205
Graduate Programs
205.59
Physical Education and Recreation
205.59 Physical Education and Recreation
Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation
Integrated Student Services
4th Floor East Wing, Room E-475
Van Vliet Centre
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H9
E-mail: pergrad@ualberta.ca
205.59.1 General Information
The Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Coaching and Doctor of Philosophy. The areas available for study are listed below. For detailed information refer to www.physedandrec.ualberta.ca
Active Healthy Children
Adapted Physical Activity
Analysis of Human Movement
Athlete Health
Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry
Behavioural Medicine and Health Psychology
Coaching
Sport Psychology
Sport and Leisure Organizations
Recreation and Leisure Studies
Sociological and Cultural Studies of Sport and Leisure
Students wishing to be considered for scholarships must apply before January. The deadline for applications is March 1. Normally students are expected to start their program in September.
Entrance Requirements
The Faculty's minimum admission requirements are an undergraduate degree with an average of at least 3.0 in the last 
60 of undergraduate work (or graduate work) at the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized Institution.
Where applicable (refer to §203.2.4), candidates must have a minimum satisfactory score on one of the following approved English language examinations in order to be considered for admission: TOEFL score of 600 (paper-based) or 88 (Internet-based) with a minimum of 20 on each of the individual skill areas; MELAB score of 85; IELTS overall band score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5 on each test band; CAEL overall score of 60 with at least 60 on each subtest; PTE overall score of 59.
The requirement for entry into the relevant master's program is the BSc (Kinesiology), BKin or BA (Recreation, Sport and Tourism) degree from the University of Alberta or its equivalent. All students not meeting this entrance requirement will be considered on an individual basis. The normal requirement for admission to the PhD is the MA, MSc, or MA (Recreation and Leisure Studies) degree with a thesis from the Faculty, or the equivalent.
Financial Assistance
A number of graduate assistantships and scholarships are available each year to graduate students.
205.59.2 The Degree of MA
Both a thesis-based and a course-based option are available in the MA degree program. While both are research-oriented programs, the thesis program requires fewer courses and places more emphasis on the development of research skills.
Students entering the course-based MA route must possess a bachelor of physical education or recreation degree or equivalent.
Program Requirements
The minimum requirements for the thesis-based MA are the completion of 12 in addition to the thesis. All students must successfully complete either PERLS 580 or 581, as well as an ethics and integrity training requirement of eight hours.
The minimum period of residence is two four-month terms of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta.
Students enrolled in the course-based MA degree program must complete as a minimum, the equivalent of 24. Students must successfully complete at least one of PERLS 580 or 581. In addition, students must successfully complete a capping exercise. This will take the form of a completed research project, an internship within the Faculty, or successful completion of a comprehensive examination.
There is no residency requirement for the course-based degree program.
Length of Program
The time required to complete the program will vary according to the previous training of the applicant and the nature of the research undertaken. Normally a minimum of two years is required to complete the program. Thesis-based master’s candidates must complete all the requirements within four years of the term in which they first register. Course-based master’s candidates must complete all the requirements within six years of the term in which they first register.
205.59.3 The Degree of MA in Recreation and Leisure Studies
Both thesis-based and course-based options are available in the MA(RLS) program. While both are research-oriented programs, the thesis program requires fewer courses and places more emphasis on the development of research skills.
Program Requirements
The minimum requirements for the thesis-based MA(RLS) are the completion of 12 in addition to the thesis. All students must successfully complete RLS 510 and a graduate level research course, PERLS 581 recommended. In addition students will complete an ethics and integrity training requirement of eight hours.
Students must complete a residence requirement of two four-month terms of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta.
Students enrolled in the course-based MA(RLS) degree program must complete as a minimum, the equivalent of 24. All students must successfully complete RLS 510 and a graduate level research course, PERLS 581 recommended. In addition, students must successfully complete a capping exercise. This will take the form of a completed research project or successful completion of a comprehensive examination.
There is no residency requirement for the course-based degree program.
Length of Program
The time required to complete the program will vary according to the previous training of the applicant and the nature of the research undertaken. Normally a minimum of two years is required to complete the program. Thesis-based master’s candidates must complete all the requirements within four years of the term in which they first register. Course-based master’s candidates must complete all the requirements within six years of the term in which they first register.
205.59.4 The Degree of MSc
Program Requirements
The minimum requirements for the MSc degree are the completion of 12 in addition to the thesis. As part of the degree requirements, students must successfully complete PERLS 580 and an ethics and integrity training requirement of eight hours.
The minimum period of residence is two four-month terms of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta.
Length of Program
The time required to complete the program will vary according to the previous training of the applicant and the nature of the research undertaken. Normally a minimum of two years is required to complete the program. Candidates must complete all the requirements within four years of the term in which they first register.
205.59.5 The Degree of MCoach
The Master of Coaching degree is a coursebased program which includes a practicum under the supervision of a mentor coach.
Students entering the MCoach program must possess a bachelor’s degree. An undergraduate degree in physical education, kinesiology or related field is recommended.
Program Requirements
Students enrolled in the MCoach degree program must complete as a minimum, the equivalent of 30. Students must successfully complete either PERLS 580 or 581 (each 3). PERLS 582 (3), PEDS 572 (6) and a capping exercise PERLS 900 (6). The capping exercise will be a significant piece of scholarly work in the field of coaching. Students are encouraged, but not required to select the remaining 12 from the following list in consultation with the academic supervisor: PEDS 511, 540, 541, 544; PERLS 575 or other relevant courses offered under the PERLS 582 designation. MCoach students may choose, as optional courses, relevant graduate courses offered by other Faculties. All optional courses must be approved by the academic supervisor.
There is no residency requirement for the MCoach degree program.
Length of Program
The time required to complete the program will vary according to factors such as the previous training of the applicant, the availability of courses and the nature of the project undertaken. Normally a minimum of two years is required to complete the program. MCoach candidates must complete all the requirements within six years of the term in which they first register.
205.59.6 The Degree of PhD
Program Requirements
The PhD degree is a research degree; however, a number of specific courses may be required within the various areas of specialization. Please consult the staff within each specified area for further details. All courses must be approved by the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation. Emphasis is on research leading to the dissertation rather than on coursework. All students will complete an ethics and integrity training requirement of at least eight hours.
The minimum period of residence is two academic years of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta.
Length of Program
The time required to complete the program will vary according to the previous training of the applicant and the nature of the research undertaken. Normally a minimum of three years is required to complete the program. The maximum time permitted is six years from the date of the first registration.
205.59.7 Graduate Courses
Graduate courses can be found in §231, Course Listing, under the following headings:
Physical Education and Sport (PEDS)
Physical Education, Recreation and Leisure Studies (PERLS)
Recreation and Leisure Studies (RLS)
