M.A. Degree in Sport & Exercise Education

Program Objective

The master's program in Sport & Exercise Education provides graduate level preparation to a variety of professionals, who provide educational leadership in schools, private enterprise, and other institutions.

Areas of Specialization

The M.A. degree in Sport & Exercise Education offers specialization in Physical Education Teacher Education and Adapted Physical Education/Activity.

Facilities for Graduate and Faculty Research

A research laboratory includes video recording machines, monitors, TVS, hypermedia, video editing capability, Mac and IBM hardware, electronic mail, and numerous software and CDS programs. A 5-station video playback laboratory with monitors and VCRs is available for student analysis assignments. Graduate libraries exist in our program area with books and journals in Sport Pedagogy.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are employed in public and private schools and private enterprise. Selected M.A. graduates apply and are admitted to colleges/universities to pursue the doctoral degree. For graduates seeking employment, The Ohio State University provides a number of job fair opportunities. Officials from selected school systems and private enterprises around the country are present on campus to interview applicants for selected positions. Graduates are successful in obtaining employment in the state of Ohio and across the country.

Time of Study

It is encouraged that master's students complete their programs in one and a half to two years (5-8 quarters) of full-time study.

Financial Aid Opportunities

A variety of sources for financial aid are available. University Fellowships are available from the Graduate School on a very competitive basis to qualified students. However, the greatest opportunity for financial assistance comes from Graduate Teaching Associate (GTA) positions within Sport & Exercise Education (SEE) and the Sport, Fitness, Health Program (SFHP). GTAs assume a variety of responsibilities including teaching basic physical activity courses, advanced skill courses for undergraduate majors, supervision of both on-campus and off-campus field experiences, and teaching selected foundational courses in the undergraduate Sport & Leisure Studies major. These positions are available to full-time students, and provide a monthly stipend along with a full tuition waiver. A first year M.A. stipend is approximately $900 per month for a total of nine months. Additional Graduate Associate positions are available through various grants administered by faculty within the SEE specialization.

Admission Criteria

Master's students are expected to have teacher certification in physical education. Teaching experience is highly recommended. GRE scores and GPA are considered for each applicant, along with the statement of intent and letters of recommendation. Recommendations should be from former professors and supervisors of practice or teaching positions. Most students accepted into the M.A. program for Sport & Exercise Education have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better in their undergraduate coursework.