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Northwest Missouri State University


M.S. Health and Physical Education

Dr. Matt Symonds
Graduate Program Director
E-mail: msymond@nwmissouri.edu
Phone: 660.562.1069		 Dr. Terry Long
Graduate Program Director
E-mail: tlong@nwmissouri.edu
Phone: 660.562.1706

Master of Science in Education in Health & Physical Education: The Department of Health and Human Services offers a Master of Science in Education in Health and Physical Education and a Master of Science in Recreation.

Master of Science in Education in Health & Physical Education: Students choosing to seek a Master of Science in Education degree may choose to complete course work leading to

  1. Teacher certification, or
  2. Non-teacher certification

Those seeking a Master of Science in Education may choose to complete course work in one of the following interest areas: Athletic Administration, Health Sciences, and Physical Education.

Admission Requirements

Students wishing to pursue a graduate degree in the Department of Health and Human Services must meet the admission requirements of the University and department as stated in this catalog in addition to the following:

  1. A minimum overall grade point average of 2.75 on the undergraduate transcript is required. A student who has an undergraduate GPA of 2.50 to 2.74 may be considered for admission after he/she has completed 8 hours of required graduate coursework at Northwest with a GPA of 3.25.
  2. A minimum combined score of 700 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The student must retake the test if the score is below 700. Official scores must be filed with the Graduate Office to complete the admission packet.
  3. Complete departmental admissions packet and receive written acceptance from the department via the graduate coordinator or their designee. Deadlines for submission of graduate admissions packets are as follows:
    • Fall Admission - August 1
    • Spring Admission - December 1
    • Summer Admission - April 1
  4. Successful completion of a supervised writing assessment conducted by the department during the first trimester of enrollment.

Admission Appeal

Students not meeting the departmental GPA admission standards as stated may appeal to the departmental graduate admission committee. Appeals should be made in writing to the department graduate studies coordinator. If after a second attempt on the GRE the student is unable to attain the minimum admission score, he or she may appeal to the departmental graduate admission committee. Appeals should be made in writing to the department graduate studies coordinator. Students not successfully completing the writing assessment may appeal in writing to the department graduate studies coordinator.

Departmental Admissions Appeal Committee

The department chairperson will appoint a committee of three department members, including the advisor in the major fields and faculty who have had the student in class.
The student is to:

  1. Submit a portfolio including:
    1. Transcripts of all credits.
    2. A written request for alternative admission (minimum 250 words not to exceed three double-spaced word-processed pages).
    3. Two employer/supervisor recommendations.
  2. Make an oral presentation to the committee including:
    1. Statement of personal and professional reasons for appeal.
    2. Factors or motivation for seeking a graduate degree.
    3. Projected plans for degree completion.

M. S. Ed., Health and Physical Education

The curriculum is composed of courses in professional education, research, the theoretical base of physical education, and the teaching specialty. The objectives of the program are as follows. The students will be able to:

  1. Develop basic knowledge and skills in conducting research, and in interpreting, reporting, and applying the results of research.
  2. Demonstrate depth and breadth of knowledge in an area of interest.
  3. Acquire skills and principles used to administer a program successfully.
  4. Explain the role of the discipline in education and in society.
  5. Discuss trends, issues, and problems associated with the discipline and suggest solutions to problems.
  6. Develop as a self-directed, life-long learner, who can effectively communicate with and motivate individuals for wellness and movement related activities.
  7. Facilitate and/or collaborate successfully with others in authentic conditions.
  8. Develop, adopt, practice and promote ethical behaviors for themselves and others.
  9. Become a "Master Professional."

Key Quality Indicators

  1. Developing Knowledge
  2. Perfecting Skills
  3. Acquiring Professional Dispositions

Course Requirements

M.S. Ed.: Health and Physical Education (1. Teacher certification; or 2. Non-teacher certified degree programs)

Comprehensive Examination Courses, REQUIRED COURSES, are enclosed with asterisks below.

Core Requirements 9
*PE 22-636 Research Methods in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation 3
PE 22-690 Research Paper 3
ED 61-695 Philosophy of Education OR
ED 61-649 Issues in Education 3



Subject Field Requirements 3
*PE 22-634 Survey of Professional Literature 3



Area of Interest - Choose 15 hours 15
Athletic Administration
*PE 22-681 Administration of Health, PE and Sport 3
PE 22-512 Socio-Psychological Aspects of Human Performance 3
REC 45-533 Recreational Sports Management 3
PE 22-682 Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries 3
REC 45-545 Risk Management in HPERD 3
REC 45-546 Administration of Recreation 3
REC 45-650 Finance and Marketing in Rec/Leisure 3
REC 45-660 Rec Facility Design & Management 3
ED 61-613 School Personnel Administration 3
ED 61-630 Foundations of Educational Administration 3
ED 61-665 School Law 3
ED 61-675 School Finance 3



Physical Education
*PE 22-630 Curriculum in Health and Physical Education 3
PE 22-512 Socio-Psychological Aspects of Human Performance 3
PE 22-523 Motor Development 3
REC 45-533 Recreational Sports Management 3
PE 22-536 Mechanical Analysis of Sport 3
PE 22-537 Assessment in Physical Education 3
PE 22-635 Adaptive Physical Education 3
PE 22-638 Physical Education in the Elementary School 3
PE 22-632 Exercise Physiology 3
PE 22-640 Improving Instruction through Systematic Observation 3



Health Science (Completion of this interest does not certify to teach health in public schools. Additional Courses must be taken in conjunction with some of these courses)
*PE 22-632 Exercise Physiology 3
PE 22-532 Exercise Testing / Prescription / Analysis of Cardiac Function 3
PE 22-536 Mechanical Analysis of Sports Skills 3
PE 22-550 Community Health 3
PE 22-552 Health Promotion 3
PE 22-554 Human Sexuality 3
PE 22-682 Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries 3
SCGD 68-520 Psychology of Drug Education 3
RS 66-671 Educating the Exceptional Child 2
PE 22-683 Secondary Schools Health Methods 3
PE 22-640 Improving Instruction through Systematic Observation 3



Unspecified Electives 5
Total 32
Independent Study 1-3 hours only

Program Completion Requirements

In addition to successful completion of the Nine Steps Toward a Master 's Degree (page 16), successful completion of the following College of Education and Human Services and departmental requirements is necessary:

  1. Present a Professional Portfolio for consideration and approval by the Departmental Graduate Council.
  2. Completion of an approved fieldwork experience of 30 hours in a diverse setting.
  3. Present evidence of meeting related professional credential requirements.
  4. Completion of an approved Plan of Study.
  5. Successful passage of Comprehensive Exams.
  6. Research Paper

* Teacher certification students must meet the state of Missouri's requirements for teacher certification. This includes taking mandated classes, student teaching and passing the Praxis II exam. These requirements are met through the department's approved Physical Education curriculum and includes as outlined in appropriate catalogs certain hours. The 2004-2006 undergraduate catalog requires the following:

  1. 35-37 hours of Professional Education that includes student teaching
  2. 39-hours of Physical Education
  3. No minor required
  4. Possible other undergraduate courses that are required by the state
  5. Certain undergraduate courses that meet these requirements may transfer in as equivalents.
  6. Some hours may count for Graduate level credit

Graduate Assistantship

Graduate Assistantships are available, on a competitive basis, for qualified students. Students must be fully accepted into a graduate program, have a 2.75 cumulative GPA (4.0 scale), and be enrolled as a department Master's Student in order to obtain a Graduate Assistantships in the Human and Health Services Department.