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 Specialized Programs in Education  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:

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

Teacher Certification Requirements

Upon successful completion of degree requirements, students will be eligible to apply for the University’s recommendation for New York state certification. Contact the Office of Educational Support Services, 129 Hagedorn Hall, for information regarding any required Educational Law seminars* and other certification requirements. Forms for applying for certification can be found at the Office of Educational Support Services Web page under the certification tab.

*Please note, as of December 31, 2013, the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education now require a new six-hour seminar for Training in Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention, required under the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA): http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/news/newsitem05162013.html.