MA in Physical Education with an Added Authorization in Adapted Physical Education

Students in APU’s M.S. in Physical Education program learn to teach phys ed classes, administrate athletics programs, and coach at all educational levels.

For more information: (626) 815-6176

The Master of Arts in Physical Education with an Added Authorization in Adapted Physical Education program is designed for teachers who wish to teach adapted physical education at the pre-K-12 and/or community college levels. The program combines the curricula of the adapted physical education added authorization program and the master’s degree program to deliver a unique, comprehensive education package. Upon completion, the graduate will earn an Added Authorization in Adapted Physical Education and a Master of Arts in Physical Education. 

Per the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization (APEAA) may be added to a Single Subject Credential in Physical Education, a Multiple Subject Credential, or an Education Specialist Credential. Individuals holding a Multiple Subject Credential or an Education Specialist Credential may meet this physical education subject-matter competence requirement in one of two ways:

  • (Acceptable Option) Providing evidence of passing all sections of the CTC-approved California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) in Physical Education prior to admission to the APEAA program; or

  • (Recommended Option) Completing 12 units of upper-division and/or graduate coursework in motor development, kinesiology, and other relevant physical education topics, as determined and approved by the APEAA program coordinator or director. This coursework must be completed as a prerequisite to admission to the APEAA program. All coursework is subject to approval by the program coordinator or director. Courses must be passed with a grade of B or better.

The following 3-unit classes are available to meet this prerequisite: PE 551, ​PE 596, PE 597, and PE 598.

Requirements

The 15-unit added authorization portion of the program includes 12 units of core coursework and 3 units of fieldwork in adapted physical education. The Master of Arts in Physical Education includes 6 units of core coursework, 6 units of physical education, coaching, administration, and health science coursework, and 3 units of capstone coursework. Students may concurrently complete adapted physical education and MA in physical education coursework. Students may not enroll in more than 7 units per 8-week term. PE 585 is completed after all other adapted physical education and MA in Physical Education coursework is fulfilled.

Graduate physical education students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better, and may not earn lower than a 2.7 (B-) in any PE core or content course. Students who earn below a 2.7 (B-) in a PE core or content course must retake the course and achieve the minimum GPA requirement.

Adapted Physical Education Core Courses
PE 600Physical Education Teaching Methods for Individuals with Mild to Moderate Disabilities3
PE 602Physical Education Teaching Methods for Individuals with Severe to Profound Disabilities3
PE 604Motor Assessment for Students Living with Disabilities3
PE 605Management of Adapted Physical Education Programs3
Fieldwork Courses 1
PE 606AField Experience in Adapted Physical Education1
PE 606BField Experience in Adapted Physical Education2
Master of Arts in Physical Education Core Courses
PE 551Curriculum Theory and Design in Physical Education3
PE 582Seminar in Professional Literature in Physical Education and Sport3
Physical Education, Coaching, and Administration Content Courses
Select one of the following:3
PE 555
Sociological and Ethical Issues in Sport
PE 565
Athletics and the Law
PE 570
Leadership and Administration of Physical Education and Athletic Programs
PE 578
Sport Psychology
Health Science Content Courses
Select one of the following:3
PE 560
Sports Medicine
PE 575
Advanced Principles of Physical Conditioning
PE 580
Wellness and Fitness for Life
Capstone Course
PE 585Capstone in Physical Education and Sport 23
Total Units30
1

PE 606A and PE 606B must be completed consecutively after all other adapted physical education coursework is fulfilled. May be completed concurrently with PE 585.

2

PE 585 is completed in the final terms of the master’s program.

Admission

University graduate admission and program-specific requirements must be met before an application is complete (see Admission to the University). Program-specific application requirements are available online.

International students should contact Graduate and Professional Admissions for application procedures.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this program shall be able to:
  1. Identify students with disabilities who may qualify for APE services.
    2.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge and application of kinesiology and motor development as it pertains to individuals with disabilities.
    3.
  3. Identify the disability categories, as identified in IDEA or under section 504 plan, and apply these to the characteristics present by the student.
    4.
  4. Demonstrate the knowledge and application of scientific principles of exercise and movement. This includes an understanding of the impact of disease, medication, and musculoskeletal and neurological conditions on the physiological and biomechanical performance of individuals with disabilities.
    5.
  5. Demonstrate instructional strategies and adaptations for attaining individualized measurable goals for individuals with disabilities throughout the lifespan, using sage and developmentally appropriate physical education in a variety of settings.
    6.
  6. Understand and apply Christian perspectives and Biblical truths to Physical Education and Sport.
    7.
  7. History and Philosophy of Physical Education: Synthesize the history and philosophy of Physical Education and how it interacts with the current discipline.
    8.
  8. Physical Education Fieldwork/Curriculum Assessment: Demonstrate proficiency in the development and evaluation of curriculum in Physical Education and Sport.
    9.
  9. Leadership and Administration in Physical Education and Sport: Apply the concepts and theories of administration, organization, programming, evaluation and leadership in Physical Education and Athletic Administration and sport management.
    10.
  10. Psychology, Sociology, and Ethics in Physical Education, Administration and Sport: Apply psychology, sociology, and ethical theories and practices in Physical Education, Athletic Administration, and Sport management.
    11.
  11. Demonstrate the ability to critically analyze research, develop a research project, and write following APA standards.