Entrance Requirements:

Applicants with a baccalaureate degree in any field of study are eligible to apply to the M.S. and M.S. non-thesis programs in physical education. For applicants who are interested in obtaining initial teaching certification, the M.S. non-thesis degree program with initial certification in physical education should be pursued in order to qualify a candidate for licensure in Georgia. To be considered for any option, applicants must complete an application to the Graduate School, submit transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended, submit scores on the GRE, provide three letters of recommendation, and submit a vita or resume and statement of purpose to the Department.

Application Procedure

Teacher Certification:

There are two options within the M.S. non-thesis emphasis. Those seeking certification in the teaching of physical education must complete the M. S. Non-thesis with certificationprogram. It is designed to provide the candidate with initial teaching certification in health and physical education and a master’s degree. A sample M.S. Non-thesis With Certification Program of Study.

The M.S. Non-thesis with certification program will qualify candidates with initial certification for teaching in the public schools of Georgia. All elementary schools and the overwhelming majority of middle and secondary schools in Georgia have a health and physical education requirement. Degree recipients will be qualified to provide health and physical education instruction in these schools. M.S. Non-thesis and M.S. Program of Study.

Those only seeking to obtain a traditional M. S.  Non-thesis. must complete 36 hours of coursework. It does not guarantee teacher certification.

Assistantships:

A variety of graduate assistantships are available in the Department of Kinesiology. For more information, click here.

Programs of Study:

Master’s Degrees These degrees are designed to improve teachers’ knowledge of curriculum and instruction in physical education and permit them to gain an understanding of the research process and its application to teaching. Two master’s degrees are offered: Master of Science non-thesis (M.S.) and Master of Science (M.S.). Admission requirements differ for the two degrees and the M.S. requires the completion of a thesis. Completion of thetraditional M.S. non-thesis program qualifies the recipient to apply to the state Professional Standards Commission (PSC) for an increase in the level of teaching license already possessed.  Completion of the M. S. non-thesis with certification qualifies the recipient for a Georgia Initial Teacher Certification.

Doctoral Degree The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is offered. This degree prepares students for future roles as teachers, teacher educators, administrators, scholars and researchers. Doctoral preparation demands the highest level of scholarship and study in physical education. In addition to coursework and independent study, students are offered supervised practical experiences pertinent to their future roles as teachers and university professors. The degree emphasizes the acquisition of theoretical knowledge and experiences in planning, funding, conducting, and publishing research.

Program Requirements:

Ph. D. Program of Study

Elective Courses:

Other courses supporting the Sport Pedagogy specializations are offered by all programs in the Department of Kinesiology and the College of Education.

Contact:

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Bryan McCullick (program coordinator) at 706-542-3621 or bamccull@uga.edu, or Ms. Melissa Farmer (graduate coordinator’s assistant) at 706-542-4378 or kins@uga.edu