Master’s in Adapted Physical Education
Enrich your teaching by helping those with disabilities to achieve healthy lifestyles through movement education and physical activities.
Why Earn an MA in Adapted Physical Education?
This program prepares educators and physical activity experts to emphasize inclusion in providing adapted physical education instruction, intervention and physical activity in school-based and community-based settings, as well as in schools for those with disabilities. Learn to develop achievement-based physical education instruction to maximize learning and physical activity for students with disabilities, as well as how to assess movement abilities, modify activities and plan programs to provide appropriate physical activity instruction with our physical education master’s program.
Why Pursue Your MA in Adapted Physical Education at Adelphi?
- Adelphi offers flexible scheduling at night to accommodate those who work during the day.
- You will benefit from hands-on experience working with children with disabilities.
- You’ll also benefit from small classes and personal advising.
Two Master’s Degree Programs
The MA in Physical Education with a specialization in Teaching Adapted Physical Education is a 33-credit program for teachers who already have New York state teacher licenses in K–12 certification in physical education. This adaptive physical education program prepares teachers as specialists in providing adapted physical education instruction and intervention in a variety of school-based settings. Through specific coursework, learn to apply knowledge of characteristics, assess movement abilities, modify activities and plan programs to provide appropriate physical education and activity instruction to students of all ability levels. Participate in enriching and rewarding hands-on learning options, such as Camp Abilities Long Island, a developmental sports program for children who are visually impaired, blind and deaf-blind.
The MA in Physical Activity Studies with a specialization in Teaching Adapted Physical Education, also a 33-credit program, is for students who do not hold a teaching license and want to better include people with disabilities in non-school settings, such as YMCA and parks and recreation programs. It offers courses preparing practitioners in inclusive physical activity, sports and recreation. With our adapted physical education degree you’ll learn to craft inclusive physical activity experiences that maximize participation for individuals with disabilities.
As an elementary and middle school physical education teacher, I am faced with a variety of learners with many abilities and disabilities. This program not only educated me on specific disabilities and how to best support these individuals, but most importantly taught me empathy toward all.
Exceptional Hands-On Learning
Examples of hands-on learning, internships, and out-of-the-classroom opportunities available in the New York area to our physical education master’s program students:
- Camp Abilities Long Island: Teaching sports and activities to children who are blind, visually impaired and deaf-blind
- Internships in public schools (both elementary and secondary settings)
- Practicum at Henry Viscardi School
- Nassau County Victory Challenge, Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged
- L.I. Ninjitsu Centers Third Eye Insight: Inclusive for those who are blind and visually impaired
- Long Island Bombers: Beep Baseball team practices
- Rosemary Kennedy School, Nassau County BOCES
- NYC Special Schools, District 75
- Cross Island YMCA, Bellerose, New York
Adapted Physical Education Degree Career Outcomes
Organizations where our graduates have been employed:
- Adapted physical education (APE) teacher, James E. Allen Junior/Senior High School, Western-Suffolk BOCES
- Elementary physical education and APE teacher, New Hyde Park-Garden City Park School District
- Physical education teacher, Oyster Bay High School
- Physical education teacher, White Plains Public School District
- Physical education and APE teacher, JHS 194 William H. Carr, Queens
- Physical education teacher, The Charles A. Dorsey Community School P.S. 67, Brooklyn
- Physical education teacher, Great Neck School District
- Physical education teacher, Emolior Academy, a middle school in the Bronx, and adjunct professor in Physical education at Suffolk County Community College
- Physical education and APE teacher, Hillcrest High School, Queens
- Physical education teacher, St. Rose of Lima Catholic Academy
Adaptive Physical Education Program Info
Application Requirements
To apply for the adaptive physical education program, submit the appropriate application requirements:
- Graduate application and $60 fee
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal essay
- Official transcripts from all prior institutions and proof of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution
- Résumé (preferred)
Awards & Recognition
