Martial Arts Studies

Description

The University of Bridgeport is proud to be the first American institution of higher learning to offer a B.A. in Martial Arts Studies. While martial arts study at the university level has long been a part of academic life in Asia, UB’s program is unique in that it combines a wide range of liberal arts courses with martial arts practica. The program, offered through the University’s College of Public and International Affairs, explores four aspects of the martial arts:

• Historical background and philosophical roots of the martial arts
• Languages and cultures of the societies in which the martial arts originated and developed
• In-depth study of at least one of the martial arts
• Psychosocial dimensions of the martial arts and their impact upon personality and society

It has long been argued that through study of the martial arts people develop a measurable sense of accomplishment and a mastery of mind over body, contributing to greater self-esteem. Through the teacher-student relationship the martial-arts student embarks on a voyage of self discovery and learns the importance of respect and regard for others.

"The University of Bridgeport has offered me an opportunity that no other school could. Every day I wake up knowing that I made the right decision in which university to attend. Every day I wake up knowing that I will do what I love."
~Chris O’Neill (hear more from Chris…)

"The University of Bridgeport has revolutionized the martial way in America."
~Hyungmin Jun

"Despite training my whole life in Kickboxing, I have grown to respect other styles through the University of Bridgeport’s Martial Arts major. This program has broadened my horizons as a fighter and as a man."
~Wayne Rich

Careers in Martial Arts Studies

Students may choose one of several career tracks in criminal justice, health sciences, or business and may go on to pursue careers in the medical sciences, business, psychology, human services, or media. Students may also choose to pursue graduate study in areas such as global development or international law. Career tracks:

• Martial Arts Instructor
• Business Owner
• Sports Psychologist/ Therapist
• Journalism/ Media
• Teacher/ College Professor
• Criminologist
• DEA Agent
• FBI Agent
• INS Agent
• Probation Officer
• Secret Service
• Nutritionist
• Recreation Therapist

Learning Outcomes

The Program Learning Outcomes of the Martial Arts Studies Program are as follows:

1. Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills.

2. Students will demonstrate basic math and science skills.

3. Students will demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills.

4. Students will demonstrate competency in the history, theory and practice of at least one of the Martial Arts and a good working knowledge of at least one other.

5. Students will demonstrate a grasp of the various Martial Arts’ notion of “self cultivation” and be able to relate it to their own personal growth.

6. Students will demonstrate the practical leadership skills and intercultural literacy needed to assume entry level leadership positions in business, government, and in civil society.

7. Students will develop appreciation of diversity in the world and in intellectual areas such as but not limited to the humanities and the social sciences.

8. Students will show the desire and ability to pursue learning throughout life.

* Note for all College of Public and International Affairs majors, a portfolio is collected to track progress in programmatic outcomes. In martial arts practica, there is regular testing and monitoring of competencies as students go through each level of proficiency.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline July 1 is the last date to apply for the Fall Semester which begins late August/early September;November 1 is the last date to apply for the Spring Semester which begins mid-January Tuition fee

• USD 30965 Year (National)
• USD 30965 Year (International)

Start date September 2015 Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time More information Go To The Course Website

Course Content

Martial Arts Studies Program

Major Requirements:

• MARTS 212 The History of Martial Arts
• MARTS 213 Martial Arts and East Asian Thought
• MARTS 261 Psychosocial Aspects of Martial Arts
• MARTS 245 Martial Arts School Development
• MARTS 299 The Dao of Business
• MARTS 300 Martial Arts and Research Methods
• WREL 205 Buddhism
• WREL 229 Confucianism & Taoism
• MARTS 278 Survey of the Martial Arts
• MARTS 311 Communication and the Martial Arts
• MARTS 312 Image and Reality in the Martial Arts
• MARTS 330 Internship
• MARTS 340 Senior Thesis/Presentation

Practica (Choose from one of the following foundation):

Tae Kwon Do Track:

• MARTS 235 Issues in Taekwondo
• MARTS 117 Self-Defense
• MARTS 110 Taekwondo I
• MARTS 244 Taekwondo II
• MARTS 325 Taekwondo III

Japanese Martial Arts Track:

• MARTS 260 Issues in Japanese Martial Arts
• MARTS 131 Judo
• MARTS 134 Karate
• MARTS 143 Kobudo Practica
• MARTS 299 Kata/Kumite Conditioning

Taiji Track:

• MARTS 270 Issues in Chinese Martial Arts
• MARTS 121 Taiji Practica
• MARTS 299 Qigong Training

(Additional tracks to be offered soon)

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 TOEFL paper-based test score : 500 TOEFL iBT® test : 61

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

take an IELTS test.

Requirements

You can demonstrate proof of English Language competency by meeting any one of the criteria listed below:

1. A letter certifying completion of level 6 at the University’s English Language Institute (ELI).
Attainment of a satisfactory score on the University of Bridgeport’s English Language Assessment Battery (ELAB).

2. A minimum TOEFL score of 500 (PBT), 173 (CBT), or 61 (IBT) for undergraduates and a minimum score of 550 (PBT), 213 (CBT), or 80 (IBT) for graduates (post-graduates).

3. A minimum IELTS (Cambridge Testing) Band score of 6.0 for Undergraduates and a minimum Band score of 6.5 for graduates (post-graduates).

4. A transcript from an accredited American university indicating a grade of “C” or better in one semester of college English Composition.

5. Critical Reading SAT score of 400 or above; or ACT English score of 19 or above.

6.An official letter certifying completion of ELS (English Language Service) through level 112.

7.An official letter certifying completion of CSE (The Center for English Studies) through level 7.5.

8. A Michigan English Assessment Battery (MELAB) score of 69 or above for undergraduates and score of 77 or above for graduates.

9. A Prueba de Aptitud Academica (PAA) English achievement score of 500 or above.

10. A level of “Advanced” on the English Language Proficiency Test of the College Board.

11. An official “O” level or “A” level Certificate indicating a grade of “C” or better in English.

12. An EIKEN score of Grade 2A or above for undergraduates and a score of Grade Pre-1 or above for graduates.

13. A score of 4 or better on the “English A” Higher Level examination in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

14. WAEC, WASSE, CXC, etc. – Score of “C” or better on English Language exam.

15. A minimum Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) score of 44 for undergraduates and a minimum PTE Academic score of 53 for graduates (post-graduates).

You must demonstrate English language competency in one of the ways listed above. If you don’t demonstrate English language competency in one of these ways prior to registration, you will be given the University English Language Assessment Battery (ELAB) test upon arrival. If you pass at a satisfactory level, you may begin classes.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.