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Health and Physical Education BSEd/Kinesiology MS(Adapted Physical Education)(non-thesis)

The primary objective of the Health & Physical Education major is to provide students with the knowledge and skills for teaching physical activity, sports skills, physical fitness, and teamwork-adapted physical education at various age levels.

Our program combines classroom lectures, student teaching, and research laboratory experiences with other service-learning courses and activities. A hallmark of the program is the 15 weeks students spend working full-time in elementary, middle, or high school classrooms in either the Fall or Spring of their final year. A degree in Health & Physical Education also prepares graduates for working outside the public-school system, such as in youth sports, recreation programs, and personal fitness.

A majority of our graduates pursue careers in public schools as Health and Physical Education Specialists and Athletic Coaches. One of the primary responsibilities of this occupation is to plan and teach children with disabilities in school settings. In many instances, an applicant with a master's degree can separate themselves from other applicants. Furthermore, many large school districts employ Certified Adapted Physical Education (CAPE) teachers as directors or coordinators of district-wide Adapted Physical Education Services. In almost every instance, this person must hold a master’s degree and T-5 certification. An individual with an M.S. in Adapted Physical Education would likely be more desirable than someone with a graduate degree in another educational field.

For students, the value of pursuing a master's degree is evident when one considers that an applicant with a T-5 (master's degree) earns a higher starting salary, increases the entry-level opportunities in the field, and is necessary for further career advancement.

View 5-year Sample Program of Study

Admission to Program

Students will be admitted into the pathway at the time of their application for entrance into the Health & Physical Education (HPE) undergraduate major. The B.S.Ed. program consists of four semesters (blocks) of coursework and typically begins in the fourth semester of the undergraduate program. Applicants must declare their major, complete the MFECOE requirements for school placement, and submit the State of Georgia applications for Preservice Certification. Students must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher overall.

Curriculum

Graduate-level courses that may be used to satisfy undergraduate and graduate program requirements.

KINS 6340 Basic Curriculum and Teaching Procedures in School Health Education
KINS 6360 Curriculum and Assessment in Physical Education
KINS 6750S Service Learning in Kinesiology
KINS 7620/7620L Pediatric Adapted Physical Education

Additional requirements that are unique to this Double Dawgs program:

Students must complete the teacher certification track as an undergraduate to be eligible for a T-5 certification upon completing the graduate program. The program is non-thesis.

Admission to Graduate Program

Students will apply to the graduate program in the spring semester of their third year, preparing them for M.S. graduate coursework in the summer of their fourth year or the fall of their fifth year (for students admitted in the spring of their undergraduate year). Admission will include submission of the Graduate School application and three reference letters. All other materials would have been collected at the time of admission to the pathway. There is no GRE requirement. The program faculty will evaluate student transcripts to determine progress in the four pathway courses before a formal entrance recommendation to the Graduate School.

Admission to Graduate Program
1. All MFECOE and State of Georgia Licensure paperwork must be submitted.
2. Unofficial transcripts from each institution of higher education attended
3. Statement of purpose that summarizes career goals and how the degree program would help attain those goals.
4. CV or resume
5. Contact information for three references

Program Advisor

  • Name: Bryan McCullick
  • Email: bamccull@uga.edu
  • Phone: N/A
  • Address: 355 Ramsey Center
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Undergraduate Major Information

  • Major: Health and Physical Education B.S.Ed.
  • Department/College: Kinesiology

Advising Contact

  • Name: Teresa McClure
  • Email: tmcclure@uga.edu
  • Phone: 706-542-7539
  • Address: 325 Ramsey Center

Graduate Major Information

  • Major: Kinesiology M.S.
  • Department/College: Kinesiology

Advising Contact