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EXERCISE AND SPORT SCIENCE — SPECIAL (ADAPTED) PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The master of science in Exercise and Sport Science — Special (Adapted) Physical Education combines a sound theoretical base with in-depth practicum/internship experiences. The well-established, nationally-recognized program offers courses covering the full spectrum of disabilities, assessment, teaching methods, program/curriculum development and evaluation, and staff supervision. Clinical experiences provide students with 500+ hours of supervised responsibilities in a variety of real world settings.

Graduates are prepared to:

— assess motor development and fitness capabilities of persons with disabilities

— design appropriate curricula for persons with disabilities

— develop an individual education program (IEP)

— supervise staff members and work in an interdisciplinary environment

— provide administrative leadership for an adapted physical education program

Graduates are employed in:

— public and private schools

— community service programs

— rehabilitation and recreation settings

— community colleges

— sport programs for individuals with disabilities

— hospitals and developmental centers

This degree offers two program options: thesis option and non-thesis option. Both options require 33 credits. Either option prepares the graduate student as an instructional/resource specialist and program coordinator/supervisor of physical and recreational activity programs for persons with disabilities. Those wishing to pursue a professional placement in a public school setting must be certified to teach physical education.

A minimum of 16 credits must be earned in graduate-only level courses. A written comprehensive examination is required of all students at the end of the program.

All courses are offered during the summer sessions on a rotating basis making it possible to earn a degree enrolling only during summer sessions. A summer only program would require a minimum of four summers to complete.

Prerequisites for Admissions

Persons entering this program generally possess an undergraduate degree in physical education, exercise science or other related areas. However, no specific major is required. As a prerequisite for admissions, students will need to successfully complete the following undergraduate courses:

1. Human Anatomy

2. Biomechanics

3. Exercise Physiology

4. Human Motor Behavior

5. Survey/Introductory Courses in Adapted Physical Education/Special Education

If any of the listed courses were not successfully completed prior to admittance, the student may be required to complete the course(s) in the first semester as a condition for admission.

Thesis Option Research (12 credits)

			Credits
EFN	730	Introduction to Research	3
EFN	735	Interpretation of Statistical Data	3
ESS	799	Research: Master’s Thesis	6

Core Requirements (18 credits)

			Credits
ESS	530	Cause and Effects of Developmental, Physical and Sensory Disorders	4
ESS	536	Assessment and Program Evaluation in Special Physical Education	3
ESS	765	Adventure Education for Physical Educators	3
ESS	787	Clinical Internship in Special Physical Education (divided over 3 semesters)	3
ESS	792	Seminar: Special Physical Education (divided over three semesters)	3
ESS	793	Motor Development Issues in Special Physical Education	2
		Electives
Course(s) with the approval of the student’s adviser			3
Total			33

All students are required to pass exit exams in their last semester.

Non-thesis Option Research (9 credits)

			Credits
EFN	735	Interpretation of Statistical Data	3
ESS	736	Interpretation of Current Research	3

Core Requirements (18 credits)

			Credits
ESS	530	Cause and Effects of Developmental, Physical and Sensory Disorders	4
ESS	536	Assessment and Program Evaluation in Special Physical Education	3
ESS	765	Adventure Education	3
ESS	787	Clinical Internship in Special Physical Education (divided over 3 semesters)	3
ESS	792	Seminar: Special Physical Education (divided over three semesters	3
ESS	793	Motor Development Issues in Special Physical Education	2
Electives
Course(s) with the approval of the student's asviser			6
Total Credits			33

All students are required to pass exit exams in their last semester.

Note:

Graduate credit will not be awarded for any course in which undergraduate credit was received. This applies to all graduate programs offered in the College of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation.