Graduate Catalog 2010-12

Physical Education and Human Performance

Faculty

David Harackiewicz (Chair, Kaiser 0180), Jan Bishop, Antone Capitao, Catherine Fellows, Kimberly Kostelis, Thomas McCarthy, Peter Morano, Victoria Morley, Katherine Pirog, Susan Smith, Mike Voight, Sean Walsh (Dept. phone: 860-832-2155)

Department Overview

The Department of Physical Education and Human Performance offers courses leading to a Master of Science Degree in Physical Education for certified teachers and professionals in the allied fields of exercise science and sports medicine. Also available is undergraduate course work leading to Connecticut teacher certification in physical education.

Programs

Master of Science in Physical Education

Program Rationale:

The graduate program of Physical Education is designed to: (1) increase the competency of teachers of physical education and (2) provide valuable subject matter for professionals in exercise science and sports medicine.

An undergraduate program in physical education from an accredited institution of higher education is preferred for admission to the master's degree program.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Students in the program are expected to:

• interpret and determine appropriate application of any one or combination of the following theories: pedagogical (Pedagogy), psychological and sociological (Sport); biomechanical and physiological (Exercise Science);

• read and interpret research and apply significant findings to their profession; and

• expand and integrate knowledge of fitness, health, and wellness and apply it to the field of teaching or exercise science.

Admissions Requirements:

Admission to the School of Graduate Studies

Course and Capstone Requirements

(30 credits):

Electives and Professional Education:

3-6 credits of courses other than Physical Education as approved by faculty advisor. Students who are Certified Teachers must take a minimum of one Professional Education graduate course.

Core courses:

15-18 credits of department offerings as approved by faculty advisor. All students must take a minimum of one course from the Exercise Science category.

I. PEDAGOGY

PE 500 Improving Student Learning in Physical Education (Spring even years)

PE 505 Instructional Tools for Physical Education (Fall even years)

PE 510 Instructional Models for Physical Education (Fall odd years)

PE 520 Current Issues in Physical Education (Spring odd years)

PE 590 Independent Study/Topics in Physical Education (Irregular)

II. SPORT

EXS 507 Human Perspectives in Sport (Spring odd years)

EXS 515 Sport, Physical Activity and Exercise Psychology (Spring even years)

PE 524 Sport, Physical Education, Athletics and the Law (Fall even years)

PE 525 Concepts in Athletic Administration (Fall odd years)

III. EXERCISE SCIENCE

EXS 519 Sport Biomechanics (Fall even years)

EXS 522 Physical Activity and Health (Spring odd years)

EXS 523 Essentials of Sports Performance Training (Summer even years)

EXS 530 Nutrition for Health, Fitness & Sport Performance (Summer odd years)

EXS 590 Independent Study/Topics in Exercise Science and Sports Medicine (Irregular)

EXS 592 Advanced Physiology of Sport and Exercise (Fall odd years)

IV. RESEARCH (6-9 credits):

PE 597 Research in Physical Education and Exercise Science I (Fall; required for all plans)

NOTE: Students must take before successful completion of 12 credit hours

PE 598 Research in Physical Education and Exercise Science II (Spring; required for all plans)

NOTE: Students must take before successful completion of 24 credit hours

PE 599 Thesis (Irregular; PLAN A ONLY)

Capstone Requirement:

Plan A (Thesis)

Or

Plan B (Comprehensive

Exam)

Note: No more than 9 credits at the 400 level, as approved by the graduate advisor, may be counted toward the graduate planned program of study.

Post-Baccalaureate Program for Certification in Physical Education

Students who already hold a bachelor's degree may pursue teacher certification in Physical Education through our post-baccalaureate program. This program prepares students for PK-12 teacher certification and does not result in a master's degree. For information on admission to this program, see the School of Education and Professional Studies page, linked here.

Post-Master's Study

A 30-credit planned program of post-master's study is available for the professional physical educator who wishes to expand or update knowledge of physical education and the related fields of exercise science and health fitness.