Mar 28, 2024  
2012-2013 Graduate Catalog 
    
2012-2013 Graduate Catalog [NOTE!!!! THIS IS AN ARCHIVED CATALOG. FOR THE CURRENT CATALOG, GO TO CATALOG.NIU.EDU]

Master of Science in Education in Kinesiology and Physical Education


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Check departmental information for any additional requirements.

Admission


To be considered for admission to the M.S.Ed. program in physical education, an applicant is expected to have a baccalaureate degree which included courses in kinesiology, physical education, health, recreation, dance, or equivalent courses.

Applicants to the master’s degree program in physical education are normally notified of an admission decision as soon as administratively feasible following receipt of all credentials to complete the applicant’s file by the Graduate School.

Deficiencies


Student transcripts and life experiences will be evaluated to determine if deficiencies exist. If they do exist, any undergraduate deficiencies, as determined by the department, must be satisfied prior to the completion of 15 semester hours of graduate study.

Retention


Students who violate the standards of the profession may be eliminated from the program after review by a properly constituted committee of the graduate faculty.

Requirements


The M.S.Ed. in kinesiology and physical education requires a minimum of 36 semester hours. Students select from one of the following: a general program of study, a specialization in adapted physical education, a specialization in exercise physiology/fitness leadership, or a specialization in pedagogy, curriculum development in physical education. In consultation with an adviser, the student selects a thesis or non-thesis option.

Students are required to take a minimum of 6 semester hours in the research core, a minimum of 3 semester hours of social science, and a minimum of 3 semester hours of science, all within the department.  In the general program of study, students are required to take 9 semester hours in the department in a focused area of interest. Students electing to do a thesis option are required to take 6 semester hours of thesis work with the remaining 9 semester hours of electives approved by the student’s adviser selected from a list of courses either in the department and/or outside of the department. Students taking the non-thesis option are required to complete 15 semester hours of electives approved by the student’s adviser. A minimum of 6 semester hours of electives must be selected from a list of courses within the department.

In each of the specializations, students are required to take 9-12 semester hours of professional courses in the department that identify the specialization. Students electing to do a thesis option are required to take 6 semester hours of thesis work with the remaining 9 semester hours of electives approved by the student’s adviser selected from a list of courses either in the department and/or outside of the department. Students taking the non-thesis option are required to complete 15 semester hours of electives approved by the student’s adviser. A minimum of 6 semester hours of electives must be selected from a list of courses within the department.

General Program of Study


The general program of study is designed to provide students with an opportunity to build a program of study that suits their particular area of interest and/or combines several sport science areas of interest.  The general program of study would be of particular interest to students wishing to develop a broader based understanding of kinesiology and physical education.  In consultation with an advisor, the student selects either a thesis or non-thesis option.

In consultation with the adviser, students will select a minimum of 9 semester hours in one of the following areas of interest: sport biomechanics, coaching, dance education, motor learning/motor development, or sociocultural aspects of sport/physical education. One course may be used to satisfy more than one program requirement; in this case, the number of elective hours will be increased.

Thesis Option (36)


Course work related to the student’s degree objectives approved by an adviser (9)


A minimum of 9 semester hours in an area of interest selected in consultation with adviser (9)


Non-Thesis Option (36)


Same requirements as listed above except in lieu of the thesis students take six semester hours of course work approved by  an adviser.

Specialization in Adapted Physical Education


This specialization is designed to prepare teachers to deliver physical education services to students with special needs. Persons are trained to assume roles related to adapted or special physical education including teaching, assessment, Individualized Educational Program development, consulting, program planning, and research. Certified physical education teachers completing this specialization meet Illinois State Board of Education recommended guidelines for personnel reimbursement as an “approved” adapted physical education instructor for students with disabilities. KNPE 490, Adapted Physical Education, or equivalent, is a prerequisite for this specialization. In consultation with an adviser, the student selects either a thesis or non-thesis option.

Thesis Option (36)


Non-Thesis Option (36)


Same requirements as listed above except in lieu of KNPE 645 (3) students take KNPE 545, Assessment in Kinesiology and Physical Education (3), and in lieu of the thesis students take six semester hours of course approved by an adviser.

Specialization in Exercise Physiology/Fitness Leadership


This specialization is designed to provide knowledge and skills to students in the area of exercise physiology and/or fitness leadership. Students with such a professional background are prepared to assume various roles related to exercise physiology: research, teaching, and fitness leadership in hospitals, corporations, and health clubs. Applied exercise physiology, chemistry, and a human anatomy and physiology course are prerequisites for this specialization. In consultation with an adviser, the student selects either a thesis or non-thesis option.

Thesis Option (36)


Non-Thesis Option (36)


Same requirements as listed above except in lieu of the thesis students take six semester hours of  course work approved by an adviser.

Specialization in Pedagogy and Curriculum Development in Physical Education


This specialization is designed to provide relevant theoretical knowledge and experience in contemporary best practices in the discipline of physical education including methodology/ instructional strategies, supervision, program development, and the use of technology and assessment in educational settings. Individuals completing this specialization will be able to assume leadership roles in pedagogy and curriculum development in physical education and related fields. In consultation with an adviser the student selects either a thesis or non-thesis option.

Thesis Option (36)


Non-Thesis Option (36)


Same requirements as listed above except in lieu of the thesis students take six semester hours of course work approved by an adviser.

Specialization in Sport and Exercise Psychology


This specialization is designed to focus on relevant theory, research, and practice in the areas of sport and exercise psychology. The course work will help students examine a variety of predictors and consequences of sport and exercise participation. Emphasis is placed on the application of knowledge grounded in theory and research. Specifically teachers, coaches, and exercise professionals will experience a theory to practice approach to addressing the psychological needs of their participants in a performance setting. In consultation with an adviser the student selects either a thesis or non-thesis option.

Thesis Option (36)


Non-Thesis Option (36)


Same requirements as listed above except in lieu of the thesis students take six semester hours of course work approved by an adviser.

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