Entrance Requirements:

Applicants with a baccalaureate degree in an appropriate  field of study such as physical education, exercise science, psychology or special education are eligible to apply to the  programs in motor behavior.
To be considered for admission, applicants must complete an application for admission to the Graduate School, submit transcripts from all institutions attended, submit scores on the GRE, provide three letters of recommendation, and submit documents to the Department.

Application Procedure

Description of the Program:

The M.Ed. emphasis in adapted physical education includes 13 hours of adapted physical education and research methods and 23 hours of electives in special education, vocational education, physical education, and health promotion and behavior. The M.Ed. emphasis in movement studies focuses on the development of movement, physical function and skill acquisition across the life span. Degree programs with an emphasis in Adapted Physical Education, Motor Behavior, Movement Studies for the Disabled, and Strength and Conditioning can lead to a Master’s or Doctor of Education degree.

Career Opportunities:

The M.Ed. emphasis in movement studies in the area of adapted physical education is a teacher oriented concentration that is designed to prepare personnel to provide quality physical education experiences for individuals with disabilities in the areas of fundamental motor skills, physical and motor fitness, individual and group games and sports including sport, leisure and recreational skills in the most appropriate and least restrictive environment. In motor behavior concentration is a research-oriented program for students interested in the study of motor development and motor control.

Assistantships:

Graduate teaching assistantships are available in the Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies. Duties involve the teaching of activity courses in the required physical education activity program. Other assistantship opportunities are available in the Department of Recreational Sports.

Assistantship Application

Adapted Physical Education

Adapted physical education is a teacher-oriented concentration that is designed to prepare personnel to provide quality physical education experiences for individuals with disabilities in the areas of fundamental motor skills, physical and motor fitness, individual and group games and sports including sport, and recreational skills in the most appropriate and least restrictive environment.

This emphasis can lead to a M.S. with or without thesis or Ph.D. in Kinesiology

Motor Behavior

The motor behavior concentration is a research-oriented program for students interested in the study of motor development, motor learning and movement control. In this context, this emphasis focuses on the developmental aspects of movement and function across the life span, from the basic movements of infants and children to the study of movement and function in athletes and older individuals (Dr. Horvat). Another emphasis addresses the underlying mechanisms related to physical and motor functioning that occur in conjunction with motor skill acquisition and sports-related movements (Dr. Tomporowski). Students can concentrate on motor behavior in general, movement studies related to disability, or emphasize physical development via the strength and conditioning emphasis.

Preparation leads to a M.S. with or without thesis or Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology.

Assistantships:

Graduate teaching and/or research assistantships are available in the Kinesiology Department. Duties involve the teaching of activity courses in the required physical education activity program. Other assistantship opportunities are available in the Department of Recreational Sports.

Program of Study

Programs of study may vary according to the student’s degree and emphasis area. Practicum and internship experiences provide the graduate student with an opportunity to gain a variety of experiences.  The M.S. non-thesis requires 36 hours of coursework where the M.S. with thesis requires 30 hours of coursework.  The Ph.D. does not have a required number of hours.

The student takes the core courses and those required for the option selected. Doctoral students select a supporting area in motor behavior, pedagogy, or education in addition to outside courses in related areas. Research requirements and practicum experiences will vary based on the background of the student and the degree program. Students selecting the strength and conditioning emphasis will complete the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NCSA) or Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCA) certification exams; students in adapted physical education will complete the Adapted Physical Education National Standards (APENS) exam.

Program Requirements:

Required Core Courses (15 semester hours) selected from:

Support Courses (6-12 semester hours)

Elective Courses (3-9 semester hours) Additional classes can be selected after consultation with your major advisor.

Research Courses Graduate research courses relevant to the student’s emphasis area and/or probable dissertation/thesis/project topic should be selected in consultation with the major advisor

Contact:
If you have any questions or problems, please contact Dr. Michael Horvat at 706-542-4455 or mhorvat@uga.edu, or Dr. Phil Tomporowski at 706-542-4183 at ptomporo@uga.edu or the graduate coordinator’s assistant at kins@uga.edu or 706-542-4378.