Master of Science in Physical Education

The Master of Science in Physical Education requires a minimum of 30 semester hours with at least 18 hours completed in the Physical Education curriculum. Remaining hours are selected from other fields and are tailored to fit each individual’s career objective.

The program has two concentrations: Physical Education Teacher Education, which focuses on teaching Physical Education, and Exercise Science, which focuses on the scientific bases of exercise and human performance. Both of these concentrations will meet the Kentucky Teacher Requirements for Advanced Teaching Standards.

Admission Requirements

Application and all supporting materials (i.e., transcripts, GRE scores) need to be received in Graduate Studies by the dates listed below to ensure adequate time for departmental review. Applicants can apply online at www.wku.edu/graduate/, or may download a printable application.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester:

June 15

Spring Semester:

November 15

Summer Sessions:

Contact PE Department

Please note: To be eligible for any type of financial aid or a graduate assistantship, you must be admitted in good standing to a degree program. Non-degree seeking students are ineligible for financial aid and graduate assistantships.

Applicants for the M.S. in Physical Education must meet WKU’s GAP score requirements for entry into graduate school (3500 if GRE was taken on or before September 30, 2002 or 2200 if GRE was taken on or after October 1, 2002).

Program Requirements

M.S. in Physical Education (Concentrations in Exercise Science and Pedagogy)

Core Courses (18 Hours)

• PE 501 Research Methods
• PE 503 Motor Learning
• PE 504 Advanced Exercise Physiology
• PE 515 Assessment in Physical Education and Recreation
• PE 521 Critical Analysis of Professional Literature, Or
• PE 505 Curriculum in Physical Education
• PE 520 Teaching Strategies in Physical Education, Or
• PE 522 Advanced Exercise Prescription

Students will then choose 15 hours of electives dependent upon which option they choose to pursue.

Exercise Science Option

The Exercise Science specialization is designed to prepare students for various career options in within this dynamic field. Western's Master's program also provides excellent preparation for students wishing to continue their education in a related doctoral program. Students select core and elective classes in conjunction with a graduate advisor. This rigorous coursework permitting in-depth study of various topics is coupled with research and intern opportunities that enhance learning by allowing students to acquire hands-on experiences in numerous areas of Exercise Science.

Physical Education/Pedagogy Option

Students following this option must meet all requirements for Kentucky K-12 Physical Education Certification. The student choosing this option must take a variety of teaching-oriented courses along with six hours of electives including three hours from "Professional Foundations in Physical Education" and three hours from "Applications in Physical Education." Nine hours of electives are chosen with advisor approval from a selected list of courses. This option is designed for teachers wishing to advance professionally and improve their teaching effectiveness.

Note: Students pursuing the Rank II requirements for Kentucky Teacher Certification can choose either option. Both options meet the Advanced Kentucky Teacher Standards.

Recommended Sequence of Courses

Certain courses may offered on a rotating basis, so please plan your program of study carefully. Contact Randy Deere, the academic advisor for the program, for additional information on course offerings at randy.deere@wku.edu or (270) 745-2357.

Department Contact Information

Program Director: Randy Deere
Phone: (270) 745-2357
Email: randy.deere@wku.edu