Physical Education (ONPE- MS/Professional Certification)

Program Director: Dr. Timothy Sawicki
Degree: Master of Science

Introduction

These programs offer graduate study leading to the Master of Science degree. They are designed to develop job-related competencies with the goal of producing physical education professionals, sports scientists and health educators who are knowledgeable and skilled in the administration of physical activity programs.

The Department of Physical Education in the Teacher Education and Leadership Division offers a Master of Science degree program in Physical Education which meets the New York State requirements for professional certification for teachers who already possess initial certification in physical education. This fully on-line degree program provides students with an opportunity for advanced coursework beyond undergraduate physical education in the areas of school athletic administration, adapted physical education, coaching, sport psychology, health education, teaching physical education and sport studies. The program is designed for individuals wishing to become a physical education professional or permanently certify themselves as a physical educator. This program does not lead to initial teaching certification but coursework can be applied to initial certification by the student working with their state education department. 

Admission/Graduation

Applicants must meet the general requirements for admission to graduate work in the School of Education and Human Services. Student performance and progress toward program completion will be assessed regularly in terms of established competencies. A GPA of 3.00 (B) on a four point scale is required for graduation. A grade of F earns 0 credits.

Grade Requirements

Graduate students enrolled in initial certification programs must achieve a C or above in all course requirements and a B- or above in all graduate program coursework. Failure to meet these requirements will require repeating the course &/or completing additional coursework.

Curriculum

Online Physical Education

Master of Science Degree/Professional Certification

The program is designed for individuals wishing to become a physical education professional or permanently certify themselves as a physical educator. This program is ideal for teachers who also coach and others with demanding schedules who need to balance work and family while continuing their education.

The master of science/education degree in physical education meets the master’s degree requirement for professional certification in New York State. The student will complete the nine credits research core (3 courses), twelve credits teaching core (4 courses), and nine credits of any electives (3 courses).

Core Research
PEG 680Research Methods in Physical & Health Education3
PEG 684Capstone in Teaching Physical Education and Health3
Teaching Sequence
PEG 611Movement Education and Physical Activity3
PEG 650Analysis of Curriculum in Physical and Health Teaching3
PEG 660Advanced Human Growth and Motor Development3
PEG 670Advanced Teaching Methods in Physical Education3
PEG 671Authentic Assessment and Exercise Testing in Physical Education3
Electives
Select three of the following: 19
Health and Cultural Awareness
Principles and Foundations of Holistic Health
Healthy Behaviors and Alternative Medicine
Statistics in Physical Education/Health
International Health Perspectives
Leadership In Physical Education and Athletics
Physical Education for the Exceptional Individual
Administrative Principles of Physical Education/Athletics
Performance Enhancements and Interventions: Sports Psychology
Coaching Theory, Techniques and Exercise Psychology
Contemporary Foundational Issues in Physical Education and Athletics
Total Credits30
1

Other PEG electives may be substituted with approval from the Department Program Director. Other online programs at the college have electives, i.e., Health, that can be used as PEG electives. The total requirements for the Master’s of Science degree is Ten courses (30 credits).

Courses

The following physical education classes are professional certification classes.  The PEG 600 level classes are used for the online professional certification or non-certification program. Students may take online 500 level classes with permission of the program Director.

Course Descriptions (Per Subject)

PEG 609 Health and Cultural Awareness 3 Credits

A multicultural perspective of health, wellness and healing. Focus on health issues and concerns that ethnic minority populations face in the United States and abroad. Promotes awareness of the diversity of attitudes, values and beliefs from various cultural backgrounds. Explores the risk factors associated of poverty-stricken nations and under-developed nations. Study potential solutions to reduce the prevalence of disease and illness at home and abroad.

PEG 611 Movement Education and Physical Activity 3 Credits

The course is designed as a practical and theoretical introduction into movement education and physical activity lesson planning. This course will facilitate an understanding of how physical educators can contribute to their school by being knowledgeable physical educators. Particular emphasis on: low organizational games and lessons and developmentally appropriate activities.

PEG 612 Principles and Foundations of Holistic Health 3 Credits

An alternative and complimentary perspective on health and well-being. Focus on the most effective holistic approaches to illness and disease and today's prevention and treatment opportunities. A comparison of holistic modalities to conventional medical practices is studied. Drug use, addiction and opioid issues will be studied.

PEG 614 Healthy Behaviors and Alternative Medicine 3 Credits

Theory and content related to various topics in the field. Explore the alternative perspectives of Health Issues in the USA especially related to healthy eating and sugar consumption and addictions. Study of personal health choices and how these effect disease and illness. Cancer and drug therapy and alternatives will also be studied.

PEG 615 Statistics in Physical and Health Education 3 Credits

Descriptive statistical methods including central tendencies, dispersion standard scores, correlation, and probability theory will be addressed. The elements of test construction: table of specifications, reliability, validity and item analysis will be considered. Candidates will become familiar with norm referenced, criterion referenced and performance instruments and will study the diagnostic teaching model of instruction. Technology will be used to simulate evaluation and statistical analysis.

PEG 616 International Health Perspectives 3 Credits

Examines the constantly evolving global health issues of the 21st century. Focus on international health problems and solutions to reduce human pain and suffering. Topics include environmental conditions such as global warming, nutritional challenges of under-developed countries, epidemics of non-communicable and infectious disease and maternal and child health. The overall impact of health education at home and abroad will be studied.

