Graduate Programs
The Department of Kinesiology at West Chester University offers three different graduate programs. These programs are designed to provide classroom, laboratory, research, and practical experiences. Opportunities for internships are available and required in some programs. Click below to learn more:
- Master of Science - Exercise and Sport Science
- MPA- Graduate Certificate in Sport Management and Athletics
- Graduate Certificate in Adapted Physical Education
- Graduate Certificate in Sport Management and Athletics
The Graduate Admission Policies include: Graduate School application; 2 letters of recommendation; 1 copy of all transcripts and a written goals statement.
Master of Science - Exercise and Sport Science
The M.S. in Exercise and Sport Science is a consists of 33 credit hours, culminating in selection of a thesis or research report track. The program curriculum includes basic research preparation in research methods and statistics; advanced courses in exercise physiology, motor learning, and biomechanics; concentrations in applied sports performance, clinical exercise physiology, and sport and exercise psychology, clinically-based practicum experiences, electives upon advisement, and a capstone research project (thesis or research report). The program is designed for individual’s knowledge, skills and abilities for working in adult fitness, cardiac rehabilitation and other clinical programs and to enrich academic preparation for graduate work beyond the master’s degree.
Three concentrations:
- -Applied Sport Performance
- -Clinical Exercise Physiology
- -Sport and Exercise Psychology
Students are required to complete the following courses:
I. Degree core (18 credits)
- EXS 570 - Concepts in Sport and Exercise Science (3)
- KIN 603 - Professional Literature Seminar (3)
- EXS 600 - Research Methods in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (3)
- HEA 526 - Biostatistics or STA 511 Statistics (3)
- EXS 698 - Mentored Research I (3)
- EXS 699 - Mentored Research II (3)
II. Concentration core (15 credits per designated concentration)
Applied Sports Performance
- EXS 585 - Biomechanics (3)
- EXS 572 - Advanced Motor Learning (3)
- EXS 681 - Advanced Exercise Physiology (3)
- EXS TBA - Pathokinesiology (3)
- TBD - Free Graduate Course Elective or Practicum/Internship (EXS 611) (3)
Clinical Exercise Physiology
- EXS 681 - Advanced Exercise Physiology (3)
- EXS 687 - Applied Muscular Physiology (3)
- EXS 688 - Applied Cardiovascular Physiology (3)
- EXS 691 - Advanced Clinical Exercise Testing and Prescription (3)
- TBD - Free Graduate Course Elective or Practicum/Internship (EXS 611) (3)
Sport and Exercise Psychology
- EXS 640 - Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology (3)
- EXS 641 - Group Dynamics in Sport and Exercise (3)
- EXS 681 - Neuroscience Perspectives in Sport & Exercise (3)
- EXS 572 - Advanced Motor Learning (3)
- TBD - Free Graduate Course Elective or Practicum/Internship (EXS 611) (3)
III. Free Graduate Course Elective (3 credits)
An additional three semester hours are required for degree completion. This may come as a elective course from the EXS discipline or other selected programs at the graduate level. Practicum experience may be counted for this elective requirement with permission of the graduate coordinator. This practicum may be required to support a concentration in absence of comparable undergraduate or work experience.
Admission Requirements
To be accepted as a fully matriculated student into the master’s program, an applicant needs to meet the requirements for WCU graduate study. Specifically, a student must have a minimum 2.8 undergraduate GPA, a minimum 3.0 GPA in the major discipline, and a competitive GRE score, a resume, a goals statement, and two letters of recommendation are required. An applicant must present a bachelor’s degree in exercise science or related field and have satisfied the following prerequisites prior to admission:
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Anatomy and Physiology (I and II)
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Exercise Physiology
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Biomechanics or Kinesiology
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Statistics
Students may be accepted provisionally while taking one or more of the prerequisites.
Master of Public Administration - Graduate Certificate in Sport Management and Athletics
The Master of Public Administration with a Graduate Certificate in Sport Management and Athletics is a professional degree that focuses on the comprehensive career preparation of practicing athletic and sport managers. This program is in collaboration with the College of Business and Public Affairs.
