Exercise Science and Physical Education (EPE) MS

Overview

The graduate program offers students an opportunity to pursue a specialized interest in the discipline of exercise science and physical education. Successful completion of an approved program leads to the Master of Science degree. Students pursuing the Master of Science degree have the opportunity to select one of three tracks: general studies, administration, or scientific perspectives.

The General Studies emphasis provides the professional physical educator with the opportunity for greater professional competence in the field. This program may be designed specifically to meet individual needs and a wide variety of interests.

The Administrative emphasis provides the opportunity for those who wish to prepare for an administrative position with a body of knowledge essential to the management of a multifaceted physical education/sports program, either within the educational realm or the private sector.

The Scientific Perspective emphasis provides an in-depth study for those wishing to explore further the science of human movement and exercise. Preparation for various certification examinations through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) testing programs is possible.

In addition, teachers may choose appropriate courses for certificate renewal without being fully accepted in a degree program.

Admission

Interested applicants to the Exercise Science and Physical Education program are evaluated based on the following criteria:

an application for graduate study with non-refundable fee;
an official transcript verifying completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75*.

*Students not meeting this criterion may be admitted to the program on a conditional basis. Full acceptance status will be reviewed at the completion of nine graduate credits.

Full Acceptance

Students must:

meet all requirements for initial admission;
develop a program plan in consultation with the program coordinator;
complete nine credit hours at McDaniel College with a 3.00 GPA;
submit three letters of reference.

Courses

Students may select a 30-credit or 33-credit hour degree program. The 30-credit option requires the student to write a thesis. The 33-credit program requires a comprehensive examination. Either of those options requires three areas of course work:

Common Core (Required):

All degree candidates, regardless of field of specialization, complete a course in research design and methodology and a synthesis course appropriate to the liberal arts (any course meeting the M.L.A. cultural heritage, contemporary society, or creative process designations).

EDU 550 - Introduction to Research Methodology

Area of Specialization:

Degree candidates complete a course in statistics. Those who are working or planning to work in the field of education also take a course examining the issues, problems, and trends confronting physical education and sport. Depending on the selected area of emphasis, three or four additional courses are required. See the Program Handbook for additional information.

Supporting electives:

Three courses (generally, but not necessarily outside of the area of specialization) are selected from a wide range of graduate offerings to support and enrich the area of specialization.