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Kinesiology: Physical Education Emphasis, M.A.

School of Natural Sciences

What is possible when you move toward health?
Anything.

As an educator, you can improve your physical education skills with FPU’s online master of arts in kinesiology with an emphasis in physical education.

The program provides a broad understanding of the history and philosophy of up-to-date physical education practices. You will gain the necessary tools to develop physical education programs, with coursework focused on implementing ethical standards in teaching methods.

Program Highlights

  • Work and earn degree simultaneously
  • Courses are offered fully online
  • Study how to improve your physical education, teaching and coaching skills

Catalog

Program Director: Jim Ave, PhD, ATC

Overview

This graduate program is designed for students with backgrounds in physical education and/or coaching who wish to enhance their competencies in teaching, coaching, and consulting or program administration. It prepares the graduate for a variety of physical or sport-related careers.

Admissions Requirements

  • Application form and fee.
  • One current reference form.
  • 2.75 or greater GPA. Individuals with a GPA below 2.75 must submit the following:
    • A letter of explanation if GPA is below 2.75.
    • Resume including all related professional and extracurricular experiences.
  • Official transcripts verifying a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology, Physical Education, or related area from a regionally accredited institution.
  • Individuals without a B.A./B.S. in kinesiology or a related area may satisfy this requirement one of the following ways:
  1. Having a minimum of 12 semester units of prerequisite study in kinesiology, physical education, or related area (this does not include PE activity units or athletic participation units).
  2. 4 years of full-time physical education teaching and/or coaching experience or 8 years of part-time physical education teaching and/or coaching experience. *
  3. Combination of academic and work experience equivalent to 12 semester units of prerequisite coursework. *

*1 year of full-time physical education teaching and/or coaching experience = 3 units of prerequisite coursework; 1 year of part-time physical education teaching and/or coaching experience = 1.5 units of prerequisite coursework.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Analyze disciplinary content knowledge/theories and modes of inquiry that form the basis for kinesiology programs and instruction.
  2. Apply disciplinary content knowledge and theories to design and conduct appropriate learning and professional experiences.
  3. Apply continuous professional learning to their own professional development, to be an advocate for the kinesiology discipline, and to be a responsive and reflective practitioner.
  4. Analyze ethical and moral situations that are related to sport, teaching physical education, coaching sports, practicing athletic training, and administering sport programs using the values, principles, and standards of one's profession. 

Physical Education Emphasis Student Learning Outcomes

By the completion of the physical education emphasis the student will be able to:

  1. Design content and/or grade-specific standards-based curriculum.
  2. Analyze professional standards to identify and develop effective, developmentally appropriate and standards-based lesson plans, as well as engage in reflective practices to improve instructional effectiveness.
  3. Develop and use a variety of standards-based assessment tools and techniques and statistically analyze results for program improvement.

Program Length/Semester Starts

The Master of Arts in Kinesiology may start in the fall semester and the program is 5 semesters or 19 months in length.

Locations Offered

Online

Degree Pathway

Kinesiology Degree Pathway  

Required Courses (36 Units)

  • KIN 710 - Technology in Kinesiology Credits 3
  • KIN 720 - Psychology of Sport Credits 3
  • KIN 725 - Program Design in Physical Education Credits 3
  • KIN 730 - History and Philosophy in Kinesiology Credits 3
  • KIN 740 - Advanced Methods of Teaching Physical Education Credits 3
  • KIN 745 - Assessment in Physical Education Credits 3
  • KIN 777A - Issues in Kinesiology Credits 3
  • KIN 792A - Professional Standards in Physical Education I Credits 3
  • KIN 792B - Professional Standards in Physical Education II Credits 3

Master of Arts Core

  • KIN 715 - Legal Aspects of Kinesiology and Sport Credits 3
  • KIN 771 - Research Methods in Kinesiology Credits 3
  • KIN 779 - Values in Kinesiology and Sport Credits 3
  • KIN 796 - Comprehensive Examination Credits 0

Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education

The decision to embark on graduate studies is a big one. Our 40+ graduate programs will equip you to succeed in your career and in your life. You’ll become part of a small community of learners, thrive in a flexible learning environment  and be challenged by a rigorous curriculum. Learn how much further you can go at FPU!  

For more information, contact the campus nearest you, attend an information meeting or ask about a program.

First Steps to Admission

  • Apply online
  • Submit 2 reference forms (Varies based on program of interest)
    These can be filled out by academic or professional acquaintances familiar with your ability to complete graduate-level work. Print the reference form.
  • Include statement of intent.
    You can also provide an addendum explaining your interest in the program, any long-term goals and your experience in the field.
  • Request official transcripts.
    Transcripts must be from accredited institutions to verify your bachelor’s degree. Send transcripts electronically to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or mail sealed transcripts to the Registrar’s Office at 1717 S. Chestnut Ave. Fresno, CA 93702.
  • Complete program requirements.
    These requirements are specific to your program of choice. You will be contacted for an interview and additional requirements if applicable.
  • Apply for financial aid.
    You can apply for FAFSA.  Use FPU school code: 001253
  • Schedule an appointment.
    Meet with your Student Financial Services Advisor. You can contact them at 559-453-2041 | sfs@fresno.edu.

Program Requirements

  • One letter of recommendation
  • Official transcripts verifying bachelor’s degree in kinesiology
  • Individuals without a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology can meet the requirement by satisfying one of these areas:
    • Minimum 12-semester units of study in physical education
    • 4 years full-time or 8 years part-time physical education teaching and/or coaching experience
  • Minimum 2.75 GPA
    • If GPA is below 2.75 submit a current resume and letter of explanation

State Authorization

State authorization is a federal requirement in the Higher Education Act that requires institutions to be authorized in the state in which online programs are offered. Fresno Pacific University works regularly with individual state authorization agencies to meet each state's requirements. Currently, Fresno Pacific University has received authorization to offer online degree programs in all but nine states: Georgia, Michigan, New York, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington D.C. and Wisconsin.

For the latest updates on the status of FPU's authorization in your state, contact your FPU Admissions representative.

Cost & Financial Aid

The below listed prices reflect the current and upcoming Fall and Spring semesters and do not include any financial aid. Paying for college can be an overwhelming step in your education journey. We can help you find all the opportunities to reduce your out of pocket costs.

Tuition & Fees

2024-25

Tuition per UnitAmount
700 Level$750
Teacher Education$750
MBA$810
MSN and LEAD$775
KIN$610
Other CostsAmount
Student services fee (per semester)$70
* Field Placement Fee (charged for both the international and regional trip semesters)$1,500

2023-24

Tuition per Unit Amount
700 Level $730
Teacher Education $730
MBA $785
MSN and LEAD $750
KIN $590
Other Costs Amount
Student services fee (per semester) $60
* Field Placement Fee (charged for both the international and regional trip semesters) $1,500

* This is an estimate. Costs subject to change. Please refer to the Catalog for additional fees. Cost of attendance figures are used for budgeting purposes only and represent an estimate of projected tuition and fees for the coming academic year. Actual tuition rates are approved by the Board of Trustees and may vary.

Types of aid

Financial aid can refer to scholarships, grants and loans, which are available to you from the government, the university or outside sources. Aid types vary depending on the type of student you are.

View Graduate Private Scholarships

Career Opportunities

Credentialed graduates are prepared to teach physical education at any grade level, including community college or university.

Career Development Happens Here

The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.

  • Resume writing classes
  • Career assessments, exploration & planning
  • Job search and networking opportunities
  • and much more

Visit the Career Development Center