the Adrian Tinsley Center featuring a bronze Bristaco bear sculpture

The MS in Physical Education, Adapted Physical Education and Sport Concentration program is designed for individuals with an undergraduate major in physical education, or its equivalent, who wish to pursue new career directions related to the field in community-based organizations, such as business, industry, agencies, hospitals and educational settings or who wish to enhance their undergraduate preparation through advanced study.

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 course work will not be applied to the graduate program’s minimum credit requirement.

Program Highlights 

The MS in Physical Education is a professional degree program designed for individuals with an undergraduate major in physical education who wish to obtain professional licensure or enhance their undergraduate preparation through advanced study.

The MS in Physical Education program offers:

  • Courses in the new Adrian Tinsley Center, equipped with state of the art exercise physiology and biomechanics labs and equipment
  • Courses offered in the late afternoon or evening, and during the summer to accommodate the working professional
  • When appropriate, individualized study can be provided through directed studies, theses or projects
  • Opportunities to take elective courses outside the department
  • Small classes facilitating a more personalized learning experience
  • Benefits of a state institution that has been training teachers for more than 170 years
  • Affordable tuition, whether you live in state or out of state

Graduate Program Coordinator: Dr. Maura Rosenthal

Admissions Requirements 

  • Online application - A completed online application and $50 application fee
  • Résumé 
  • Transcripts - Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work
  • GPA - A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 based upon four years of work or a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 based upon work completed during the junior and senior years
  • Letters of Recommendation - Three appropriate letters of recommendation (one from a supervisor)
  • Personal Statement - Prepare a brief, but careful statement regarding the reasons you want to pursue graduate work in this field, your specific interest and experiences in this field, and your career goals
  • *GRE Scores are not required

Application Deadlines 

Rolling admission for Fall, Spring and Summer enrollment.

Curriculum 

Required Courses (18 credits)
PHED 508 - Motor Learning
PHED 511 - Research Methods in Physical Education
PHED 595 - Internship in Physical Education (3 credits)
SPED 551 - Autism Spectrum Disorders
SPED 561 - Advanced Strategies in Behavior Management
SPED 575 - Behavior Interventions in Special Education
SPED 582 - Technology for Special Populations

Electives (6 credits)

Complete two, three-credit electives (any advisor approved 400- or 500-level graduate course)
or
Complete one, three-credit elective (any advisor approved 400- or 500-level graduate course)

and

PHED 501 - Physical Education Project 
or
Complete six credits of PHED 502 - Research 

Exit Requirement: Culminating Experience
All students are required to show evidence of a culminating experience by successfully completing one of the following:

PHED 501- Physical Education Project, with an oral defense, under the guidance of an advisor
PHED 502 - Research with an oral defense
Departmental comprehensive examination*

Total minimum credits: 30

 *Please see the Graduate Academic Policies section of the Graduate Academic Catalog for additional information regarding comprehensive examinations.

***For the most up-to-date information regarding course descriptions, please visit our University Catalog.

Learning Outcomes

 After completion of the MS in Physical Education, students should be able to:

1. Critically read and evaluate research related to kinesiology.  

2. Apply quantitative or qualitative competencies required to conduct and understand research related to kinesiology.  

3. Apply evidence-based knowledge and skills for assessing client/student needs for designing and evaluating sport and physical activity programs.  

4. Explain concepts of foundational sciences related to the study of kinesiology with a specific focus in a selected area.  

5. Evaluate the psychological, physiological, or sociological strategies and forces that influence the sport/ physical activity experience to determine their impact on performance.  

6. Apply appropriate verbal, non-verbal, and media communication techniques to enhance learning and engagement in physical activity and sport. 

Funding Opportunities 

The College of Graduate Studies provides various opportunities for graduate students to receive funding while working towards their degrees. Appointments are competitive and are determined by undergraduate and/or graduate grade point averages, pertinent experience, educational preparation and interviews.  For information on assistantships, fellowships and conference funding awards, please visit our Graduate Funding Opportunities page.

The MS in Physical Education is eligible for unsubsidized student loans and applicants are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. For more specific questions, please visit the Financial Aid Office website or contact them directly at finaid@bridgew.edu.

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View this PDF for an overview of the College of Graduate Studies.
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