Graduate Certificate in Adapted Physical Education

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Description

This 15-credit graduate certificate in adapted physical education (APE) enables students to pursue and attain a certificate without necessarily pursuing a graduate degree. With approval, coursework in the certificate may later be applied to partially meet requirements for an MSEd in Physical Education and its concentration in adapted physical education.

Admission to the Program

Matriculation into the APE certificate program depends on several factors. Minimum standards for admission include:

  1. a bachelor's degree
  2. applicants must demonstrate a relevant knowledge base, including, at minimum, 12 credits in the professional field of physical education
  3. GPA requirements:
    1. Students with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and above will be eligible for regular admission into this program.
    2. Students with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of between 2.5 and 2.999 may be recommended for conditional admission. Students granted conditional admission must successfully fulfill a conditional contract established by an advisor.
    3. Students with an undergraduate GPA below 2.5 are ineligible for admission

The application process is managed by the Center for Graduate Studies, and application materials are available online.

Program Requirements

Students must meet the College's standards for graduate study.

Required Courses (15 credits)

  • PES 581 Instructional Strategies in Adapted Physical Education
  • PES 582 Adapted Physical Activity and Sport
  • PES 683 Program Development in Adapted Physical Education
  • PES 684 Seminar and Practicum in Adapted Physical Education
  • PES 686 Consultation in Adapted Physical Education

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

  1. Physical education candidates demonstrate an understanding of common and specialized content, and scientific and theoretical foundations for the delivery of an effective preK-12 physical education program.
  2. Physical education candidates are physically literate individuals who can demonstrate skillful performance in physical education content areas and health-enhancing levels of fitness.
  3. Physical education candidates apply content and foundational knowledge to plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences aligned with local, state and/or SHAPE America's National Standards and Grade-Level Outcomes for K-12 Physical Education through the effective use of resources, accommodations and/or modifications, technology and metacognitive strategies to address the diverse needs of all students.
  4. Physical education candidates engage students in meaningful learning experiences through effective use of pedagogical skills. They use communication, feedback, technology, and instructional and managerial skills to enhance student learning.
  5. Physical education candidates select and implement appropriate assessments to monitor students' progress and guide decision making related to instruction and learning.
  6. Physical education candidates demonstrate behaviors essential to becoming effective professionals. They exhibit professional ethics and culturally competent practices; seek opportunities for continued professional development; and demonstrate knowledge of promotion/advocacy strategies for physical education and expanded physical activity opportunities that support the development of physically literate individuals.