Sport and Movement Science

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View Programs and Courses 

View Sport and Movement Science Flowsheets 

Faculty

Associate Professor Steven P. Dion, Chairperson

Professors: Caitlin Corbett, Amy Everitt, Heidi A. Fuller, Philip W. Kelly

Associate Professors: George Abboud, Ann Marie Gallo, Meghan McLyman, Joseph A. Gallo, Stuart G. McMahon, Peter Smolianov, Michele M. Sweeney

Assistant Professors: Robin C. Benton, Katharine C. Bloom, James Morrow, Christopher H. Schoen

Instructor: Joseph M. Murphy, Jaclyn Norberg

Faculty Emeriti

Professors: Bette P. Bailey, Joan E. Duda, Patricia A. Everitt, Grant F. Longley, Bonneta Schreck, Joan L. Zardus

Associate Professors: Nancy R. Clifford, William A. Gillis, George Jacobson, Verna L. Moberg, Richard L. Schneider

Assistant Professor: George H. Blackwell

Programs Offered

Bachelor of Science – Athletic Training 

(Program Director: Professor Joseph Gallo)

Bachelor of Science – Sport and Movement Science

(Department Chair: Professor Steven Dion)

Concentrations (and Program Directors)

Minors

* The minor in Coaching Education is designed primarily for the Education majors as it immediately establishes graduates with the credentials most State of Massachusetts principals and educators are looking for in new hires. Accordingly, a certification of Coaching Education is strongly recommended. This includes comprehensive training in all aspects of coaching education with an emphasis on high school sports programs. To complete the certification students need one additional course beyond the 5 three credit courses which constitute the minor. Required courses; SMS 230, SMS 231, SMS 331, SMS 390, SMS 435. For the certificate, one additional course from the following must be taken; SMS 201, SMS 250, SMS 302, OR ATR 352.

 NOTE: Please see Program Director and Chairperson for permission to minor in the Sport and Movement Science Department.

It is the philosophy of the department to promote lifelong wellness by providing all students with the opportunity to learn and participate in lifetime activities and acquire knowledge in fitness and health. The department offers a variety of .5 credits quarter activity courses and 1-credit semester activity courses where students have the opportunity to learn new skills in a safe and educational environment.

In addition, a wide variety of courses are offered as free electives.

The department offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Athletic Training and Sport and Movement Science. Each SMS major student must select one concentration.

In addition, a minor is recommended. Majors must achieve a minimum grade of “C-” in all major and concentration courses, unless otherwise stated.

Bachelor of Science - Athletic Training  

The CAATE accredited athletic training program prepares the student for the Athletic Training Board of Certification (BOC) examination. The sequencing of Athletic Training courses will take three and one half years to complete and should be started during the freshman year, with BIO 105  ,CHE 124 , ATR 101  ,ATR 102 , and BIO 200 . In addition to required courses as indicated on the athletic training flowsheet, this program requires the completion of 850 hours of clinical experiences. Note; This program has limited enrollment, and specific requirements for admission and retention (see Admission and Retention Requirements for Athletic Training). Additional Requirements: Athletic Training students must be prepared to provide their own transportation to clinical settings. In addition, Athletic Training students will be expected to carry their own liability insurance (approximate cost $22.00) and be CPR/AED certified.  Hepatitis B immunization and physical exam are mandatory for clinical experience. For complete details concerning curriculum policies and requirements, see Athletic Training Handbook available in the SMS Department.

Bachelor of Science - Sport & Movement Science:

Dance Concentration

The Dance concentration curriculum is designed to prepare the student to enter the dance profession upon graduation, or continue studies in a graduate degree program. With a focus on choreography and performance, the program also offers course that encompass the dance field as a whole, including critical dance studies, administration, and teaching.

Exercise Science Concentration

The Exercise Science concentration is designed to provide the the student with the competencies so necessary to become a skilled and competitive professional in the marketplace. Our professional or Non-Clinical Track focuses on direct employment following graduation in a setting including but not limited to; a university fitness center, a corporate facility, a commercial facility, hospital rehabilitation or a community center. Our Clinical Track focuses on graduate school preparation in the fields of Exercise Science or Exercise Physiology as well as Allied Health Fields that include, but are not limited to Physical Therapy, Medicine, Physician Assistance and Chiropractics.

