The online Leadership in Physical Education and Sport graduate option prepares physical education teachers, sport coaches, and sport leaders who wish to extend their content, pedagogical, and leadership knowledge for improved professional practice in physical education, coaching, and sport settings. Course work is designed to prepare physical educators and coaches to be leaders of, and advocates for quality physical education and sport or recreation programs. The program emphasizes academic excellence, the pursuit of knowledge, the development of critical and analytical abilities, and the application of theory into practice so students will assume positions of leadership within the profession.
The degree prepares students to be master teachers, head coaches, department heads, and activities directors at the interscholastic level; assistant coaches, lecturers, and assistant or lead directors at the intercollegiate level; and to become actively engaged in leadership roles within professional organizations. In essence, this degree is designed for those individuals who wish to improve and expand their professional teaching and coaching skills, acquire self-assessment skills, and develop supervision and leadership competencies.
The entire curriculum for this program is presented online via distance learning. The online approach features course content presented in BlackBoard as well as readings from selected textbooks and journals. Additionally, BB Collaborate, chat room sessions, and e-mail discussions of current topics and issues will be used throughout the program.
This mode of delivery provides students with the flexibility to complete course assignments and activities within their individual settings at a time when their job duties and responsibilities allow them to focus on the course work.
The courses in this program have been specifically designed to inform teachers and coaches about best practices to contemporary teaching, coaching, and leadership. The underpinning philosophy requires that course assignments be mainly case study, project based, and relevant to practicing professionals in order that they can apply knowledge gained to their individual settings or other appropriate contexts. This does not mean that some courses will not have exams. Most courses will use a project-based format where students read and discuss content online and then apply what they have learned in authentic action projects that are shared online with others. Some courses may require projects or field experiences related to observing, assessing, or teaching/coaching in K-12 or university settings. There is no required course sequence. Each individual student's program is developed in consultation with an assigned graduate advisor.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Admission requirements are as follows:
- Cululative baccalaureate GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.
- A 3.0 is needed to be considered for full acceptance into the LPES program. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 will be considered for conditional acceptance and will have to complete 6 graduate credit hours with grades of at least B to be considered for full standing. Meeting these criteria does not guarantee automatic acceptance.
- Undergraduate degree in physical education, coaching, sport management, education, or related field. Applicants with relevant expereince that hold other degrees will also be considered.
PLAN OF STUDY
Required (9 credits):
HNES 700 Research in Physical Education and Sport (3 credits)
HNES 701 Leadership and Supervision (3 credits)
HNES 712 Principles of Management (3 credits)
Electives (21 credits):
HNES 704 Psychological Foundation of Sport and Physical Activity (3 credits)
HNES 705 Analysis of Sport Skill Instruction and Acquisition (3 credits)
HNES 706 Adapted Physical Education and Sport (3 credits)
HNES 707 Sport in American Society (3 credits)
HNES 708 Positive Youth Development Through Sport (3 credits)
HNES 709 Laws of Leadership (3 credits)
HNES 711 Physical Education Curriculum (3 credits)
HNES 714 Legal Liability in HPER (3 credits)
HNES 715 Teaching Concepts-Based Fitness (3 credits)
HNES 716 Financial Managment in Sport (3 credits)
HNES 717 Sport Revenue Generation (3 credits)
HNES 731 Governance in Sport (3 credits)
HNES 736 Ethical Leadership (3 credits)
HNES 737 School-wide Physical Activity Promotion (3 credits)
HNES 767 Strategic Sport Marketing (3 credits)
HNES 790 Special Topics
To Apply: Please visit https://www.ndsu.edu/gradschool/apply and follow the domestic and international procedures. Applicants are reviewed on a rolling basis and students may commence their studies in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Students should indicate on their application if they desire to begin their course work during fall, spring or summer semester.
RESOURCES
Graduate Catalog
Course Descriptions
FAQ
Tuition and Fees
What Students Are Saying About the Program
LPES Video
Contact Information:
Dr. Jenny Linker, Program Coordinator HE/PE and LPES
NDSU School of Education
Phone: (701) 231-8676
Email: jenny.linker@ndsu.edu
Master's Degree program at North Dakota State University recognized by President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition as NYSS Champion SM to Promote Participation in Youth Sports
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recognizes the Leadership in Physical Education and Sport (LPES) Master's degree program at North Dakota State University (NDSU) as one of the first organizations to joing the National Youth Sports Strategy (NYSS) Champion program. The NYSS is the first Federal roadmap with actionable strategies to increase participation in youth sports, increase awareness of the benefits of youth sports participation, monitor and evaluate youth sports participation, and recruit and engage volunteers in youth sports programming. As an NYSS Champion, NDSU's LPES program faculty have demonstrated their support of youth sports and a commitment to the NYSS vision.