Physical Education and Sports

The School of Humanities Education and the Arts offers a Master of Education with a major in Physical Education and Sports. The mission of the Physical Education and Sports is to prepare individuals with advanced knowledge so that it may guide them in professional learning of Physical Education and Sports. The Physical Education and Sports program will provide opportunities to connect theory and practice via current research and information with a focus on the three advanced physical education teacher education standards of the SHAPE America, Society of Health and Physical Educators. These standards are: 1) Professional Knowledge, 2) Professional Practice, and 3) Professional Leadership. The program consists of a core of professional studies that develops the instructional decision-making of teachers and a focus core designed to enhance knowledge of subject matter, structure of disciplines, and appropriate modes of inquiry.

Graduate School Admission Requirements and Criteria

In addition to the general admission requirements for graduate students the following is required for students entering the Master of Education with a major in Physical Education and Sports.
• Applicants for the M.Ed. Degree program must have been awarded an earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Submit OFFICIAL copy of Graduate test scores. These must be directly from the Testing Service: Graduate Record Examination (GRE-general) 290 or better with a 3.7 on the writing assessment OR Miller Analogies Test (MAT) 380; OR if an incoming student has a current teaching certificate (license) this may be used in place of the GRE or MAT; OR if an incoming student has a Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution this may be used in place of the GRE or MAT
• Submit OFFICIAL transcripts sent from all previously attended colleges and universities
• Submission of an Professional Portfolio

* Candidates with a current and valid Tennessee teaching license seeking and additional endorsement in Physical Education ONLY with no advance degree, shall apply for the Master of Education with a major in Physical Education and Sports program with non-degree status. Financial Aid restrictions will apply.

Course Delivery

Course delivery will consist of 100% online classes. Some courses may require some field experience hours within the course.
Cumberland University rules and regulations are found in institution specific documents including the graduate catalog, the Cumberland University Student Handbook and the Physical Education and Sports Handbook. The information found in these documents applies to Master of Education with a major in Physical Education and Sports Candidates. These regulations include, but are not limited to, registration, schedule changes, withdrawal from class and/or the university, graduation participation, grade-point average requirements, release of information, student services, class availability, use of English, class attendance/preparation, grade reports, enrollment certification/verification, change of name/address, and academic misconduct.

Graduation Requirements

Candidates must complete the following requirements to earn the Master of Education degree with a major in Physical Education and Sports at Cumberland University.
1. Each candidate must successfully complete the required 36 credit hours of graduate coursework for the M.Ed. with a major in Physical Education and Sports within seven calendar years from the date of entry as a degree-seeking student.
2. Each candidate must be in good academic standing to meet graduation requirements.
3. Each candidate must file an Intent to Graduate form, pay the required graduation fees, and may participate in the Commencement Ceremonies.
4. Each candidate must take and pass the CU Comprehensive Exam in the final semester of coursework to eligible to graduate.

Academic Advisement

Entering M.Ed. major in PES candidates will be advised by the coordinator of the M.Ed. PES program. The program of study will be comprised of 36 credit hours of approved course work in Physical Education and Sports. Candidates holding a current and valid Tennessee teaching license seeking an additional endorsement in Physical Education must follow the appropriate course outline necessary for the additional endorsement in Physical Education. Each semester, individual candidate’s schedules will be reviewed and approved by the coordinator prior to authorization for registration.

If you would like more information regarding the Master of Education with a major in Physical Education and Sports please contact the Program Director Dr. George Walker at gwalker@cumberland.edu or 615.547.1213

36 credit hours minimum required for graduation.