ESS: Physical Education Teaching - Adventure/Outdoor Pursuits Emphasis - Master of Science
This program is being offered in either the in-person format or hybrid (combination of in-person and online) format.
In-Person
The in-person track meets on campus at UW-L for most classes. This format provides students the opportunity to earn a master's degree throughout the school year and summer. Most coursework will take place in the afternoon/evenings.
Hybrid/blended
The hybrid track is offered to practitioners who are unable to travel to UW-La Crosse for in-person coursework on a weekly basis. This format provides students the opportunity to earn a master's degree in an online synchronous setting in the afternoon/evenings. However, in-person attendance is required for three courses (see below):
Admission
Prerequisites for admission or equivalents are:
Undergraduate major/minor from an accredited four-year institution in the following areas:
- physical education
- recreation
- sport science/management
- education
- psychology
Obtaining a degree listed above does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Additional experiences and coursework related to working with children and movement will be taken into consideration for admission by the PET graduate program committee.
Curriculum
33-36 credits depending on research option
Category A - research
- Thesis option
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ESS 730 | Research Methods for Exercise and Sport Science | 3 |
| ESS 735 | Statistics for Exercise and Sport Science | 3 |
| ESS 799 | Research: Master's Thesis | 6 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
-
Non-thesis option
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ESS 730 | Research Methods for Exercise and Sport Science | 3 |
| ESS 752 | Assessment of Physical Education and Athletics | 3 |
| Written comprehensive exam required | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Category B - core requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ESS 725 | Diversity in the Physical Activity Setting | 2 |
| ESS 727 | Planning for Effective Instruction in Physical Education | 2 |
| ESS 737 | Curriculum Design in Physical Education | 2 |
| ESS 759 | Analysis and Supervision of Physical Education | 3 |
| ESS 765 | Adventure Education for Physical Educators | 3 |
| ESS 771 | Current Issues in Physical Education | 2-3 |
| Total Credits | 14 | |
Category C - electives
Thesis option: 10 credits
Non-thesis option: 13 credits
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ESS 705 | Outdoor Pursuits & Experiential Learning | 3 |
| ESS 745 | Pedagogy of Outdoor Physical Education | 3 |
| ESS 777 | Seminar in Adventure/Outdoor Physical Education | 2 |
| ESS 778 | Practicum in Adventure Education | 2 |
| Elective (required for non-thesis option only) 1 | 3 | |
- 1
Consult with program director for appropriate coursework.
University graduate degree requirements
After being admitted to the program of one's choice, candidates for a graduate degree must:
- Complete any preliminary course work and deficiencies.
- Complete all courses and other program requirements, including residence requirements prescribed for the degree desired in the respective school or college within a seven-year period from the date of initial enrollment, with the exception of students enrolled in the Student Affairs Administration and Leadership Ed.D. (SAA Ed.D.) graduate program. SAA Ed.D. students must complete all degree requirements within ten years from the time of initial enrollment in the graduate program.
- Earn a minimum of 30 credits for a master's degree; 54 credits for a doctorate or post-master's degree. Earn at least one-half of the minimum number of credits required in the program in graduate-only level courses (700, 800, 900, and non-slash 600 level courses). Some UWL graduate programs require more than 30 graduate credits. Please review the individual program requirements listed in the catalog for the exact number of credits required.
- Earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00.
- Satisfy dissertation, thesis, seminar paper, terminal/graduate projects and internships, or comprehensive examination, where applicable. A dissertation or thesis approved by the committee must be submitted to Graduate & Extended Learning for editorial review and approval by the Dean of Graduate & Extended Learning. The recommended initial submission date for review is two weeks before commencement. Ordinarily, a seminar paper or project report does not have to be approved by the Dean of Graduate & Extended Learning. However, if the seminar paper or project report is to be archived in Murphy Library, the student must follow the same rules as they apply to the dissertation/thesis requiring approval from the Dean of Graduate & Extended Learning. For further research/dissertation/thesis guidelines, see Graduate & Extended Learning.
- File a completed "Intent to Graduate" form online via the WINGS Student Center immediately following registration for the final semester or summer term in residence. December graduates and winter intersession should file by May 1. May and summer graduates should file by December 1.
- Pay the graduation fee and remove all other indebtedness to the university. Payment of graduation fees does not imply readiness for graduation and does not take the place of applying for graduation.
- Complete all requirements within 30 days after the official ending date of a term in order for a degree to be awarded for that term. (See #5 above for separate deadline for written capstone experience.)