Physical Education

PSU’s Master of Education (MEd) in Physical Education serves professionals who seek to further their careers in such fields as sports facility management, adventure education programs at resorts, private clubs and camps, coaching, and directing athletic or recreation programs.

Our Adventure Education concentration is offered through partnerships with Project Adventure and High 5 Adventure Learning Center, two leading providers of professional training in adventure education. Through multi-day workshops, guided projects and other customized learning experiences, you will choose 19 credits of specialization component coursework that are taken directly through either Project Adventure or High 5. The master’s core courses and capstone completed directly through PSU are delivered online.

The Athletic Administration concentration is for students seeking career opportunities within the professional and collegiate sport industry. Occupational paths for athletic administration graduates include sport facility and arena management; professional sport organizations; managerial positions at sporting goods companies; management of resorts, private clubs, and camps; and managerial jobs in governmental agencies and sport marketing organizations.

Students can complete the 33-36 credit MEd in Physical Education program by choosing from the following:

Adventure Education
This is a 34 credit Master of Education (MEd) in Physical Education with a concentration in Adventure Education. This distance learning program is designed for students who have a physical education background, and does not require students to complete coursework on the Plymouth, NH campus. Students who do not have a background in physical education should consider the MEd in Experiential Learning and Development.

Athletic Administration
The curriculum includes coursework in organizational theory, personnel management, sports marketing, and liability issues. The program is designed to meet the interests and needs of students coming from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds, including business management. Individual coursework and electives are determined on the basis of the candidate’s educational experience, vocational training, needs, and interests.

Prior college-level coursework or the equivalent in fitness activities, adventure skills, motor learning and development, dual and team sports, kiniesiology, human anatomy and physiology, first aid, CPR, and personal wellness may be required to pursue this degree.

Curriculum Requirements

Summer & Fall Registration Opens April 13

Preview course schedule starting March 27

Did you know PSU allows you to take up to 12 credits of graduate coursework before applying to most programs? So whether you are admitted to a program or just want to try a class, you can get started today!

Search for classes – the Office of the Registrar handles the course registration process – more information is available by visiting their website where you can check out the current course schedule by clicking on the “Browse and Register for Courses” option on the left side. Simply select the current term from the drop down menu which will then allow you to search for classes in a variety of ways.

Register Online – Registration can be completed online through the myPlymouth portal if you are a current/active student or have been admitted to a graduate program. Be sure to have your user name, password, and the course number and title handy. At the end of the registration process you will be notified of your billing due date. Specific instructions for completing the online registration can be found on the Registrar’s website under the “How to Register” tab.

New to PSU? If you are taking your first graduate class at PSU and have not been admitted to a graduate program, you will need to complete the paper registration form which can be found under the “Registration Forms” tab. Completed forms should be submitted directly to the Office of the Registrar via email to psu-registrar@plymouth.edu or faxed to 603-535-2724.

Registering for Workshop Credit? Students must register for workshop course credits within 30 days of their workshop, and must submit their work before the end of the term in which the course occurs. Guided Projects do not need to occur in the same term as the workshop. In order to receive credit for the adventure learning workshops, students must complete the appropriate registration form and submit it directly to the Registrar’s Office.
Project Adventure/High 5 Learning Workshop Registration Form

NOTE: All reflection papers and guided project coursework should be submitted directly to Dr. Hannon at jhannon@plymouth.edu

MEd Physical Education

Adventure Learning

In addition to the departmental outcomes, students who complete a Master of Education in Physical Education with a concentration in Adventure Learning are able to:

1. 1. Display professional competence in adventure learning activities and instructional skills by demonstrating a grade of 3.0 or better in PA 5560 courses.

1. 1. Demonstrate effective teaching skills for a variety of adventure related lessons.

1. 1. Demonstrate competence in facilitation skills including assessment of client groups, planning and conducting adventure based learning experiences and promoting transference of learning.

1. 1. Discuss the various forms of diversity that can be found in an adventure learning group, and explain effective professional strategies for respecting this diversity and creating a safe and effective learning environment

1. 1. Explain Adventure Learning’s role as a social and individual change agent, and discuss examples of this change observed in the conduct of adventure programming.

