HPER
Master of Arts in Coaching Sport Performance
Admissions 
Admission to a graduate program is secured through the following steps:
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Request an "Application for Admission" from The Office of Admissions .
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Determine from The Graduate College Bulletin the degree sought and the curriculum to be studied.
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Return the "Application of Admission" and $40 application fee before the published admission date.
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Request the Registrar of each college previously attended, except Western Michigan University, to send two official transcripts of credits to The Office of Admissions prior to the admission date.
To be admitted to the master’s degree program in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, candidates must meet The Graduate College’s admission standards. In addition, candidates must meet departmental admission standards, including having successfully completed an undergraduate major or minor, or the equivalent in an area specific to health, physical education, recreation, athletic training or coaching. Where qualifications are in question, the candidate’s advisor may require completion of additional coursework.
Program Requirements
The Master of Arts in Coaching Sport Performance degree requires the successful completion of a minimum of thirty graduate semester hours beyond the bachelor’s degree. A maximum of six years is allowed for completion of the master’s degree before a "status of limitations’ is imposed. Each graduate student must maintain a "B" average, with a minimum of one-half of the coursework at the 600 level. Graduate students, in consultation with advisors, must develop a planned program before completing ten semester hours of course work. This planned program includes a combination of 10 core coaching classes, 6 hours of student selected electives, and a capstone coaching field experience. This coursework is designed to meet each student’s individual career goals. The planned program for such students is the joint responsibility of the department advisor and the graduate student.
Non-Degree Application
The graduate non-degree application is for a student with a bachelor’s degree who wishes to enroll in certain courses, but does not plan to pursue a program leading to a graduate degree, or is not eligible for degree admission. This status does not constitute admission to a degree or certificate program, and the courses taken under this status might not apply to a particular degree or certificate program. For students who are eligible for admission, a maximum of nine credits taken under non-degree status may be considered in a degree program if the student should later decide to apply for admission to a degree program and if an advisor and the graduate dean approve the credit. Non-degree status is not available to students with dual enrollment (undergraduate/graduate status).
Graduate Assistantships
MA Coaching graduate students are encouraged to find graduate assistant or part time coaching positions to enhance their graduate study. The department works with local athletic departments to communicate where such opportunities exist. The department also selects highly qualified candidates to teach wellness, physical activity classes, and provide support for exercise science laboratories.
Criteria for selection as a graduate assistant are derived from the following:
- Admissibility
- Grade point average
- Quality of recommendations
- Background experience
- Teaching competencies and/or special certification.
Appointments are for one academic year and may be renewed for a second year. Specialists are needed in areas such as:
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To request an assistantship application contact Munselle Pientka in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation.
Advising
Questions? Contact (Web page)
Financial Assistance
The Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation offers a sizable number of teaching assistantships. Information about stipends and duties may be obtained from the department’s graduate advisor.
Non-departmental assistantships and fellowships, tuition remission, special assistance for minority graduate students, research funds, and tuition grant information is available from The Graduate College, (269) 387-8212.
Student loan and other federal, state, and university need-based financial aid program information is available from the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships, (269) 387-6000. The application deadline for most WMU financial assistance is February 15.