The faculty in the Department of Exercise Science and Physical Education offer graduate programs leading to the M.S. degree in Exercise Science/Physical Education, and the Master of Physical Education. Faculty also participate in two interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs: (1) Exercise Science with concentrations in biomechanics, motor behavior/sport psychology, and physiology of exercise, and (2) Curriculum and Instruction with concentrations in exercise and wellness, and physical education.
The Committee on Exercise Science offers an interdisciplinary graduate program leading to the Ph.D. degree in Exercise Science. The present committee is composed of members from several academic units. Information about this program is located under the description of the “Exercise Science” major.
The Committee on Curriculum and Instruction offers an interdisciplinary graduate program leading to the Ph.D. degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Information about this program is located under the description of the “Curriculum and Instruction” major.
MASTER OF SCIENCE
Applicants for the M.S. degree program in Exercise Science/Physical Education may choose from five areas of study: biomechanics, exercise physiology, exercise and wellness, physical education (elementary, secondary, and adapted), and motor behavior/sport psychology (motor learning and control, motor development, and sport psychology). All applicants are required to submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Admission decisions are based upon previous academic training and performance, GRE scores, recommendations, and the ability of potential mentors to devote time to an additional student. International applicants whose native language is not English must also submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language score. Applications are reviewed by department faculty only once a year. To be considered for admission in the fall semester, all application materials must be received by the department by February 1. The program requires a minimum of 30 semester hours, at least 21 of which must be EPE courses. Required courses with corresponding semester hours include EPE 500, EPE 501, and EPE 599. Remaining course work is selected by the student in consultation with an advisor and supervisory committee.
Deficiencies. All applicants recommended for admission are evaluated for deficiencies in their academic preparation. Deficiencies are divided into two areas: (1) those associated with the discipline of exercise science and physical education (human anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor learning and development, psychosocial aspects of physical activity, and history and philosophy of sport) and (2) those associated with the area of study (a maximum of six deficiency semester hours pertinent to study in the area may be specified).
Foreign Language Requirements. None.
Thesis Requirements. A thesis is required.
Final Examinations. A final oral examination in defense of the thesis is required.
MASTER OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
See “Master of Physical Education” for information on the M.E.P. degree.
RESEARCH ACTIVITY
Laboratory research has been enhanced by the development of a 13,500-square-foot laboratory, the Exercise and Sport Research Institute, which is considered internationally as one of the finest facilities of its kind. The institute includes laboratories dedicated to exercise physiology, biomechanics, sport psychology, motor learning and control, and motor development. Another well-equipped facility is the Physical Education Research Laboratory. This 1,114-square-foot laboratory is dedicated to research on teaching and coaching as well as physical fitness education and programming.
The nature and scope of research activities in the various areas of study follow.
Biomechanics. Mechanical determinants of economical gait, gait impairments, and postural control of the aged; repetitive strain syndrome in computer keyboard operators; upper extremity contributions during walking and running; estimation of segment inertial properties; mechanics of swimming techniques; and mechanics of overhand throwing.
Exercise Physiology. Exercise and cardiovascular disease, thermal adaptation, exercise prescription, oxygen consumption, body composition, endocrine responses to exercise, cell membrane lipid metabolism, epithelial transport of ions, cellular enzyme activity, exercise and aging, physiological and biochemical aspects of stress, physiological aspects of the exercising female, cardiovascular and metabolic aspects of wheelchair training, and optimization of physical training programs.
Exercise and Wellness. Methods of effective exercise and health promotion, effectiveness of fitness programs, fitness testing, exercise adherence, motivation and fitness, physical self-perception, and fitness/exercise knowledge and attitudes.
Motor Behavior/Sport Psychology. Autonomic and central nervous system mediators of behavior, psychophysio-logical and cognitive correlates of information processing, arousal and attention in skilled performance, competitive anxiety, mental preparation strategies, interpersonal attraction and conflict, coping and adaptation, motor programming, spatial orientation, aging and motor coordination, cognitive factors and sport skill performance, and development of gender differences in sport and motor performance.
Physical Education. Analysis and measurement of teaching in the environments of elementary schools, secondary schools, and athletic coaching; attitudes and values of children and youth; curriculum models for secondary schools; effectiveness of adapted programs; preschool physical education programs; and analysis of motor patterns in young children.
Omnibus Graduate Courses: See omnibus graduate courses that may be offered.
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