Master of Education in Motor Learning
Degree Overview
The Master of Education (Ed.M.) program in Movement Science and Education with a specialization in Motor Learning and Control (Major Code: MTLG) is an advanced Masters degree designed to provide students with a substantive background in movement sciences and related areas. This program is designed for students seeking in depth study of motor learning and control and is well suited for students who have Masters degrees in other areas of study (e.g. neuroscience, engineering, biology). The program also provides content relevant to students from a range of applied areas, including dance, Pilates, yoga, movement practitioners (e.g. Feldenkrais Method, Alexander technique), physical and occupational therapists, coaches, and trainers. Students can use this degree as a stepping stone for subsequent application to medical, physical therapy or occupational therapy schools, or doctoral study in kinesiology or rehabilitation sciences.
A flexible course of study focuses on the behavioral, biomechanical and neural bases of development, acquisition and performance of functional movement skills, individually designed to meet the student’s professional needs and interests. Acquisition of skill is examined over the life span in typically developing children and adults and individuals with movement disorders. Movement analysis is used to elucidate the neuromotor control processes underlying skilled performance in everyday functional behaviors. The teacher or therapist’s role in facilitating skill learning and performance is emphasized.
Students in the EdM program can focus on: (a) preparation as a “scholar of practice” able to translate research and theory into appropriate clinical or educational strategies; (b) preparation as a clinical instructor, clinical or educational supervisor or applied investigator; or (c) preparation for study towards the doctoral degree.
The program requires 60 points of graduate study. Up to 30 points from other graduate study may be transferred towards this degree. The main components of the EdM program include:
- Substantive study of theory and research as embodied in lecture and laboratory courses.
- Development of clinical or educational skills in laboratory and fieldwork courses.
- Research training to enable students to read and interpret original research and to carry out educational, clinical or laboratory research.
- Seminars to discuss theory and research, identification of research problems, and clinical/educational applications.
- Elective courses to meet specific student needs which may be taken throughout the College and University in such areas as anatomy, biology, business, chemistry, computer science, health education, higher and adult education, neurosciences, nutrition, physiology, psychology and science education.
Final Project
A final project is required for the Ed.M. and may involve one of two options:
- An applied research study which can focus on clinical or educational issues.
- A laboratory research study.
Individualized degree option
For the Ed.M. degree, students may also arrange with their faculty advisor a flexibly-designed program of study cutting across specialization areas (Motor learning & control, Applied exercise physiology, Physical education) which will meet their professional needs and academic interests. Students intending to continue study towards the doctoral degree should arrange their Ed.M. program to include core courses required for doctoral specialization. The Ed.M. program can be completed in 12-18 months of full-time study beyond a Masters degree in any content area, or two to three years of part-time study (depending on the student’s other responsibilities).
Admission Information
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025 terms.
Master of Education
- Points/Credits: 60
- Entry Terms: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Enrollment Formats: Full-Time, Part-Time
Application Deadlines
| Entry Term Available | Priority Deadlines | Final Deadlines | Extended Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | November 15, 2024 | November 15, 2024 | N/A |
| Summer | January 15, 2025 | June 1, 2025 | N/A |
| Fall | January 15, 2025 | July 1, 2025 | N/A |
Select programs remain open beyond our standard application deadlines, such as those with an extended deadline or those that are rolling (open until June or July). If your program is rolling or has an extended deadline indicated above, applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as these programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.
Application Requirements
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume | |
| Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed | |
| Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable) | |
| $75 Application Fee | |
| Two (2) Letters of Recommendation |
For admission-related inquiries, please contact BBSadmission@tc.columbia.edu.
Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2024-2025)
Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and Summer 2025 terms.
The Master of Education (Ed.M.) program in Motor Learning (Code: MTLG) is designed to provide students with a broad background in movement sciences and related areas. Study focuses on the behavioral, biomechanical and neural bases of development, acquisition and performance of functional movement skills. Acquisition of skill is examined over the life span in typically developing and impaired individuals. Movement analysis is used to elucidate the neuromotor control processes underlying skilled performance in everyday functional behaviors, sport and dance. The teacher or therapist’s role in facilitating skill learning and performance is emphasized.
The Ed.M program provides for advanced study in the movement sciences and for individually designed study to meet the student’s professional needs and interests. Students can focus on preparation as a “scholar of practice” able to translate research and theory into appropriate clinical or educational strategies. Students considering application to doctoral programs can begin their course of study with the Ed.M. degree. Students intending to continue study towards the doctoral degree should arrange their Ed.M. program to include core courses required for doctoral specialization.
The program requires 60 points of graduate study and includes:
-
Substantive study of theory and research as embodied in lecture and laboratory courses.
-
Development of clinical or educational skills in laboratory and fieldwork courses.
-
Research training to enable students to read and interpret original research and to carry out educational, clinical or laboratory research.
-
Seminars to discuss theory and research, identification of research problems, and clinical/educational applications.
