Physical Education Department
Park Center, Room 1126
607-753-5577
Fax: 607-753-5975

Overview

This program is for individuals who have completed a Bachelor's degree in a subject other than Physical Education and leads to initial certification in P.E. Inspire today's youth to enjoy the benefits of an active and healthy life. Be a positive role model for people of all ages. Share your love of physical activity and fitness with upcoming generations. Become a leader and advocate for constructive change in the physical education profession by studying for the Master of Science for Teachers in Physical Education at SUNY Cortland. Your graduate-level course work is informed by the highest standards, including those of the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America), Adapted Physical Education National Standards (APENS) and the New York State Learning Standards in Physical Education. The M.S.T. program is an on-campus program.

Choose from the following tracks:

• Track A: MST Physical Education Initial Certificate (not previously certified)
• Track B: MST Physical Education Certificate (previously certified in another subject area)

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Identify and design strategies and interventions that support student learning.  They assume leadership roles by engaging in professional activities such as presenting at workshops, sharing data with colleagues, and contributing to school improvement and renewal.                                           
2. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the school, family, and community contexts in which they work. They collaborate with the professional community to create meaningful learning experiences for all students.                                                                                               
3. Develop expertise in certain aspects of professional and pedagogical knowledge based on their research and experiences.  They are able to analyze education research and policies and can explain the implications for their own practice and the profession.                                                                  
4. Demonstrate a thorough understanding for the major concepts and theories related to assessing student learning and regularly apply these in their practice.  They analyze student, classroom, and school performance data and make data driven decisions about strategies for teaching and learning so that all students learn.

Program Highlights

The Master of Science for Teachers in Physical Education program is designed for those who do not possess a teaching certificate in physical education. Beyond the graduate-level core courses in physical education, you'll explore topics that provide the knowledge and skills that integrate physical education theory with hands-on practice.  Join our winning team by becoming a part of one of the best and most highly regarded physical education programs in the nation.

Culminating Experience

Students sit for a comprehensive examination at the completion of their program. Those in MST Physical Education Initial Certificate program will student teach for one semester after their comprehensive exam.

Environmental Facilities

Take advantage of SUNY Cortland's exceptional outdoor education resources for research, workshops and classes at The William H. Parks Family Center for Environmental and Outdoor Education at Raquette Lake in the Adirondacks. This unique learning environment includes Camp Huntington, the only National Historic Landmark in the SUNY system.

Career Potential

When you achieve the Master of Science for Teachers in Physical Education from SUNY Cortland, you'll be well prepared for employment in K-12 physical education programs in the state of New York and throughout the nation.

Graduate Admission

Evaluation Policy

At the State University of New York College at Cortland we seek a diverse and academically strong student body. Our admission policy and practice will not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, national origin or marital status.

Additional Coursework

Students must have completed, as graduates or undergraduates, the following prior to the culminating activity:

• A total of 20 credit hours of physical education content work across undergraduate courses
• Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting (CARR) workshop
• Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) workshop
• Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) workshop
• First aid/CPR (adult, child and infant)

Prerequisite Requirements

• BIO 301 Anatomy & Physiology I and
• BIO 302 Anatomy & Physiology II 
• or BIO 206 Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology

Undergraduate coursework (may be taken concurrently with graduate work):

• EXS 380 Motor Behavior (3 cr. hr.)
• EXS 387 Biomechanics (3 cr. hr.)
• EXS 397 Exercise Physiology I (3 cr. hr.)

Activity courses (may be taken concurrently with graduate work):

• PED 180 Team Sport Methods (1 cr. hr.)
• PED 181 Adventure Activities (1 cr. hr.)
• PED 187 Track and Field (.5 cr. hr.)
• PED 189 Aquatics (1 cr. hr.)
• PED 253 Inclusive Activities in Physical Education (.5 cr. hr.)
• PED 257 Lifetime Activities in Physical Education (1 cr. hr.)
• PED 282 Health-Related Physical Fitness (1 cr. hr.)
• PED 283 Racquet Activities (1 cr. hr.)
• PED 381 Sport Models in Physical Education (1 cr. hr.)
• PED 384 Self-Defense (1 cr. hr.)
• PED 385 Gymnastic Activities for School Settings (1 cr. hr.)
• PED 388 Rhythms and Dance (1 cr. hr.)

Required Materials

1. Completed online Graduate School Application - Apply Now
2. Official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning attended to be forwarded directly to the SUNY Cortland Graduate Admissions Office
   Note: candidates for admission must present evidence of bachelor's degree conferral prior to the start of their academic program.
3. A resume, which must include the contact information for three references. Recommendation letters will be requested through system. One of those contacts must be a public school employee (submitted online with the application). The recommendation form is available through the application.
4. One page letter of application indicating why you are interested in the program and describing your involvement with children and working in K-12 schools (submitted online with the application)
5. Interview with graduate coordinators

Admissions Criteria

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• An undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale
• Initial teaching certificate and documentation of initial certification in an area other than Physical Education for admission to track B.
• Successful completion of Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II

Deadlines

Fall semester applications: July 1
Spring semester applications: Dec. 1
Summer semester applications: April 1

Applications submitted after the deadline may be considered on a space availability basis.
Please contact the Graduate Admissions Office at 607-753-4800 to check availability.

Professional Licensure Disclosure Information