Graduate Catalog

Catalog Search

Catalog links

• Catalog Home
• Site map
• Alphabetical index

MASTER OF EDUCATION (M.ED.) WITH A MAJOR IN KINESIOLOGY: OUTDOOR EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION

The M.Ed. in Kinesiology: Outdoor Education Administration prepares practicing professionals to be leaders in a variety of career settings that promote the use of outdoor/adventure environments to create healthy individuals and a sustainable society and for advanced academic study in outdoor education and related disciplines. Traditional and experiential education strategies are used to provide graduate students with professional leadership training, technical competency, and an advanced theoretical basis for administering or studying outdoor education programs and services. Coursework includes the M.Ed. in Kinesiology common core (15 hrs.) and outdoor education administration specialization courses (21 hrs.).  Part-time enrollment is accommodated on a per case basis, however full-time enrollment is required for a minimum of one year to complete technical training courses and applied teaching experiences. Students complete one of two synthesis options: thesis or project and related elective.

ACCREDITATION AND AFFILIATIONS

Outdoor education academic programs and the Outdoor Center at Georgia College are accredited by The Association for Experiential Education. Affiliations include the American Canoe Association, the American Mountain Guides Association, the Association for Challenge Course Technology, the Wilderness Education Association, the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, the National Outdoor Leadership School Wilderness Medicine Institute, Landmark Learning, and Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission.

REGULAR ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The following formula is used to determine eligibility for regular admission:

• GRE score (verbal + qualitative) + [(upper division) x 100] = 1200 or more

In addition to meeting the formula for admission, applicants must:

• Have an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale
• Have successfully completed undergraduate statistics course
• Submit a letter of application indicating why you have chosen a career in outdoor education administration, your teaching/professional philosophy, and how the program of study meets your career goals
• Provide a current resume; copies of any relevant, current training certificates or certification cards
• Provide 2 letters of reference signed by the referee
• Complete an in-person or telephone interview

PROVISIONAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• GRE score (verbal + qualitative) + [(upper division) x 100] = 1100-1999

To gain regular admission, provisional students must complete 9 hours of graduate coursework at GCSU with no less than a "B" in each course approved by the Department of Kinesiology Graduate Coordinator and the advisor.

CONDITIONAL ADMISSION

Applicants who apply too late for full consideration for admission and/or have not submitted all required documents for evaluation may be assigned conditional admission status for one semester only with permission of the Department of Kinesiology Graduate Coordinator. This option is discouraged because students failing to submit all required documents or do not meeting admission requirements will be required to withdraw from the University. After one semester on conditional status, students must have achieved regular admission.

ACADEMIC DISMISSAL POLICY

A graduate student will be placed on graduate academic probation if the student's institutional graduate grade point average falls below a 3.00 at any point during his or her graduate studies.

A graduate student will be dismissed if the student is placed on academic probation for more than one semester, receives more than one C during his or her graduate studies, or fails to comply with policy, procedures, and expectations as defined in current versions of the Outdoor Education Policy and Procedures Manual, The Facilitator Handbook, and the Student Handbook.

TRANSFER CREDITS

Up to 9 semester hours of graduate coursework with grades of B or better may be accepted from other institutions at the discretion of the Department of Kinesiology Graduate Coordinator and the advisor.

TIME LIMITATIONS FOR M.ED. WITH A MAJOR IN KINESIOLOGY: OUTDOOR EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION

The requirements for the degree program must be completed within a period of 6 years from the date that the student begins taking courses at GCSU. Courses completed more than 6 years prior to completion of the requirements for the Master's degree will be regarded as outdated and will not be applied toward the degree program. This includes courses that may be transferred from other institutions. Outdated courses may be updated through appropriate means at the discretion of the Department of Outdoor Education Graduate Coordinator and the advisor.

PROGRAM OF STUDY

DEGREE NOTES

• Students are required to complete a swimming proficiency test.
• Students are required to hold a current Wilderness First Responder certificate.
• Students are required to complete 15 hours per semester of professional service.
• Students are required to complete 80 hours in direct facilitation of outdoor education programs and facilitate one pursuit expedition.
• Students are required to attend a professional conference.
• In order to graduate, students must fulfill other requirements specified in the Graduate Requirements section of the Catalog.

STEPS IN COMPLETING THE M.ED.: OUTDOOR EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION

1. Submit a completed application to graduate study and all supporting documents to the Graduate Admissions Office
2. Consult with the faculty advisor to develop a program of study for the specialization in health promotion
3. Complete courses with a GPA of 3.0 or better
4. Pass the comprehensive written examination
5. Satisfied Outdoor Education Administration Degree Notes
6. Complete the master thesis or project in compliance with Department of Outdoor Education Synthesis Policy
7. Submit the completed application to graduate by the date specified in the official University Calendar

Catalog Powered by SmartCatalog