Physical Education

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Chair: Earlene Durrant
Graduate Coordinator: A. Garth Fisher
116 RB
Provo, UT 84602-2116
(801) 378-6222

THE PROGRAM OF STUDIES

The mission of the Department of Physical Education encompasses the larger university mission in that we also wish to assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life, emphasizing the truth that “the human body is sacred, the veritable tabernacle of the divine spirit.” Our supporting mission is to (1) understand and advance the body of knowledge unique to physical education, (2) prepare physical educators to go forth in society to serve in the broad fields of the discipline in ways that foster dignity and respect for the human body, and (3) provide experiences that will stimulate the acquisition and enjoyment of sport and fitness skills that can be used throughout life to foster health and happiness.

The Department of Physical Education has the following graduate program objectives:

• To provide a scholarly approach to physical education through careful research and rigorous intellectual inquiry.
• To develop and train qualified professionals in physical education.
• To develop scholars in physical education who can extend the body of knowledge.

The following degrees are offered through the Department of Physical Education: Physical Education—MS; Physical Education—MEd; Curriculum and Instruction in Physical Education  and Exercise Science/Wellness
—PhD.

About twenty-five students are admitted into the graduate programs each year, comprising approximately eleven in the MS program and six in the MEd program, with the remainder pursuing doctorate degrees. Most students complete the MS degree in two years, the MEd degree in two years, and the PhD degree in three and a half years.

Physical Education—MS

Candidates who have a scholarly interest in the scientific or historical aspects of physical education are encouraged to pursue this degree.

Areas of specialization: Physical Education, Health Promotion, Exercise Physiology, Athletic Training.

Admission and Entry.

• Semesters of entry and application deadlines: fall, February 1 (U.S. and international).
• Achieve satisfactory score on GRE .
• GPA: minimum 3.0 for last 60 hours of undergraduate work.
• Submit a statement of intent that includes the following information about the applicant: (1) preparation and background for the program, (2) desired emphasis, (3) basic reasons for career choice, (4) special qualities and talents that would enhance success, (5) research interests, (6) professional goals, (7) particular reasons for applying to BYU, (8) specific duration for accomplishing graduate degree, and (9) any specific circumstances or objectives to be considered (optional).
• Prerequisite: see prerequisites with each specialization.

Requirements for Degree.

• Credit hours: minimum 30-31, with 24-25 being course work hours, plus 6 thesis hours (PE 699R) within the following areas of specialization.
• Areas of specialization: the four areas have the following in common:

—Prerequisite: a baccalaureate degree in physical education or a baccalaureate degree in a related field and completion of PE 350, 361, 362, 363, 367,  or equivalents.

—Core courses (12 hours): PE 630, 631, 691, 699R (thesis, 6 hours).

Physical Education

—Required courses (11-12 hours): PE 654 or 655; 656 or 657; 659, 662, 666.

—Electives (7 hours): select one of the following three sets of courses and one additional graduate course in physical education or a related field: (a) pedagogy: PE 649, 658; (b) administration: PE 651, 652; or (c) exercise science: PE 663, 667, 669;

Health Promotion

—Prerequisite: in addition to above prerequisite, the following undergraduate courses (or equivalent) must be completed before commencing the MS degree: PE 451, 468.

—Required courses (18-19 hours): PE 599R (4 hours); 661, 666, 667, 669; Hlth 665; PMgt 640 or OrgB 605.

Exercise Physiology

—Prerequisite: in addition to above prerequisite, the following undergraduate courses (or equivalent) must be completed before commencing the MS degree: college physics; Math 110; Chem 481; Zool 460; PE 468, 469.

—Required courses (12 hours): PE 666, 667, 669; Zool 565.

—Electives: select 6 hours from Chem 584; Zool 526, 566, 589R (CV); PE 659, 662, 663, 693R (1 hour), 766, 769.

Athletic Training

—Prerequisite: in addition to the core courses, the following must be completed: PE 320, 321, 350, 361, 362, 363, 367, 425, 426, plus NATA certification. If the student is not NATA certified, then the MS degree with specialization in athletic training and NATA certification can be earned by completing the preceding prerequisite plus PE 620 and 5 additional hours of PE 629R (6 hours total), in addition to the following courses:

—Required courses (19 hours): PE 560; 620; 621; 622; 629R (1 hour); 662, 663, or 668; 666; 667; 693R (2 hours).

