HPER Graduate Programs

Program Overviews

Master of Science in Education with a major in Physical Education

Within this degree program, there are three concentrations from which to choose:

• Teacher Education Concentration:  Admission to this program requires clear and renewable teacher certification (Class B certification) in physical education from an accredited institution. Completion of this program leads to eligibility for fifth-year (Alabama Class A) teacher certification in physical education (P-12).

The MS.Ed. with a major in physical education and a concentration in P-12 Teacher Education is a two-year online program. It may be possible to complete the program requirements in less than two years depending on the frequency of course offerings. The program was designed with current practitioners in mind and is completely online and some classes may require contact with K-12 students so it is helpful, though not required, to be working in a K-12 setting.

• Human Performance Concentration:  Admission to this program requires completion of a fourth-year (Bachelors) degree in Exercise Science or a closely-related field.

The graduate concentration in Human Performance is designed to prepare students for advanced study in exercise physiology and future employment in strength and conditioning, adult fitness, and wellness and corporate fitness. Special attention is also given to the knowledge and skills necessary for certification (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) and American College Sports Medicine certifications (e.g., Personal Trainer, Health/Fitness Specialist).

The Human Performance program prepares graduates for interaction with both healthy populations and populations that are affected by chronic diseases (e.g., CVD, diabetes) and the functional changes that occur during exercise with these populations. This program is completely online and does not lead to teacher certification.

• Nutrition Concentration:  Admission to this program requires completion of a fourth-year (Bachelors) degree in Exercise Science, Nutrition, or a closely related field.

Master of Science in Education with a major in Physical Education (Alternative Fifth-Year Program)

This is referred to as the Alternative 5th year masters degree. It is intended for candidates already holding a degree, but not a teaching certificate. Typical candidates in this program have a recreation or exercise science degree, and at some point after graduation have decided to get certified to teach physical education. This program is not entirely online. About half of the required 63 hours is not offered online, including the student teaching component. Completion leads to eligibility for a masters (M.S.Ed.) teaching certificate.

Educational Specialist Degree with a concentration in Physical Education (Ed.S.)

This program is almost completely online as it was created to be convenient for practicing physical educators. The writing and defense of a Problems Paper will require one to four visits to meet with your advisor and/or the graduate faculty. Meetings will be arranged at your convenience. A current 5th year (M.S.Ed.) teaching certificate in physical education is required for admission. Completion leads to eligibility for a 6th year teacher certification, also known as a class AA certificate. The program requires 30-31 hours and can normally be completed in one to three years. There is a six year time limit on accepted coursework. Please note, this is NOT a doctoral degree.

Master of Science in Sport Management (MS)

The Master of Science in Sport Management is a two-year online program designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to meet the demands of the job market in the sport industry. For those candidates who meet the Class A Teacher Certification in Sport Management criteria, completion of this program leads to eligibility for fifth-year (master) teacher certification in Sport Management. Admission to this program requires fourth-year (bachelor) teacher certification in any area of education.

For more information about the MS in Sport Management please contact the Sport Management Program Director - Dr. Glaucio Scremin at 256-782-5517 or gscremin@jsu.edu.

(Graduate Certificate Program Disclosures)

Graduate Bulletin

The Bulletin

The table below refers to the 2012-2013 Graduate Bulletin.  Every Graduate student should download a copy of the Graduate Bulletin in effect when admitted.  

Making a Course Schedule and Registering for Courses

Mapping Semester Schedules

When making a schedule it is important to note that required course with an "HPE" prefix are scheduled to be offered once each year. When possible, required HPE courses may be offered more frequently, but only once a year is guaranteed. Candidates should check the course schedule on my.jsu.edu often as well as GEM accounts for updates when additional sections are able to be offered. Elective HPE courses may be offered less often, and courses with prefixes other than HPE (EFD, EAD, EIM, etc.) are normally offered every semester. If a candidate wants to finish in two years or less, they should take required HPE courses as soon as possible, and save courses with non-HPE prefixes and HPE electives for later.

 Checklists

The following are only intended to supplement the bulletins; each student should refer to the bulletin before using these checklists.

To be used with the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 bulletins:

• Teacher Education Concentration
• Human Performance Concentration
• Nutrition Concentration
• Educational Specialist – Physical Eduacation

Helpful links and documents

Advisee Agreement Form – This document provides the responsibilities of the advisor and advisee as well as a step by step guide for registration.

Online trial schedule form – A rich text file document that can be completed and saved on your computer so that you can email your proposed schedule to your advisor. Most of the other trial schedule forms found elsewhere are PDF files and can only be completed if you have the PDF authoring software.

Graduate Studies – Graduate studies handles all application procedures, matters of academic standing, transfer credits, etc. As previously mentioned, this webpage also links to the graduate bulletins and other documents occasionally needed by graduate students.

Registrar– The registrar can help with dropping and adding courses, when unable to do so through BANNER/my.jsu.edu. Occasionally, they may have to help in resetting passwords when unable to do so online.

Distance Education – This should be the first place to look for help with technical issues related to online coursework. BEFORE entering an online program, it is recommended that potential candidates refer to this webpage for information regarding the software, hardware and computer skills needed for success.

Academic Calendar - Dates for registration, adding or dropping courses, and university holidays.  

  Tentative Course Schedule