Health Education Concentration

The Health Education concentration prepares students for initial licensure at both the elementary and secondary levels of the Health/Family and Consumer Sciences (PreK-12) teacher license. Candidates for teacher licensure in Massachusetts must take and pass the Communication and Literacy components of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) in addition to passing the subject matter portion. A unique opportunity is afforded the prospective teacher to gain practical experiences with students in public school settings through courses with prepracticum components. In addition to required courses as indicated on the Health Education flow sheet, this program requires the completion of a minimum of 75 hours of onsite observation, assisting and teaching, and a 300 hour student teaching practicum in a Massachusetts Public School.

Physical Education Teacher Licensure

Those pursuing a career in teaching physical education enroll in the state approved physical education concentration that prepares students to become teachers of elementary or secondary physical education. Candidates for teacher licensure in Massachusetts must take and pass the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Exams. Physical education teacher education students gain practical experience with students in public school settings through courses with pre-practicum components.

Recreation Management Concentration

The Recreation Management concentration curriculum is designed to provide students with the theoretical background and the applied experiences necessary to be managers/leaders in the recreation field upon graduation or to continue studies in a graduate degree program. Students within this concentration have the option of choosing courses within two specializations: Park and Recreation Management and Aquatic Management. These specializations are designed to enhance the student’s experiences within the primary areas of emphasis in the recreation field.

Sport Management Concentration

The concentration is designed to prepare students in the rapidly growing and dynamic field of sport management. The program of study emphasizes providing a well-rounded education with a variety of theoretical and practical opportunities available to students. The curriculum provides the student with the knowledge necessary for today’s sport manager, reflecting the needs of the profession and the competencies required by the North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM) and the National Association of Sport and Physical Education (NASPE).

Admission to the Athletic Training Education Program

The following criteria are to be satisfied for matriculation into the professional phase of the Athletic Training Education Program:

1. Successful completion of 24 semester hours
2. A grade of “C-” or better in the following courses:

SMS 175 - First Responder Training 
ATR 101 - Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries 
ATR 102 Taping, Bracing, and Protective Equipment 
BIO 200 Anatomy and Physiology I 
ATR 202 Injury Evaluation: Lower Body 

Students may be enrolled in one or more of the above courses during the application process, however, the course must be successfully completed with a C- or better.

3. Completion of assigned observation hours.

The Athletic Training Education Program employs a secondary admissions process during the fall semester of the Sophomore year of the curriculum. Acceptance from the pre-professional phase to the professional phase of Athletic Training is limited each academic year and is based upon the following criteria:

1. Filing of the appropriate forms to the Program Director by the first Monday of November.
2. Three letters of recommendation, with at least one being from a Salem State University faculty member by the rquired date.
3. Scoring a minimum of 70% on the written and oral/practical examination.
4. Successful interview with the Selection Committee.
5. Compliance with the Athletic Training Program Technical Standards, published in the Athletic Training Handbook.
6. Fulfillment of the health and safety requirements as outlined in the Athletic Training Student Handbook. This includes the completion of the Immunization Questionnaire, HIPAA Training, Blood Bourne Pathogens Training, physical examination, health history, proof of health insurance. 
7. Meeting standards does not guarantee admission.

Admission to the Professional Phase of the Clinical Track of the Exercise Science Concentration

The following criteria must be satisfied in order to be considered for matriculation into the Clinical Track of the Exercise Science Concentration:

1.  Successful completion of 30 semester hours

2.  A grade of “C” or better in the following courses:

3.  A 3.00 grade point average for all SMS major and Exercise Science Clinical Track concentration required courses taken at Salem State University.

The admissions process into the Exercise Science Clinical Track takes place during the spring semester of the Sophomore year. Acceptance into the Clinical Track is limited each academic year and is based on the following minimum criteria:

• Filing the appropriate applications and forms to the Program Director by the first Monday of     February.
• Three letters of recommendation, with at least one being from a Salem State University Faculty member by the first Monday of February.
• Scoring a minimum of 70% on the written and oral/practical examination.
• Interview with the Selection Committee.
• Meeting minimum standards does not guarantee admission.