• Minor: none required.
• Thesis.
• Examination: oral defense of thesis.

Physical Education—MEd

The MEd degree is designed specifically for teachers and coaches who do not wish to engage in a research study as part of the master's degree program. The MEd degree program is generally considered to be a terminal degree. A student completing this degree who wishes to pursue a doctorate will be required to write a thesis before writing a dissertation.

Admission and Entry.

• Application deadlines: see MS.
• Application requirements: see MS.
• GPA: see MS.
• Statement of intent: same as for MS except for research interests.
• Prerequisite: baccalaureate degree in physical education or a related field and completion of the following courses or equivalents: PE 350, 361, 362, 363, 367. Demonstrated competence in writing, fitness, sport and/or dance skills, and computer use.

Requirements for Degree.

• Credit hours: minimum 36.
• Required courses: PE 468, 630, 631, 649, 650, 651, 652, 654, 655, 656, 657, 658, 659, 662, 691.
• Electives: 1-3 hours.
• Minor: none required.
• Examination: comprehensive examination.

Curriculum and Instruction in Physical Education—PhD

The PhD program in curriculum and instruction in physical education is a three-year program designed to prepare graduates to become university or college professors, or program directors or consultants at the elementary, secondary, or college levels.

Admission and Entry.

• Application deadlines: see MS.
• Achieve satisfactory score on GRE.
• GPA: minimum 3.5 for last 60 hours.
• Statement of intent: see MS. Also document your fitness and skill proficiencies, including the following: (A) Describe your current physical fitness level for cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility. (B) Describe your current program for physical fitness. (C) In what sports do you consider you have a high level of proficiency? Describe past participation on varsity teams, in tournament play, etc. (D) What sports can you teach effectively? Describe your past teaching experiences in the public schools or at the college level.
• Prerequisite: baccalaureate degree in physical education or a related field, with competence equivalent to the following:

—Historical, philosophical, and sociological foundations of physical education (PE 350), measurement and evaluation (PE 360), motor learning (PE 361), kinesiology and biomechanics (PE 362), physiology of activity (PE 363), PE 797R for candidates who have not written a thesis. These candidates must produce a publishable research manuscript before beginning work on a dissertation. (This is prerequisite and will not count toward the 63 hours.)

—Foundational science competencies: college mathematics (Math 110) human development (FamSc 210), sport and law (PE 458).

—Two years of successful professional experience with an adequate background in the intended area of specialization.

• It is recommended that applicants have at least one degree (BS, MS) from a university other than BYU.

Requirements for Degree.

• Credit hours: minimum 63 hours beyond the bachelor's  degree (includes dissertation), in addition to the skill requirement and prerequisite courses. Students who have earned a master's degree must complete at least 36 hours of additional graduate work.
• Skill requirements: all students need PE 691 (during the first semester on campus), the equivalent of Stat 501 and 502. Prerequisites for the various supporting courses are also considered skills.
• Core requirements: IP&T 620 or CSE 601; PE 630, 649, 650, 651, 652, 654, 655, 658, 659, 751, 752, 753, 754, 755, 797R, 799R.
• Supporting courses: minimum 12 hours of graduate credit in approved related area(s) outside the Department of Physical Education. Areas must be approved by the student's committee.
• PhD students must register for at least two consecutive 6-hour semesters on the BYU Provo campus.
• Dissertation.
• Examinations: (A) comprehensive examination; (B) oral defense of dissertation.

Exercise Science/
Wellness—PhD

The PhD in exercise science/wellness is designed to prepare students for leadership at the highest level of their profession. Since most of the students who receive PhDs will become university or college faculty and will teach and publish in their chosen area, students must be (1) well trained in the scientific basis of exercise science/
wellness, (2) well acquainted with the scientific literature, and (3) able to do independent research.

Admission and Entry.