PEG 618 Controversial Issues in Health and Society 3 Credits

Encourages critical thought on important health issues and provides a context for controversy. Explores dimensions and approaches to the study of health and society. Examines a variety of opposing viewpoints related to health science and personal health using a debate framework. Topics include euthanasia, sexuality and gender issues, human cloning, stem cell research, organ trafficking, gun control, substance abuse, opioid addiction, etc.

PEG 620 Leadership in Physical and Health Education and Athletics 3 Credits

This course will examine the appropriate concepts relating to efficient management and leadership for physical education, sport and recreational settings. Principles and techniques of management associated with effective leaders of programs, personnel, facilities, and participants in the sport activity field. Any student wanting an athletic director certificate or administrator’s certificate should look into this course counting.

PEG 630 Physical Education for the Exceptional Individual 3 Credits

Principles and objectives of programming for exceptional individuals in physical activity. Diagnostic techniques, activity modifications, contraindicated activities and causes of disabilities.

PEG 632 Recreational Activities for Individuals with Special Needs 3 Credits

Development of community recreational facilities and equipment for the handicapped from childhood through old age. Emphasis on promotion, organization and administration.

PEG 635 Administrative Principles of Physical Education/Athletics and Health 3 Credits

The goal of the course will be to enable the student to develop skills needed to serve as an athletic director in a K-12 school district. Scheduling, safety, qualification of coaches, eligibility, and local league governance will be covered. Any student wanting an athletic director certificate or administrator’s certificate should look into this course counting.

PEG 640 Social Psychology and Sports Psychology in Physical Activity and Sport 3 Credits

Psycho-social development, psychological factors in competitive sport and social behavior in sport contexts. Includes emotions, the coach /athlete relationship, motivation, personality and mental training techniques.

PEG 644 Health and Nutrition 3 Credits

This course emphasizes basic nutritional principles and concepts, their application to personal health and relationship between food and its use by the human body for energy, regulation, structure, and optimal health. Discussion of issues in nutrition during various stages of the life cycle and specific chronic diseases.

PEG 645 Performance Enhancements and Interventions: Sports Psychology 3 Credits

Educates professionals in learning theoretical constructs and implementing related counseling interventions with athletes. Investigates the application of sport psychology/counseling strategies across many different fields and domains, such as physical education, counseling and sport administration.

PEG 646 Sport in Society 3 Credits

A sociological inquiry into North American Sport as a social institution. Sport is examined as a microcosm of the larger society and how it reflects the dominant ideology of the time. Institutional interconnections between family, politics, economics and religion bring the role of sport in society into focus. Topics such as social stratification, prejudice, discrimination and collective behavior are discussed.

PEG 650 Analysis of Curriculum and Teaching in Physical and Health Education 3 Credits

The purpose of this course is to examine the philosophy, objectives, analysis, development, and implementation of curriculum in physical education. A unit plan is the culminating activity.

PEG 651 Coaching Theory and Techniques 3 Credits

Principles of effective coaching, including the role of the coach, practice planning, leadership theory, sport psychology and motor skills analysis are studied.

PEG 660 Advanced Human Growth and Motor Development 3 Credits

The course is designed to study motor development across the lifespan. Special interest will be focused on early environmental influences on development. Students will study early environmental influences on motor development and will learn about factors such as nutrition, parents, alcohol, smoking, coaches and the many other environmental factors that effect the child's early development and review how their behaviors in and out the classroom influence a child's development.

PEG 670 Advanced Teaching Methods in Physical and Health Education 3 Credits

Examination of Mosston's Spectrum of Teaching Styles in Physical and Health Education. Focus will be on applying the teaching styles to various units in physical education. Graham’s physical education textbook is used as a basis for the course.

PEG 671 Authentic Assessment in Physical and Health Education 3 Credits

Content and theory related to authentic and alternative assessment in physical education. Development, implementation and assessment of authentic assessments in physical education included. Tests such as Physical Best and other new age measures are studied.

PEG 680 Research Methods in Physical and Health Education 3 Credits

Identification and delineation of research problems, survey of related literature and detailed examination of various research methods. Attention given to the presentation of research in written form. A research study is the final outcome in its beginning stages.

PEG 681 Legal Aspects in Physical and Health Education and Athletics 3 Credits

The goal of the course is to enable the student to identify, analyze and understand legal issues and to discuss the ramifications of those issues in their professional lives. The course attempts to provide the student with an understanding of the legal principles relevant to educational and sport setting. The course considers the legal liabilities and responsibilities of athletic coaches, administrators and physical education instructors in the educational institutions, with review and discussion of current case law. Any student wanting an athletic director certificate or administrator’s certificate should look into this course counting.

PEG 684 Capstone in Teaching Physical and Health Education 3 Credits

Analysis and evaluation of issues, directed readings, and comprehensive exam of content and theory identified in the program is undertaken. This requires student research of a current physical or health education topic and answering one in-depth question. A professional portfolio is developed which can be used for professional development or promotion is undertaken.

PEG 687 Contemporary Issues in Physical and Health Education and Athletics 3 Credits

Focuses on current issues which help define the field of Physical and Health and high school athletics. Students examine the resolution of issues for topics such as meeting the New York State Learning Standards, zero tolerance for substance abuse on athletic teams, sportsmanship, winning and losing, and the state of childhood obesity.