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Three majors in the West Virginia University College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences continue to earn high rankings while preparing graduates for in-demand careers in the dynamic physical activity and sport industry.

The college offers MS degrees for professional learners that can be completed fully online. These nationally recognized programs have chalked up numerous rankings, highlighting both the value of a degree and quality of the student experience.

As Mountaineer Graduation Day approaches, we honor CPASS seniors who will participate in a virtual ceremony on May 16. Upon reflecting on their experiences at WVU, the students recognize faculty and staff for their unwavering support and expertise. They are thankful for hands-on learning, internships and teaching opportunities to prepare them for life after graduation. They are clear on their goals, passion and love for Mountaineer Nation and the friends they have discovered.

Steve Shelton’s interest in coaching and movement led him to major in health and physical education and pursue a career to merge these two interests. Now Shelton helps others earn a degree, while guiding them as educators. He credits faculty members in the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences master’s program for their leadership and expertise. Shelton pulled insight from that experience to ensure his success as an instructor. Since his time in the program, he has encouraged several Radford University graduates to enroll at WVU. He plans to continue this pattern. 

While students may experience personal interactions within the traditional classroom setting, there are still opportunities for online students to connect and explore the learning process.  

As the college’s recently announced instructional design specialist, Beth Bailey is focused on improving quality teaching and learning for online instructors and students by providing increased instructional design capacity in the college.  

CPASS master’s student and instructor Marla Gladstone plans to analyze opposing factors and how they have influenced history and sport by bringing real-life experience into the classroom.

The idea behind PET 101: Games in American culture course is to evaluate and discover how sport has influenced history and how history has influenced sport. Instead of taking stories and examples straight from a textbook, Gladstone’s desired plan of action is to bring different guest speakers into the classroom, to give a more biographical, human perspective.

When Ian Gentile decided to expand his knowledge of the sports industry, he chose WVU. The program has given him a clear understanding of the business side of the industry, as well as adding an intercollegiate spin to his game. Gentile appreciates the personalized approach and unique six-week course format as he advances through the graduate degree. 

Ryan Wood was searching for a graduate program that focused on the science of coaching. He based his decision in part on the positive testimonials from close friends who have earned their graduate degree at WVU. Wood says that WVU has given him a different perspective on the important role he has as a coach in generating the motivation of students and athletes.  

We asked Kaitlin Ulicny how the CPASS Physical Education Teacher Education graduate program enhances her career goals. Ulicny feels confident that her decision to add to her degree portfolio by enrolling at WVU will give her the competitive edge for success. 

Physical Education Teacher Education (online)

Jared Horan was recently admitted into the sport management graduate program; however, life threw him a curveball, or, more accurately, a well-aimed puck. 

After being accepted into the program, Horan was offered a position with the Wheeling Nailers, the minor league affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins. He decided he had to accept the sales position opportunity and launch his career within the sports industry. 

Kacey DiGiacinto was named to the Vice Chancellor’s Leadership Academy (VCLA) at Elizabeth City State University for fall 2018. Since her appointment, she has helped to engage university faculty in leadership activities across campus, with improvements in academic results.

According to Interim Provost Farrah Ward, the Leadership Academy provides DiGiacinto and co-award recipient Juliet Boykins, with an opportunity to explore their leadership potential and to advance their understanding of interdepartmental collaborations.