• Application deadlines: see MS.
• Achieve satisfactory score on GRE .
• GPA: minimum 3.5 for last 60 hours.
• Statement of intent: see MS.
• Prerequisite: baccalaureate degree in physical education or related field, with competence equivalent to the following:

—Historical, philosophical, and sociological foundations of physical education (PE 350), measurement and evaluation (PE 360), motor learning (PE 361), kinesiology and biomechanics (PE 362), physiology of activity (PE 363), health promotion (PE 451), and problems in conditioning (PE 468). PE 797R for candidates who have not written a thesis. These candidates must produce a publishable research manuscript before beginning work on a dissertation. (This is prerequisite and will not count toward the 60 hours.)

—Foundational science competencies: anatomy and physiology (Zool 260, 261), college chemistry (Chem 105, 106, 107), college mathematics (Math 110).

• It is recommended that applicants have at least one degree (BS, MS) from a university other than BYU.

Requirements for Degree.

• Credit hours: minimum 61 hours beyond the bachelor's degree (includes dissertation) in addition to skill requirement and supporting area prerequisites. Students who have earned a master's degree must complete at least 36 hours of additional graduate work.
• Skill requirements: all students in this program need the equivalent of Stat 501 and 502. Prerequisites for the various supporting areas are also considered skills.
• Core requirements: PE 630, 661, 666, 667, 669, 671, 673, 751, 753, 797R, 799R.
• Supporting areas: minimum 9 hours of graduate credit, with prerequisites, must be included in two related areas, or 18 hours in one approved related area: nutrition, exercise physiology/zoology, exercise epidemiology, biomechanics, therapeutic exercise, or motor learning. Other areas may be approved by the student's committee.
• PhD students must register for at least two consecutive 6-hour semesters on the BYU Provo campus.
• Dissertation.
• Examinations: (A) comprehensive examination; (B) oral defense of dissertation.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Financial assistance is available in the form of graduate teaching assistantships. The graduate student will teach physical education activity or required laboratory classes.

RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES

The Department of Physical Education utilizes the Human Performance Research Center. The primary purpose of the center is to support applied and basic research programs of faculty and graduate students on such topics as nutrition and exercise, drugs and exercise, exercise and cardiovascular disease, exercise and weight control, and other contemporary issues in exercise science.

Other resources exist in these areas: Anatomy: five cadavers and skeletons.

Biomechanics: three-dimensional video analysis, force plate analysis, and electromyographic analysis equipment.

Exercise Biochemistry: biochemical analysis, and muscle biopsy equipment.

Human Performance: treadmills, bicycle ergometers, hydrostatic weighing facility, and EKG units.

Small Animal Facility: 200 animal cages and tissue traumatizer.

Athletic Training: one large well-equipped facility plus two satellite training rooms located in the Marriott Center and football stadium.

Motor Learning: devices for measuring learning, speed of movement, and reaction time.

For a more detailed description of the graduate program requirements, send for a copy of the department's bulletin.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Class Schedule

550. Motor Development and Growth of Children. (2)

Existing body of knowledge regarding motor development of children and significance of physical activity in early childhood.

560. Orthopaedic Pathomechanics. (2)

Prerequisite: PE 460 or equivalent.

Advanced analysis of neuromusculoskeletal deformities, and/or injury. Therapeutic exercise and the use of orthoses.

582. Physical Education for the Mentally Retarded. (2)

Prerequisite: baccalaureate degree in physical education.

Theoretical and practical aspects of teaching the mentally retarded child and adult.

586R. Workshop in Fitness and Sport. (1-4)

Prerequisite: undergraduate major in physical education or equivalent.

599R. Practicum. (1-9)

Prerequisite: PE 468 or concurrent registration for conditioning coaches.

Field experience for physical education students; fifty hours of volunteer service in approved organization required per credit hour.

620. Advanced Athletic Training. (3)

Prerequisite: PE 320, 420.

Advanced theory and practical skills in prevention, immediate care, and treatment of injuries.

621. Physical Examination and Rehabilitation of Athletic Injuries. (2)

Prerequisite: PE 320, 363, 420, 460, 560, 620.

For athletic training students. Specific rehabilitation programs for specific injuries; examining the injury.

622. Therapeutic Modalities in the Treatment of Athletic Injuries. (2)

Prerequisite: PE 320, 363, 420, 620.

For athletic training students. Hydrotherapy, massage, traction, radiant energy, heat, cold, and electrotherapy.

