Students who hold graduate assistantships while pursuing the M.S.Ed. degree in physical education are required to study research methods and statistics and to successfully complete a culminating experience (thesis, project, or interdisciplinary inquiry). In addition, graduate students select a specialization in one of the following areas:
Adapted Physical Education
Exercise Physiology/Fitness Leadership
General Physical Education (if you select General Physical Education, you must also select one of the following areas of interest):
- Administration
- Sport Biomechanics
- Coaching
- Curriculum/Instruction/Strategies
- Dance
- Motor Learning/Motor Development
- Psychology of Sport and Exercise
- Sociocultural Aspects of Sport and Physical Education
Graduate assistants who receive a full-time assistantship are granted a full tuition waiver for the academic year and for one summer session preceding or following term of appointment; however, fees are the responsibility of the student. Stipends are based on the rates set by the Graduate School and are subject to change. Please contact the department for current rates.
Graduation from an accredited college or university (official transcript required)
Graduate Record Examination scores
Undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75 out of 4.0
Two letters of recommendation
Statement of career goals
Students who accept a graduate assistantship are required to successfully complete a culminating experience. Students in the master's degree program must earn a minimum of 33 semester hours to graduate. Those who receive an assistantship are required to carry 9 semester hours of graduate study per semester.
Graduate assistantships are available in a variety of areas including:
Adult fitness and heart health
Adapted physical education
Athletic training (for those with NATA certification)
Biomechanics
Exercise gerontology
Exercise physiology
Teaching in the general activities program
An application for admission to the Graduate School is available online.
To receive full consideration for a graduate assistantship, students must be accepted into KNPE's graduate program and submit the department application for a graduate assistantship prior to April 1.