Program Philosophy, 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.

General Education Core Requirements

In order to ensure that prospective teachers have a broad education in the liberal arts and sciences, all students must have completed undergraduate course work from each of the content areas below.

1.   Artistic Expression/Humanities, 3 s.h.
2.   Communication, 3 s.h.
3.   Information Retrieval, (0-3 s.h.; can be satisfied with passing score on exam)
4.   Historical and Social Science Concepts, 3 s.h.
5.   Language other than English, (0-3 s.h.; depending on placement)
6.   Scientific Processes, 3 s.h.
7.   Mathematical Processes, 3 s.h.
8.   Written Analysis and Expression, 6 s.h.

Please note that programs may have general education requirements that exceed the minimum registered with the state. Degrees will not be conferred unless all general education core deficiencies have been met.

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

• MSPE 256 - Historical and Sociocultural Perspectives in Physical Activity and Sport Semester Hours: 3

• (placement in high-needs schools with English Language learners) (25 hours in grades 7-12)

• MSPE 258 - Planning and Implementing Preschool and Elementary Physical Education Experiences Semester Hours: 3

• (25 hours in grades PreK-6)

• MSPE 260 - Planning and Implementing Secondary Physical Education Experiences Semester Hours: 3

• (25 hours in grades 7-12)

• MSPE 262 - Inclusion for Physical Education Special Needs Populations Semester Hours: 3

• (20 hours in grades PreK-12)

• MSPE 264 - Innovative Instructional Strategies, Curriculum, and Assessment Techniques in Physical Education Semester Hours: 3

• (5 hours in grades 7-12)

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 must be submitted by May 1 for admission to student teaching in the succeeding spring semester and February 15 for admission to student teaching in the succeeding fall semester.

Continuation Standards

Transfer Credits

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.
   

Teacher Certification Requirements

Upon successful completion of a school-based program, students will be eligible to apply for the University’s recommendation for New York state certification. The state requires applicants to have passing scores on each of the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE): the Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST), the Assessment of Teaching Skills-Written (ATS-W), and the appropriate Content Specialty Tests (CSTs). The state will not issue certification to individuals not receiving passing scores on all New York examinations.

In addition to fulfilling the required courses of study, the Commissioner’s Regulations mandate that all prospective teachers, pupil personnel and education leaders receive instructions regarding:
    1.     Identification of Child Abuse and Maltreatment.
    2.     Fire and Arson Prevention.
    3.     School Violence Prevention and Intervention.
    4.     Prevention of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Abuse.
    5.     Highway and School Safety/Prevention of Child Abduction.

New York State legislation also requires all persons seeking certification as special education teachers or school administrators working in special education to have training in the area of children with autism. All of these requirements must be completed before the conferral of the degree and recommendation for certification. Candidates for certification in New York state must also demonstrate satisfactory performance on the requisite state assessment. No degrees will be conferred without the completion of all of these requirements. Please contact the Office of Certification and Educational Support Services for information regarding fingerprinting, examinations and seminars.