629R. Athletic Training Practicum. (1-6)

Prerequisite: PE 320, 420, 620, and advisor's consent.

Academic and practical application of athletic training skills in the training room setting.

630. Research Methods in Physical Education. (3)

Prerequisite: PE 360 or equivalent.

Understanding, designing, and conducting research; writing for publication in physical education.

631. Research Design in Physical Education. (2)

Prerequisite: PE 360 or equivalent; PE 630.

Designing, conducting, and analyzing data for experimental and survey research studies in physical education using standard statistical procedures.

649. Curriculum Theory and Design in Physical Education. (3)

Theoretical and practical aspects of curriculum design in physical education.

650. Measurement and Evaluation in Physical Education. (2)

Prerequisite: PE 631 or Stat 501, or concurrent registration.

Instruments and procedures for psychomotor, fitness, cognitive, and affective assessment in physical education.

651. Personnel Management and Supervision in Physical Education. (3)

Theory and practice of successful personnel management and supervision in physical education.

652. Administration of Physical Education and Athletic Programs. (3)

Administration and management of physical education, athletics, and related programs and the role of public relations in these programs.

654. History of Physical Education. (3)

Review and analysis of historical facts and events in physical education and sports.

655. Philosophy: Ethics and Issues. (2)

Ethical and moral interpretations and concepts underlying the profession.

656. Psychological Implications of Sport. (2)

Prerequisite: graduate standing; Psych 111, PE 450, or equivalent.

Psychological phenomena inherent in sport as they relate to the teacher/coach, participant, and spectator.

657. Sport and Society. (2)

Prerequisite: PE 450 or equivalent.

Relationship of sport to other elements of society, emphasizing the twentieth century.

658. Learning Theory, Sport Pedagogy, and Instructional Design in Physical Education. (3)

Prerequisite: PE 659.

Systematic approach to designing and evaluating cognitive, psychomotor, and affective instruction in physical education.

659. Theory of Motor Learning. (2)

Prerequisite: PE 361.

Theories and methods of learning physical skills.

661. Fitness and Wellness in the Workplace. (3)

Prerequisite: PE 451 or equivalent.

Management for effectively designing, marketing, implementing, and administering health promotion programs.

662. Mechanical Analysis of Activities. (2)

Prerequisite: PE 362 or equivalent.

Analysis of human movement and sport activities using kinematic and kinetic descriptions and models of motion based on three-dimensional video and force plate techniques.

663. Research Techniques in Biomechanics of Sport. (2)

Prerequisite: PE 362, 662.

Theory and practice of research techniques in biomechanics: statics, dynamics, body segment parameters, photo instrumentation, electronic instrumentation, digital computer techniques, literature sources, and laboratory fundamentals.

666. Exercise Physiology. (3)

Prerequisite: PE 363.

Adjustments made by the body to accommodate physical activity.

667. Laboratory Methods and Procedures. (2)

Prerequisite: PE 363; 666 or concurrent registration.

Basic techniques and procedures used in human performance laboratories.

668. Pathomechanical Human Anatomy. (3)

Prerequisite: Zool 260, 469, or equivalent.

Regional anatomy, emphasizing role of anatomy in etiology, recognition, evaluation, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries and orthopaedic impairments. Students dissect cadavers.

669. Exercise, Testing, and Prescription in Coronary Heart Disease. (2)

Coronary heart disease: risk factors, symptoms, and interventions; role of exercise in testing, prescription, and rehabilitation.

671. Health Risk Management. (3)

Prerequisite: PE 661, 666, 667.

Management of health risks, particularly those relating to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and obesity.

673. Obesity and Weight Management. (3)

Etiology, treatment, and prevention of obesity in various populations, emphasizing the role of exercise in weight control programs.

685. Physical Education in the Elementary School. (2)

For teachers, administrators, and supervisors. Curricular interrelationships and content materials directed toward obtaining educational results.

691. Seminar. (1)

Orientation to graduate work in physical education.

693R. Graduate Seminar in Readings. (1)

Prerequisite: PE 666 or concurrent registration for exercise physiology section.

Weekly seminar covering selected topics in physical education. Doctoral students in exercise physiology should enroll each semester.

