Admission Requirements

Application for admission to the master of arts (M.A.) in physical education program is made to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Admission is based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria, including the following:

1.    Baccalaureate degree in physical education.
2.    Undergraduate grade point average of 2.75. Students with less than a 2.75 undergraduate grade point average may be admitted with additional requirements upon the recommendation of the program adviser. The probationary period will consist of no less than 12 semester hours during which the student will be required to maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Additional requirements may include the GRE and other additional remedial course work. This will be established at the time of the interview.
3.    New York state initial teacher certification
4.    Two letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching and physical activity professions and in graduate work.
5.    A brief statement indicating the applicant’s interest in the program and describing professional intent.
6.    An interview with the graduate program director or departmental adviser.

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

Program Requirements - Semester Hours: 31

This program is designed to provide advanced study for teachers interested in developing their pedagogical content knowledge and instructional leadership capacities for curricular change and program improvement.  The 12 s.h. content-pedagogy linkage provides the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to prepare teachers for leadership roles in school settings. It is ideal for teachers and coaches interested in enhancing student learning and developing supervisory knowledge and experience.

Transfer Credits/Residency Requirement

Matriculated students must complete a minimum of 24 s.h. of the M.A. program in-residence at Hofstra.  No more than 12 s.h. may be transferred into the program.  A maximum of 12 s.h. of graduate course work leading toward the M.A. degree may be completed prior to matriculation into the program.

Graduation Requirements

Graduation from the master of arts program requires:

•    Completion of the 31 s.h. course requirements with no fewer than 24 s.h. in-residence
•    A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in overall course work
•    Satisfactory completion of a department approved capstone project
•    All course work taken in satisfaction of the degree requirements must have been completed within a five-year period
•    Completion of all required Educational Law Seminars

Educational Law Seminars

Students transcripts will be reviewed to ensure that all current and newly required seminars are completed.

The Commissioner’s regulations require that individuals graduating from school-based programs receive instruction in the following seminars:
•    Identification of Child Abuse and Maltreatment
•    Prevention of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Abuse
•    Fire and Arson Prevention
•    Safe Schools Against Violence (Project SAVE)
•    Highway and School Safety and Prevention and Child Abduction
 

Teacher Certification Requirements

Upon successful completion of degree requirements, students with initial certification will be eligible to apply for the University’s recommendation for New York state permanent or professional certification.  See the Office of Certification and Educational Support Services, 129 Hagedorn Hall, for related advisement.