Master of Arts in Curriculum & Teaching in Physical Education
The Master of Arts programs in Curriculum & Teaching in Physical Education will not be accepting applications for the 2023 cycle. Please check back for more information.
Our M.A. in Curriculum & Teaching in Physical Education focuses on the area of movement sciences called physical education and culture.
Our work examines how sociocultural, political, and economic forces have an impact on the body, school PE, physical activity, fitness, and health. In today’s context of public health, we are particularly interested in understanding how health disparities, structural inequalities, and the materiality of the socio-educational and economic resources young people have access to in the local community contexts of their daily lives inform their physicality development and health.
More about Physical Culture
Physical culture is about body movement and performance in spaces such as PPE class, sport, health/fitness, dance and more.
Physical Cultural Studies (PCS) encompasses the diversely focused field of scholarly work which is united by a commitment toward engaging varied dimensions or expressions of (in)active bodies or physical culture (Andrews & Silk, 2011). In this physical culture is understood as “cultural practices in which the physical body – the way it moves, is represented, has meanings assigned to it, and is imbued with power – is central” (Vertinsky, quoted in Silk & Andrews, 2011) Physical Cultural Studies is closely related to the fields of sport sociology, cultural studies, sociology of the body, body culture studies, queer studies and disability studies.
Visit our Physical Culture & Education Concentration page to learn more.
Additional Degree Information
About the Master's Degree Programs
For the M.A. and Ed.M. programs with specialization in Movement Science and Education, students have two options. They may specialize in one of the three areas offered within Movement Science (Applied Physiology, Motor Learning and Control, Physical Education) or in consultation with an advisor, they may arrange a flexibly-designed program of study cutting across specialization in the movement sciences that will meet their professional needs and academic interests.
Master of Arts: Motor Learning and Control
Course Work Requirements
Core Coursework (23 Credits)
BBS 5060 Neuromuscular response and adaptation to exercise (2 points)
BBS 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) *
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)
(*) BBSR 4161 is a co-requisite of BBSR 4060 if taken for 2 points
Substantive Study (minimum 3 credits)
BBSR 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)
BBSR 5095 Exercise and health (3)
BBSR 4070 Psychosocial Aspects of Sports and Exercise (3)
BBSR 5199 Conference Seminar (3)
Laboratory Courses (minimum 3 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)
Elective Courses (3 credits)
Students should take 2-3 credits outside the Movement Sciences area (along with required courses BBS 5060 and BBS 5068) to meet the Teachers College breath 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&HG), and Measurement and Statistics (HUDM). Please note that courses taken at Columbia Schools 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 Movement Sciences (BBSR) that you use to fulfill core degree requirements and/or research methods requirements can also count toward the breadth requirement.