Admission to the Health Education Concentration

The following criteria are to be satisfied for admission into the Health Education Teacher Licensure program concentration:

1. A minimum grade of “C” in all SMS major and Health Education Concentration courses; English Composition ENG or ENL 101 and ENG or ENL 102; and SPC 101A
2. A 2.75 grade point average for all courses taken at Salem State University
3. A 3.00 grade point average for all SMS major courses and Health Education Concentration required courses taken at Salem State University
4. A passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills Tests of the Massachusetts Tests for Educational Licensure (MTEL) Educator Licensure Tests

Applicants for matriculation into the Health Education Concentration may be submitted by the student after successful completion of 45-60 credit hours and the minimum standards listed above.  Matriculation applications are available from the Health Education coordinator prior to the fall and spring advising periods. Admission into the Health Education Concentration is a prerequisite for:

Admission into the Student Teaching Practicum in Health Education

The following criteria are to be satisfied for admission into the Student Teaching Practicum:

1. Acceptance into the Health Education Concentration
2. A 2.75 overall grade point average
3. A 3.00 grade point average for all SMS major and Health Educationconcentration courses
4. A passing score on the content area part of the Massachusetts Tests for Educational Licensure
5. Senior status – 90 or more credits hours
6. Successful completion of all courses and pre-practicum experiences prerequisite to the student teaching practicum. Student teaching applications are available from the Health Education  Concentration Coordinator prior to the fall and spring advising periods.

Admission to the Physical Education Teacher Licensure

The following criteria are to be satisfied for admission into the Physical Education Licenure Phase: 

1. A minimum grade of “C” in all SMS major and physical education content courses; English Composition ENL 101  and ENL 102 ; and SPC 101A 
2. A 2.75 grade point average for all courses taken at Salem State University
3. A 3.00 grade point average for all SMS major and physical education concentration required courses taken at Salem State University
4. A passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills Tests of the Massachusetts Tests for Educational Licensure (MTEL) Educator Licensure Tests

Students apply for the Physical Education Licensure Phase after the successful completion of 45-60 credits hours and the minimum standards listed above. Students apply prior to entering SMS 380 and/or 385 through the Physical Education Coordinator.  Acceptance into the Physical Education Licensre Phase is a prerequisite for:  SMS 380 , SMS 385 , SMS 485 , EDU 462P ,  EDU 472P , and EDU 472PS .

Admission into the Student Teaching Practicum in Physical Education

The following criteria are to be satisfied for admission into the Student Teaching Practicum:

1. Acceptance into the Physical Education Licensure Phase
2. 2.75 overall grade point average
3. A 3.00 grade point average for all SMS major and physical education content courses
4. A passing score the Physical Education Massachusetts Tests for Educational Licensure (MTEL)
5. Senior status – 90 or more credits hours
6. Successful completion of all courses and pre-practicum experiences are required prior to admission into to the student teaching practicum. Student teaching applications are available from the Physical Education Coordinator prior to the fall and spring advising periods.

Retention in the Athletic Training Education Program

The following criteria are to be satisfied for retention in the Athletic Training Education Program:

1. Students accepted into the Athletic Training Program will be expected to follow the course sequence outlined below. Changes may be made only with the permission of the Program Director and the SMS Department Chairperson.
2. A grade of C- or better in each of the athletic training and support courses. See the Athletic Training Handbook for a list of courses requiring a grade of C-. Failure to maintain this level may result in dismissal from the program.
3. Only one practicum course may be taken per semester. No more than two practicum courses may be taken per year.
4. Satisfactory completion of competencies and evaluations from a Preceptor.

Athletic Training Four Year Plan

Freshman

Fall

Spring

Sophomore

Fall

Spring

Junior 

Fall 

Spring

Senior

Fall

Spring

Retention in the Exercise Science Clinical Track

The following criteria must be satisfied in order to remain in the Clinical Track: 

1. Students accepted into the program are expected to complete the required courses. No changes will be made unless approved by the Program Director and SMS Chairperson.

2. A grade of “C” or better in all Exercise Science Clinical Track. Required and Support Courses and a 3.00 overall in the required coursework. Failure to maintain this level of may result in dismissal from the program.

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