Master of Arts in Kinesiology, Option: Pedagogy

Degree Program

The Master of Arts in Kinesiology, Option: Pedagogy program is a collaboration between the Department of Kinesiology (KIN) in partnership with University College and Extension Services (UCES), at California State University, Long Beach. The KIN Department boasts nearly 5000 graduates, many of whom are providing leadership in physical activity throughout Southern California.

Department Mission Statement

The mission of the CSULB’s Department of Kinesiology is to facilitate change in the individual through the study and application of human movement principles across the life-span, and through participation in physical activity, exercise, and sport. This is accomplished by providing excellence in instruction, scholarship, and service in the various degree programs.

Masters Pedagogy Program

The major purposes of this program are to help physical education teachers to become more effective teachers and coaches.  

• Program instructors are knowledgable, personable and highly qualified
• Classes are conveniently scheduled and taught at California State University, Long Beach.
• The cohort group format helps students build professional networks.
• Courses are scheduled on weeknights during the regular school year and at various times during the summer to allow students to pursue the degree on a year-round basis without affecting employment.
• It takes approximately 24 months to complete the program.
• Approximately 1/3 of the program consists of elective credits (12 credits total).
• Students have the opportunity to explore topics of their choice.
• Every effort has been made to make the curriculum relevant to physical education teachers.  The input of over 100 secondary physical education teachers and an advisory group of professional leaders were utilized to initially design this program.
• Preparation for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification is offered.

Special Emphases

• Improving instructional techniques
• Making rational choices regarding selection of age appropriate physical education curriculum
• Motivating students and athletes to enhance performance
• Utilizing technology to assess student outcomes
• Managing student behavior 
• Communicating clearly and effectively
• Utilizing research and statistics to improve programs

Who should attend?

• K-12 physical education teachers and coaches
• K-12 teachers in other subject areas (additional courses may be added to secure physical education teaching endorsement)

Required Courses

• Computer Applications in Physical Education

• Instructional Design in Physical Education

• Seminar in Professional Literature

• Analysis of Teaching in Physical Education

• Practicum in Pedagogy

• Behavior Management in Physical Education

• Research Methods

• Statistical Analysis and Measurement in Kinesiology and Physical Education

Elective Courses

• Fitness Promotion for K-12 Populations

• Non-traditional Programming in K-12 Physical Education

• Motor Development or Seminar in Motor Learning

• Current Issues and Trends in Physical Education and Sport
• Sports Management

• Legal and Ethical Issues in Sport and Physical Education

• Psychology of Coaching

• Health Related Problems in Sport

Program Admission Requirements

• Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a major in Kinesiology/Physical Education or a related field: or a bachelor's degree in another field with a selection of upper division courses in Kinesiology/Physical Education (check with program advisor to determine transfer of units to the program).

• Applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of 2.50 or better and an upper division Kinesiology/Physical Education major GPA of 2.75 or better.

• Applicants must have passing scores in all sections of the CBEST; OR

• Achieve a minimum cumulative score of 1350 on the verbal, quantitative, and analytical section of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

Endorsements

“This program has been created with the needs of physical education teachers and coaches in mind.  Graduates will not only be more skilled and knowledgeable; they will also build personal and professional networks that will last a lifetime.”

Joan Van Blom, Physical Education Curriculum Leader
National Board Certified Teacher, Long Beach Unified School District

“I thoroughly enjoyed my experience.  The instructors were excellent.  It’s a well rounded program and I have been able to apply everything I learned in the program to what I do today.  It’s lit a new a new fire in me and motivated me to want to achieve at a higher level." 

Dan Latham, Program Graduate 2006
Warren High Schoo, Downey School District

"I passed National Board Certification. I know the Pedagogy program was
instrumental in helping me identify my strengths and weaknesses as a teacher. The program also made me review & refresh topics such as students with disabilities and biomechanics.
Thank-you, thank-you."
 
Sallie Stout, Program Graduate 2005
Hoover Middle School
Long Beach Unified School District

Application Information

For an application, click here. Click "Special Sessions" when asked for Campus Information. Contact Diane Higgs (lhiggs@csulb.edu) if you have any difficulty applying to the program on-line.

For more information contact:

Dr. Grant Hill, Program Director

(562) 985-8856, fax (562) 985-8067

Diane Higgs

(562) 985-2044

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