The Department of Health Promotion and Physical Education offers two graduate programs:

• M.S. in Health Education
• M.S. in Physical Education

The graduate programs prepare the student for professional certification in the area of the student's initial certification. These 30-credit-hour programs offer a thesis or a non-thesis option and can be completed in two semesters and one summer session. For a brochure about our programs and graduate studies at Ithaca College, you can go to the graduate studies website and request program materials.

Admissions

Admission to the graduate program is based on the candidate’s cumulative undergraduate grade point average, Graduate Record Examination scores, a statement of purpose, and two letters of recommendation. Students with initial teacher certification in physical education or health education may apply for admission into the respective program leading to professional certification in the same field.

Applications are reviewed on an individual basis, taking into account such additional factors as previous academic accomplishments, professional experience, and special personal circumstances. Applicants should have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 or better (on the 4.00 system).

Apply directly online for admission by visiting http://www.ithaca.edu/gradstudies/apply.php and providing the requested information. Additionally, you will need to:

• make arrangements for an official transcript from your undergraduate institution to be sent directly to the Division of Graduate Studies at Ithaca College. Upon completion of the bachelor's degree, an official transcript with the degree posted and dated is required for matriculation status.
• write a statement of purpose that articulates your reasons for pursuing graduate study
• secure two letters of recommendation from individuals -- such as professors -- who are in a position to comment on your academic abilities, performance, and likelihood of success in a graduate program
• take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and make arrangements for official scores to be submitted to the Division of Graduate Studies at Ithaca College.
• pay a nonrefundable application fee of U.S. $40 when you apply.
  

There is a “fast-track” admissions process for undergraduate students at Ithaca College who are majoring in health education, physical education, or health and physical education. Such students who have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.50 at the end of their junior year will be accepted into the program without taking the GRE or submitting letters of recommendation. These students are required to complete the graduate application form and submit a statement of purpose.  If these students wish to be considered for a graduate assistantship, they must submit the application form, a statement of purpose, and two letters of recommendation. Note that in order to matriculate into the graduate program, the student must complete the undergraduate degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.00. Ithaca College students who do not have an overall GPA of 3.5 are encouraged to apply but will need to follow the standard application procedures.

Students who have questions regarding their eligibility for admission are encouraged to contact the program chair Deborah A. Wuest at 607.274.3108 or via e-mail at wuest@ithaca.edu.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships are offered on a selective basis. Graduate assistants have the opportunity to enrich their education by working closely with faculty members in their teaching and/or research. Assistantships are offered for working with methods teachers in health and physical education, coaching, and research. To apply for a graduate assistantship, the student must submit two letters of recommendation evaluating his/her work performance (these are in addition to the recommendations for admission to graduate study). You can apply for an assistantship when you apply for admission at http://www.ithaca.edu/gradstudies/apply.php.

For more information contact the program chair Deborah A. Wuest (wuest@ithaca.edu).