Mar 29, 2024  
2008-2009 Graduate Studies Bulletin 
    
2008-2009 Graduate Studies Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Physical Education, M.S.


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Graduate Programs Offered

Assistant Professor Clocksin, Program Director, (516) 463-4009, Brian.D.Clocksin@hofstra.edu

This program is designed to prepare individuals without previous professional education to meet New York state initial teacher certification in grades preschool through 12 physical education. This is a comprehensive program providing course work and field experiences across a variety of school settings. Graduates from this program are eligible for professional certification after two years of successful teaching experience and an approved mentoring relationship as described by the New York State Education Department Regulations.

Program Philosohpy, Goals and Objectives


The mission of the Master of Science in Physical Education is to prepare scholarly and innovative practitioners specializing in preschool through the secondary level physical education. Attention is focused on the development and implementation of physical activity content through theory and field-based experiences. Individuals are provided with the means and understandings necessary to effectively teach basic movement, motor, rhythm, and sport skills for increased physical activity. Lectures and course work promote an understanding of teaching and learning philosophies, implementation strategies, and the means used to assess lesson outcomes for different populations of students, including those living in low economic situations and having disabilities or special-needs. Importance is also placed in theories and learning experiences that promote cooperation, respect for diversity, and social responsibility within the school environment and local community. Technological applications for teaching and learning are applied throughout the program.

Admission Requirements



Applications for admission to the Master of Science (M.S.) in Physical Education Program in the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences are made to the Graduate Admissions Office. Admission is based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria, including the following:

  1. Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution.
  2. Undergraduate grade point average of 2.75.
  3. Two letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching profession and in graduate work.
  4. A brief typed statement indicating the applicant’s interest in the program, and identifying any previous physical education teaching experience or sport involvement.
  5. Interview with Graduate Program Director.

The faculty of the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences recognize that any single criterion may not reliably predict a candidate’s potential for success in a graduate program and in the teaching profession. Accordingly, candidates are welcome to apply if they do not meet one of the criteria but believe that other aspects of their experience may compensate.

Program Requirements - Semester Hours: 36-39



Successful completion of a total of 30 semester hours of physical education content course work, as follows; 15 credits of this content is satisfied in the master of science degree program:

  • MSPE 248 Contemporary Dance, Rhythms, and Educational Gymnastics, 3 s.h.
  • Team Sports, Individual Sports, Leisure or Outdoor Sports, Fitness Activity, 3 s.h.
  • Motor Learning/Motor Development or equivalent, 3 s.h.
  • Exercise Physiology or equivalent, 3 s.h.
  • Kinesiology or equivalent, 3 s.h.
  • One course in Human Development (PreK-12) and one course in Foundations of Education.
  • One course in Statistics, Measurement and Evaluation, Research Methods, Epidemiology, or another equivalent course (statistics may also meet mathematics requirement).
  • Completion of a certificate in first aid and CPR.
  • Completion of 36 to 39 s.h. of the master of science degree program.
  • Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average while taking the graduate level course work or be placed on probationary status for one semester while completing the following courses:

Field Experiences Prior to Student Training


A total of 100 hours of field assignments are required for Teacher Certification by the New York State Education Department before student teaching. The following courses include field assignments involving observation and interaction with students in preschool through grade 12:

Student Teaching and Supervised Teaching Prerequisites


To qualify for admission to Student Teaching (MSPE 272A, 272B) student must complete all content and pedagogical core course work and all pre/corequisite physical education content course work, human development, foundations of education, and statistics or other research methods course.  Students may not register for more than 9 s.h. total during their student teaching semester.

To qualify for Supervised Teaching (MSPE 273, MSPE 274) students must complete all content and pedagogical course work and all pre/corequisite physical education content course work, human development, foundations of education, and statistics or other research methods course.  Students may not register for more than 9 s.h. total during their supervised teaching semester.

All individuals must successfully complete New York State Teacher Certification required workshops or courses.  These can be taken during MSPE 272A, 272B, or during MSPE 273 or MSPE 274.  Additional opportunities to complete the required workshops are available through the Office of Field Placement.

Application forms for Student Teaching and Supervised Teaching (MSPE 272A, 272B and MSPE 273, 274) may be obtained from the Office of Field Placement. Applications submitted by October 1 for admission to Student Teaching in the spring semester and by March 1 for admission to Student Teaching in the fall semester.

Continuation Standards


Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 while in the program. Students receiving a grade lower than C- in a content core course or pedagogical core course must repeat the course and receive a grade of B or higher in order to remain in the program. Grades below C- will not be counted toward the graduate degree but will be included in determining the grade point average.

Transfer Credits


Up to 9 credits of comparable courses from other accredited institutions may be transferred to Hofstra University to meet content, pedagogical, and field requirements.

Graduation Requirements



  1. Successful completion of the General Education Core in the liberal arts and sciences.
  2. Completion of all content and pedagogical core courses with a grade point average of 3.0 or better.
  3. Completion of MSPE 272A and MSPE 272B or MSPE 273, or MSPE 274 and  
  4. Satisfactory completion of  an electronic portfolio, identifying samples of exemplary work that reflect the individual’s ability to plan and implement dynamic physical education programs for a wide range of populations and age levels.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Graduate Programs Offered