1. 1. Display an understanding of and practice professional standards of risk management, with a grade of 3.0 or better on the content exam in EE 5100 Risk Management in Experiential Education.

1. Effectively advocate for adventure learning in their local community or educational setting.

MEd Physical Education

Athletic Administration

In addition to the general departmental outcomes, students who complete a Master of Education in Physical Education with a concentration in Athletic Administration are able to:

1.  Demonstrate competency and proficiency in the following areas:
   1. 1. a. current issues in high school and Division III college athletic administration
   1. 1. b. sport communication
   1. 1. c. sport law in athletics
   1. 1. d. sport business management
   1. e. sport marketing
2. Demonstrate conceptual view of the administration of athletic programs.
3. Recognize the foundations of the concepts in athletic administration.
4. Explore problems and context by analyzing them into key elements, meanings and relationships; develop solutions by incorporating knowledge and value-based judgment; cultivate arguments for action; and improve their performance based on critiques.
5. Communicate effectively as required by an athletic administrator, operate well in a team, and convey ideas effectively in written and oral assignments.
6. Demonstrate accepted techniques of research and effectively explain data in written and oral communications.
7. Demonstrate the professional and ethical responsibilities of a college athletic administrator and seek opportunities to grow professionally.

MEd Physical Education

Physical Education K-12

In addition to the departmental outcomes, students who complete the Physical Education K-12 Option in Physical Education are able to comply with NASPE 2008 Standards:

1. 1. Standard I: Scientific and Theoretical Knowledge: Physical education teacher candidates know and apply discipline-specific scientific and theoretical concepts critical to the development of physically educated individuals.

1. 1. Standard II: Skill and Fitness Competence: Physical education teacher candidates are physically educated individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to demonstrate competent movement performance and health enhancing fitness as delineated in the NASPE K – 12 Standards.

1. 1. Standard III: Planning and Implementation: Physical education teacher candidates plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences aligned with local, state, and national standards to address the diverse needs of all students.

1. 1. Standard IV: Instructional Delivery and Management: Physical education teacher candidates use effective communication and pedagogical skills and strategies to enhance student engagement and learning.

1. 1. Standard V: Impact on Student Learning: Physical education teacher candidates utilize assessments and reflection to foster student learning and inform instructional decisions.

1. Standard VI: Professionalism: Physical education teacher candidates demonstrate dispositions essential to becoming effective professionals.

“How much will my graduate program cost?” and “How will I pay for it?” are two of the most common questions asked when considering continuing your education. Here is some basic information about tuition, financial aid, scholarships and Graduate Assistant opportunities. We encourage you to click the links on this page for additional information and resources.

We would be happy to provide you with more information about our graduate programs – here are a few ways to learn more!

INQUIRE – Complete a brief inquiry form and we will connect you with the program coordinator and provide you with additional information about the curriculum, admission requirements, faculty information, and more.

VISIT – We hold information sessions and campus visits throughout the year, or we can schedule an in-person advising appointment – come check out our beautiful campus in Plymouth, NH

EMAIL – Have a quick question about our wide array of graduate programs and certificates? Send us an email at forgrad@plymouth.edu

CHAT – We would be happy to chat with you – just submit a question to one of our admissions advisors.

Want an answer right away? Give us a call – the Admissions Office is open Mon-Fri from 8:00am-4:30pm at 603-535-2237 or 800-FOR-GRAD.

Graduate Admission Team – Whether you are just graduating with your bachelor’s degree or have been out of school for a while, we are here to help guide you through the application process, assist in getting you registered for your first semester of classes, and provide you with “next steps, information, and resources on campus.

Program Coordinator/Advisor – Once you have been admitted into a graduate program, you will be assigned an academic advisor who will be your go-to person for class scheduling, program and/or curriculum questions, and academic guidance.

• Adventure Education – Dr. Jamie Hannon, 603-535-3489 or jhannon@plymouth.edu
• Athletic Administration – Dr. Irene Cucina, 603-535-2517 or icucina@plymouth.edu

Office of the Registrar – can assist with course registration, transcript requests and degree conferral information

Student Account Services – please contact them with questions regarding your bill, employer reimbursement, or financial holds on your account.

Financial Aid Office – is here to assist financial aid, student loans, or other financial related questions.