Motor Learning EdM

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: 

1. Substantive study of theory and research as embodied in lecture and laboratory courses.
2. Development of clinical or educational skills in laboratory and fieldwork courses.
3. Research training to enable students to read and interpret original research and to carry out educational, clinical or laboratory research.
4. Seminars to discuss theory and research, identification of research problems, and clinical/educational applications.
5. 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:

1. An applied research study which can focus on clinical or educational issues.
2. 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).