Dr. Christy Killman, Graduate Studies Coordinator, (931) 372-3539; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

You can earn your master's in Exercise Science, Physical Education and Wellness (MA-EXPW) from an established, fully accredited university in the most flexible way possible- at home, in your office or while traveling. Tennessee Technological University's MA-EXPW is designed to fit your lifestyle without disruption of professional or personal schedules.

All coursework must be completed the same semester in which the course is taken. However, since there are no classes to attend, students select the time and place each week to read materials and work on projects. Since the emphasis of the program is to improve teaching, many of the projects are designed in a way that enables students to work toward the completion of the projects while continuing daily teaching routines.

We understand the need for teachers to have opportunities to grow and improve as professionals. This degree program is specifically designed to advance teaching skills and improve the quality of physical education programs.

This does not mean that some courses will not have exams. But for the most part, students will be evaluated based on completing projects. Project-based learning is a means by which students are able to learn through authentic work. Projects are designed so that students actually practice and demonstrate what they are learning in their coursework as they move through their daily teaching responsibilities. Students will design developmentally appropriate curricula, expand instructional skills and create accurate and thorough methods for recording the development and achievements of the youngsters being taught.

The MA-EXPW is a 30-hour online degree. The focus of the first year of the program is to analyze and improve individual teacher effectiveness. The goal for the second year is to analyze and improve your physical education program.

This online approach features course content presented in iLearn as well as readings from selected physical education textbooks and journals. Additionally, chat room sessions and e-mail discussions of current topics and issues will be used throughout the program.

Beginning with the fall semester of 2008 all students entering the Masters' Degree program in Exercise Science, Physical Education and Wellness will be required to attend an one day on-campus orientation prior to their initial semester as well as to complete the comprehensive examinations on the Tennessee Tech campus at the completion of their program.

The courses below are required for the MA-EXPW. Course Description will open a new window in the online graduate course catalog. Course Syllabi gives a more comprehensive overview of a course.  Current students also need to download a Program of Study form  and submit to the graduate advisor prior to completing 15 credit hours.  This form is to be downloaded, filled out and mailed to your advisor.  Students may also apply for a graduate assistantship.  Assistantships cover tuition, fees, and provide a monthly stipend.  The department currently offers assistantships in teaching, strength and conditioning, and Special Olympics administration.

Core Courses

• EXPW 6220 Technology in Sport, Physical Education and Wellness (Spring Only)
• EXPW 6240 Assessment in Sport, Physical Education and Wellness (Fall and Spring)
• EXPW 6250 Applied Motor Development and Motor Learning (Fall and Spring)
• RESEARCH
  • EXPW 6510 Research Methods (Fall and Spring)
  • EXPW 6520 Research Project (Prerequisite: EXPW 6510) (Spring, Summer and Fall)
• ELECTIVES
  • *EXPW 5500 Perspectives in Physical Education (Summer Only)
  • EXPW 5940 Fitness and Wellness (Spring Only)
  • EXPW 6590 Field Experience (Summer Only)
  • EXPW 6140 Assessment and Strategies for Adapted Physical Education (Fall and Spring)
  • EXPW 6920 Topics in Physical Education & Wellness (1-6 hours, Fall and Spring)

*Required for those students who do not hold an undergraduate major in Physical Education

• CONCENTRATION

• Elementary & Middle School Physical Education
  • EXPW 6210 Curriculum Design in Physical Education (Fall Only)
  • EXPW 6350 Instructional Strategies for Physical Education (Fall Only)
  • EXPW6450 MIddle School Physical Education (Spring Only)
  • EXPW 6140 Assessment and Strategies for Adapted Physical Education (Fall and Spring)
• Licensure Course
  • EXPW 6440  Physiology of Exercise (Summer)
  • EXPW 6140 Assessment and Strategies for Adapted Physical Education (Fall and Spring)
  • EXPW 6210 Curriculum Design in Physical Education (Fall Only)
  • EXPW 6350 Instructional Strategies for Physical Education (Fall Only)
  • EXPW 6450 Middle School Physical Education (Spring Only)
  • Elective 3 Hours
• Fitness and Lifetime Wellness
  • EXPW 6042 Health Promotions (Spring Only)
  • EXPW 6440 Physiology of Exercise (Summer)
  • EXPW 5940 Fitness and Wellness (Spring Only)
  • EXPW 6590 Field Experience (Summer Only)
  • Elective 3 Hours
• Adapted Physical Education
  • SPED 6060 Education of Orthopedic and Motor Impaired
  • EXPW 6140 Assessment and Strategies for Adapted Physical Education (Fall and Spring)
  • EXPW 6590 Field Experience (Summer Only)
  • Electives 6 Hours

Q. How long does the MA-EXPW program take to complete and will I have to come to campus?

The program should take about 2 years to complete. Beginning with the fall semester of 2008 all students entering the Masters' Degree program in Exercise Science, Physical Education and

Wellness will be required to attend an one day on-campus orientation prior to their initial semester as well as to complete the comprehensive examinations on the Tennessee Tech campus at the completion of their program.

Q. How much will the TTU MA-EXPW program cost?

The cost for the MA-EXPW program is $319 per credit hour for in-state students and $740 per credit hour for out-of-state students. Texts for each course are not included in the above costs.

Q. How many credit hours is the MA-EXPW?

The MA-EXPW program has the same requirements as the campus program. In order to receive your degree, you will need to successfully complete 18 core course hours, 6 guided elective hours and 6 research component hours, for a total of 30 hours.

Q. What kind of degree will I receive upon completion of the TTU MA-EXPW program?

You will receive the same degree that on-campus students receive, a Master of Arts.

Q. When can you begin the MA-EXPW program?

The TTU MA-EXPW program can be started at the beginning of any semester.

Q. What is the deadline for applying for the MA-EXPW program?

If you are planning on applying to the program and want to reserve your place in line for consideration, you should request and complete an “Intent to Apply” form.

Q. Will I need a computer to complete the TTU MA-EXPW program?

Yes. The MA-EXPW content is on the Internet. You will need to have regular access to a computer in order to access that content. Unless you have specific permission from your employer to use a computer at work, you should plan to acquire a personal computer for this program. You will also need a copy of Microsoft Office with Word, Excel and Power Point.

Q. Will I need access to the Internet for the TTU MA-EXPW program?

Yes. Communication with your instructor and your classmates will be conducted via the Internet. All assignments will be submitted to your instructor via the Internet. Case discussions will take place in both a threaded discussion environment and in live chat rooms.

Q. What do I need to score on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) OR the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) in order to be admitted?

MAT - Provisional: 383-385 - Full: 386-389

GRE - a. taken prior to October 2002: 1050 Composite (verbal, quantitative, analytical ) b. taken October 2002 or later: 900 total on the verbal/quantitative portions and 4.0 on the analytical writing portion

Q. What is the minimum GPA requirement for the TTU MA-EXPW program?

Students applying for the TTU MA-EXPW program must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

Q. Do I still need to purchase textbooks?

Yes. Some courses require you to purchase textbooks.