-
Elective courses to meet specific student needs which may be taken throughout the College and University in such areas as anatomy, biology, business, chemistry, computer science, health education, higher and adult education, neurosciences, nutrition, physiology, psychology and science education.
A final project is required for the Ed.M. degree and may involve one of two options:
-
An applied research report which may focus on clinical or educational issues.
-
A laboratory research paper.
Course Work Requirements
For the Ed.M. program, specific requirements for courses, or equivalents transferred from prior graduate study, are:
Core Coursework (23 Credits)
| BBS | 5060 | Neuromuscular response and adaptation to exercise (2 points) |
| BBSR | 5068 | Brain and Behavior I: Communication in the nervous system (2 points) |
| BBSR | 5055 | Bases of motor control systems (3) |
| BBSR | 5582 | Research design in the movement sciences (3 points). |
| BBSR | 4060 | Motor learning (3) * |
| BBSR | 4161 | Motor learning laboratory (2 with co-requisite BBSR 4060) Note: BBSR 4161 is a co-requisite of BBSR 4060 if taken for 2 points |
| BBSR | 5028 | Motor development across the lifespan (3 points) |
| BBSR | 4050 | Biomechanical analysis of human movement (3 points) |
| BBSR | 5504 | Research Training Seminar (Section 02) (2 points) Note: Students will enroll in this competency based course during their last year of study to immerse themselves in current research in motor learning and control, as well as receive advisement on their final project. Note that if all coursework is complete but the student has not completed the final project, students must continue to enroll for 1 point (above and beyond the 60 points) each semester until the project is complete. |
Substantive Study (minimum 9 credits)
| BBS | 4005 | Applied anatomy and biomechanics (3) |
| BBSR | 4055 | Neuromotor processes (3) |
| BBSR | 4090 | Physical fitness, weight control and relaxation (3) |
| BBSR | 4095 | Applied physiology I (3) |
| BBSR | 5050 | Neurophysiology of motor control and electromyography (3) |
| BBSR | 5057 | Movement disorders (3) |
| BSRR | 5095 | Exercise and health (3) |
| BBSR | 4070 | Psychosocial aspects of sports and exercise (3) |
Laboratory Courses (minimum 6 credits)
BBSR 4151 Laboratory methods in biomechanics (3)
BBSR 4195 Applied physiology laboratory I (3)
| BBSR | 5151 | Introduction to the analysis of biomechanical signals (3) |
| BBSR | 5194 | Applied physiology laboratory II (3) |
| BBSR | 5195 | Advanced applied physiology laboratory (3) |
Seminars, tutorials or conferences: minimally 6 credits in movement sciences (BBSR courses)
| BBS | 5596 | Topics in applied physiology (3) |
| BBSR | 6563 | Seminar in neuromotor processes (3) |
| BBSR | 6564 | Advanced topics in neuromotor processes (3) |
| BBSR | 6565 | Seminar in motor learning and motor control (3) |
| BBSR | 6571 | Research seminar in the psychosocial aspects of human movement (3) |
Elective Courses (2-3 credits)
Students should take 2-3 credits outside the Movement Sciences Program (along with required courses BBS 5060 and BBS 5068) to meet the Teachers College breadth requirement. Please see the academic schedule and academic catalog for a full list of available courses. Popular breadth elective courses for students in Movement Sciences have included courses in Health and Behavioral Studies (HBSE), Human Development (HUDM), Neuroscience and Education (BBSN), Dance (A&HD), and Measurement and Statistics (HUDM). Please note that courses taken at Columbia University outside of Teachers College cannot count toward the breadth elective requirement. It is recommended that you discuss your electives with your advisor or program faculty for assistance in selecting courses that may contribute toward your educational and career goals. Courses outside of the Program in Movement Sciences (BBSR) that you use to fulfill core degree requirements and/or research methods requirements can also count toward the breadth requirement.
Individual program (minimum 12 points)
Minimally 12 points in movement sciences (additional BBSR courses in substantive, laboratory, fieldwork or seminar study) and/or related areas outside of the program in Movement Sciences and Education (non-BBSR courses, including graduate courses at Columbia University).
Special Admission Requirements/Academic Prerequisites
While students have come from a variety of fields, the following backgrounds are most appropriate: movement sciences, kinesiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physical education, dance, athletic training, biology, nutrition, nursing, and psychology. Students with strong academic records, who have deficiencies in their science backgrounds, may be admitted with the understanding that these deficiencies will be remedied with appropriate courses.
It is recommended that prospective students communicate with an academic advisor to discuss program plans prior to admission. Students are encouraged to make an appointment to visit the college for at least half a day to meet with faculty and current students, to audit a course or seminar, and to become acquainted with research areas and resources. Applicants are reviewed on an ongoing basis throughout the academic year. Prior to formal admission, enrollment in up to 8 points of study as a non-matriculated student is permitted.