This emphasis of the master's degree program is designed to further enhance students' knowledge about teaching children and youth of all abilities in physical activity settings. In addition to adapted physical education coursework, enrolled students will be offered numerous hands-on activities working with children with disabilities in real-world settings. Those completing this program, and required practicum experiences, will be eligible to sit for the Adapted Physical Education National Standards (APENS) exam and qualify for Certified Adapted Physical Educators (CAPE) certification. This program culminates with a master's thesis project where students conduct original research pertaining to physical activity for youth with disabilities.

Yessick, Amanda. "Scrapbook Interviewing: Exploring Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder's Experiences in Physical Education" (2018). Master of Science (MS), thesis, Human Movement Sciences, Old Dominion University

Amanda Yessick

Amanda Yessick M.S. Ed., is currently a PhD student at the University of Alabama studying Sport Pedagogy. She was named ODU's Major of the Year in 2016 for SHAPE America. She was also awarded the Undergraduate Research Award from the same organization in 2017 as well as the Major of the Year Award - Master's level in 2018. Amanda received her Bachelor's degree in 2016 and Master's degree in 2018, both from Old Dominion University.

We have a rolling application. That is, students can apply at any time, and applications will be reviewed once they are complete. Students can start at fall, spring, and summer. GRE score requirement can be waived for those with quality undergraduate GPAs.

For more information about this program including admission, assistantship, curriculum, and requirements, please view our APE webpage, the APE academic program page, or contact either Dr. Justin A. Haegele (jhaegele@odu.edu) or Dr. Xihe Zhu (x2zhu@odu.edu)

The Coaching Education emphasis focuses on theories and practices that can be used to promote athletes' health, wellbeing, and performances at different levels. Most of our students in the master's program have either some playing or coaching/teaching experiences, sometimes both, which makes the class discussion resourceful and enjoyable. Research-based articles and relevant practices are commonly discussed in classes, and the students have the option to choose either conducting a thesis study or completing an internship as the culminating event.

Our courses cover the following topics:

Potter, E. (2017). Effects of a unilateral strength and plyometric training program for division I soccer players

We have a rolling application. That is, students can apply at any time, and applications will be reviewed once they are complete. Students can start at fall, spring, and summer. GRE score requirement can be waived for those with quality undergraduate GPAs.

For more information about this program including admission, assistantship, curriculum, and requirements, please view the academic program page, or contact Dr. Xihe Zhu, at x2zhu@odu.edu, 757-683-3545.

The Curriculum & Instruction Emphasis (M.S.Ed in Physical Education) focuses on theories and practices related to student learning and wellbeing in K-12 contexts. Students have two options for this emphasis area, either research-based to complete a thesis study at the end, or practice-based to complete a student teaching at the end to acquire a Virginia teaching licensure for health and physical education. Through advising, students have to choose to an option to meet their needs.

Our coursework cover a broad range of issues related to health and physical education in schools:

Research-based option

Research option has no internship, designed for those interested in advancing their careers and/or with aspiration to pursue doctoral education later, no Praxis Test score needed.

Research-based articles and professional articles are commonly used in the classes. Many of our students are currently working in schools as teaching assistants or part time/fulltime teachers, which provides rich context and meaningful information through class discussions.

Practice-based option (Initial Virginia Licensure in Health & Physical Education)

Licensure option requires internship and more coursework in order to meet the Health and Physical Education teaching licensure (K-12) requirements set by Virginia Department of Education, in addition to Praxis Tests. No PE background? No problem for this option!

Davis, S. (2016). Factors influence high school students' enrollment in elective physical education: A mixed method study

Davis, S, Zhu, X, & Haegele, J.A. (2018). Factors influencing high school girls' enrolment in elective physical education: An exploratory qualitative inquiry. Curriculum Studies in Health and Physical Education.

Leonetti, M., & Zhu, X., & Chen, S. (2017). Improving students' knowledge and values in physical education through Physical Best lessons. European Physical Education Review, 23(2), 223-236.

We have a rolling application. That is, students can apply at any time, and applications will be reviewed once they are complete. Students can start at fall, spring, and summer. GRE score requirement can be waived for those with quality undergraduate GPAs.

For more information about this program including admission, assistantship, curriculum, and requirements, please view the academic program page, or contact Dr. Justin Haegele, at jhaegele@odu.edu, 757-683-5338.