Graduate Degree Programs

The Department of Physical Education, School and Public Health offers online graduate programs leading to the Master of Science. Two major areas of specialization at the master's degree level are available: (1) Health and Physical Education, and (2) Athletic Administration. Both degrees are offered online during the academic year and on campus for two weeks each summer.

Health and Physical Education, MS
The master of science in Health and Physical Education is focused on the types of knowledge and skills designed to enhance one’s effectiveness as a teacher of Health and Physical Education. Students applying for this program are expected to have teaching certification and either an undergraduate degree in Health and Physical Education or extensive related practical experience. The degree does NOT prepare a student for teaching certification.

Athletic Administration, MS
The master of science specialization in Athletic Administration is focused on the types of knowledge and skills designed to enhance one's effectiveness as an interscholastic or collegiate coach or athletic administrator. It is not a sport marketing or sport management program. Students applying for this program are expected to have an undergraduate degree from an accredited university and related practical experience. Because the requirements to become interscholastic athletic directors vary between school districts, students intent on pursuing careers in K-12 athletic administration are advised to explore local school district athletic administration requirements.

Admission & Costs

Students may apply to either of the masters' program through completing the application process described on the web pages of the CWU Graduate School (http://www.cwu.edu/masters). Please visit these pages for details about how to apply and degree costs. Presently, a new starting date for the HPE degree in PESPH is every other year. The next starting date for the specialization in Health and Physical Education will be summer 2014.  The AA degree starts a new cohort every summer.  The next starting date for the specialization in Athletic Administration will be summer 2013. Applications for both degrees are accepted in fall and winter quarters prior to the start of the degree, with preference given to those applications received by March 15. Enrollment in both degrees is limited so early application is strongly advised.

Degree Requirements

For more information about the degree requirements for a Masters in Health & Physical Education, please visit the HPEMS page. For more information about the degree requirements for a Masters in Athletic Administration, please visit the AAMS page.

Financial Aid

Although the majority of students who enroll in these programs are simultaneously working in teaching and coaching positions, a small number of teaching assistantships may be available through application to the PESPH department or the CWU Athletic Program. Assistantships usually provide a stipend for services performed as well as a tuition and partial fee waiver. For more information on financial aid please contact the CWU Financial Aid Office. (http://www.cwu.edu/financial-aid/ )

On-Campus Graduate Student Credit Requirements

Students who receive teaching/coaching assistantships must take a minimum of 10 credits per quarter. In addition to enrolling in the online degree classes, students must meet the 10-credit requirement by attending additional classes on campus. Selection of these additional classes should be made in consultation with the Graduate Program Director.