699R. Master's Thesis. (1-9)

751. Doctoral Seminar: Professional and Scholarly Writing. (1)

752. Doctoral Seminar: Teaching Physical Education in Higher Education. (1)

753. Doctoral Seminar: Research and Grantsmanship. (1)

754. Doctoral Seminar: Program Management. (1)

755. Research on Teaching and Teacher Evaluation in Physical Education. (2)

Prerequisite: PE 659.

Review of research on teaching and teacher evaluation affecting teaching and administration of physical education.

766. Advanced Exercise Physiology: Cardiopulmonary. (3)

Prerequisite: PE 666, 667.

Cardiovascular and pulmonary systems and how they meet the metabolic needs of muscles during exercise.

769. Advanced Exercise Physiology: Skeletal Muscle. (3)

Prerequisite: PE 666, Chem 481.

Effects of acute and chronic exercise on anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry of skeletal muscle.

797R. Individual Research and Study in Physical Education. (1-9)

Prerequisite: undergraduate major in physical education; matriculation for graduate study in the department.

799R. Doctoral Dissertation. (1-18)

FACULTY 

ALDANA, STEVE, Assistant Professor. PhD, Arizona State University, 1991. Exercise Science; Wellness.

ALLSEN, PHILIP EDMOND, Professor. EdD, University of Utah, 1965. Exercise Physiology; Physical Fitness.

BARKER, RUEL M., Associate Professor. EdD, Brigham Young University, 1971. Elementary Physical Education; History of Physical Education.

BLAKEMORE, CONNIE L., Associate Professor. EdD, Temple University, 1984. Sport Pedagogy.

CHAMBERLAIN, DIANE, Assistant Professor. EdD, University of Utah, 1984. Sociology of Sport; Elementary Physical Education.

CLARKE, MARK S., Associate Professor. EdD, Brigham Young University, 1971. Elementary Physical Education; Motor Development.

CONLEE, ROBERT K., Professor. PhD, University of Iowa, 1975. Exercise Physiology.

DRAPER, DAVID O., Associate Professor. EdD, Northern Illinois University, 1988. Athletic Training.

DURRANT, EARLENE, Professor. EdD, Brigham Young University, 1975. Athletic Training.

FISHER, A. GARTH, Professor. PhD, University of New Mexico, 1969. Exercise Physiology.

GEORGE, JAMES D., Assistant Professor. PhD, Arizona State University, 1995. Exercise and Wellness.

HALL, LARRY THOMAS, Associate Professor. PhD, University of Utah, 1976. Motor Learning.

HARRISON, JOYCE M., Professor. EdD, Brigham Young University, 1973. Curriculum and Instructional Design.

HAWKES, NENA, Assistant Professor. PhD, Union Institute, 1993. History; Sport Pedagogy.

KNIGHT, KENNETH L., Professor. PhD, University of Missouri, 1977. Athletic Training.

LEISHMAN, COURTNEY M., Associate Professor. EdD, Brigham Young University, 1976. Athletic Administration.

LEWIS, KATHRYN, Associate Professor. EdD, Brigham Young University, 1978. Kinesiology; Biomechanics.

LOCKHART, BARBARA D., Professor. EdD, Brigham Young University, 1971. Administration; Ethics and Philosophy.

MCGOWN, CARL M., Professor. PhD, University of Oregon, 1971. Motor Learning.

MYRER, WILLIAM, Associate Professor. PhD, Brigham Young University, 1983. Correctives and Rehabilitation.

RICARD, MARK, Associate Professor. PhD, Southern Illinois University, 1986. Kinesology; Biomechanics.

SCHULTHIES, SHANE S., Assistant Professor. PhD, Brigham Young University, 1991. Correctives and Rehabilitation.

SILVESTER, L. JAY, Associate Professor. EdD, Brigham Young University, 1976. Physical Fitness; Health Promotion.

TUCKER, LARRY A., Professor. PhD, Southern Illinois University, 1981. Health Promotion; Research Methods.

WILKINSON, CAROL, Assistant Professor. EdD, Brigham Young University, 1983. Pedagogy.

ZANANDREA, MARIA, Assistant Professor. EdD, Brigham Young University, 1992. Physical Education for Special Populations.

Back

Catalog Homepage

BYU Homepage