A descriptive study of demographic characteristics and perceptions of the educational preparation, professional experience, and selected duties of Christian college physical education faculty members

The purpose of this study was to develop a profile of Christian College physical education faculty members regarding their academic preparation, professional experience, and selected duties, as well as to identify important components of graduate preparation at the doctoral level for future faculty at these institutions.; A survey instrument was selected from a review of previous research and adapted for use in this study. The revised instrument was divided into three parts; academic preparation, classroom teaching experience, and coaching and administrative duties.; Institutions chosen for the study were selected from the Coalition of Christian Colleges and Universities. Seventy schools with physical education programs were identified. Department heads at these institutions identified 370 faculty members who met the criteria for participation in the study. Two hundred nineteen surveys were returned for a response rate of 58%.; The presentation of the findings are presented in the following areas: the profile of faculty members in relation to their academic preparation, teaching experience and coaching and administrative duties; the perceptions of faculty in relation to teaching competence and value of graduate coursework; the faculty member's perceived competence in and importance of certain administrative skills in their current position; and the demographics of institutions represented in this study.; Data indicated that faculty who taught in areas outside their graduate preparation perceived themselves as less competent than those with specific graduate coursework in that area. Approximately 28% of courses taught by faculty in this study were taught by faculty without graduate coursework in that area.; A large percentage of faculty in the study who coached did so at the secondary level prior to coaching at the collegiate level. They also served as an assistant prior to becoming a college head coach.; A majority of faculty (67%) served in some type of administrative capacity during their career. Faculty perceived themselves as more competent in specific administrative skills when they received graduate preparation in those areas.