The program is designed for individuals wanting to earn a master's degree part time while working full time. Students who want to pursue the degree on a full-time basis may complete the program on a faster track. Most courses are held in the late afternoon or early evening. Courses are typically offered during four semesters throughout the calendar year-spring, first and second summer sessions, and fall.
- Info on MPA Graduate Certificate in Sport Management & Athletics
- Curriculum sheet for MPA Degree with a Graduate Certificate in Sport Management and Athletics
Graduate Certificates
Adapted Physical Education Certificate
The Graduate Certificate in Adapted Physical Education (18 credits) is designed to meet the Adapted Physical Education National Standards (APENS) for competency in teaching Adapted Physical Education in the public schools. Within the state of Pennsylvania, a person holding a valid and active Pennsylvania teaching certificate in the area of Health and Physical Education (K-12) is qualified to teach all health and physical education courses, including Adapted Physical Education. This graduate certificate will not qualify you to be a certified Health & Physical Education teacher, nor is it a masters program. In addition, districts may have their own addition requirements to be a highly qualified Adapted Physical Educator. Also, if you are outside of the state of Pennsylvania there may be additional requirements as well.
The graduate certificate in Adapted Physical Education enables students to pursue and attain a certificate without necessarily pursuing a graduate degree. This certificate complements a teaching certificate by providing additional knowledge regarding the instruction and inclusion of students with disabilities within health and physical education programs. The intent of this certificate is to better prepare teachers to enhance their overall knowledge of students with disabilities in general and/or adapted physical education or physical activity settings. The graduate certificate can also support practitioners within the following related fields such as exercise science, fitness/personal training, special education, physical therapy, and occupational therapy to gain continuing education credits and knowledge.
Six, 3 credit courses make up the program as listed below:
- KIN 579 Inclusive Practices in Physical Education
- KIN 582 Assessment & Development of Individualized Programs
- KIN 583 Medical & Pathological Issues
- KIN 584 Disability Sport & Adapted Aquatics
- KIN 586 Professional Issues in Adapted Physical Education
- KIN 587 Physical Activity for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum
The coursework is based on the 12 Adapted Physical Education National Standards for Competency in Teaching Adapted Physical Education (to learn more access https://www.ncpeid.org/apens) and the application of these standards to practice in the field of health/physical education and areas of adapted sport, aquatics, and fitness. The coursework prepares students with the minimum background, skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to sit for the APENS national exam.
The certificate program is 100% online instruction and will consist of formation of online presentations, webinars, web-based lectures, collaborative and curricular integration activities, and alternative activities designed to enhance professional development in the field of adapted physical education/activity.
Graduate Certificate in Adapted Physical Education advising sheet
For more information, please contact MaryEllen Stephens
Graduate Certificate in Sport Management and Athletics
The Graduate Certificate in Sport Management and Athletics is a professional degree that focuses on the comprehensive career preparation of practicing athletic and sport managers. The degree is designed for individuals aspiring to leadership and management roles in the complex world of interscholastic, intercollegiate, recreational, and professional sports, as well as corporate fitness.
The program is building on acquiring an experiential understanding of administrative and management practices in athletic settings. It will prepare candidates with the knowledge and skills necessary to apply theory, research, and experience to solve academic, athletic, sport, and event management challenges. Students will be encouraged to make an ongoing commitment to professional development, and they will likely encounter connecting values between personal and professional experiences.
Graduate Certificate in Sport Management and Athletics curriculum sheet
More Information for:
Master of Science– Exercise and Sport Science
- Please contact graduate coordinator Dr. David Stearne at dstearne@wcupa.edu or 610-436-2347
Master of Public Administration – Graduate Certificate in Sport Management and Athletics
- Please contact Mr. Ross Trachtenberg at rtrachtenberg@wcupa.edu or 610-436-2610
Graduate Certificate in Sport Management and Athletics
- Please contact Mr. Ross Trachtenberg at rtrachtenberg@wcupa.edu or 610-436-2610
Graduate Certificate in Adapted Physical Education
- Please contact Dr. Elizabeth Foster at efoster@wcupa.edu or 610-436-2189.