Program Overview

Introduction to the Master's Degree in Adapted Physical Education

The Master's Degree in Adapted Physical Education is a graduate program designed to prepare educators and physical activity experts to provide inclusive physical education instruction, intervention, and physical activity in school-based and community-based settings. This program emphasizes the development of achievement-based physical education instruction to maximize learning and physical activity for students with disabilities.

Program Overview

The program offers two specializations: the MA in Physical Education with a specialization in Teaching Adapted Physical Education, and the MA in Physical Activity Studies with a specialization in Teaching Adapted Physical Education. The MA in Physical Education is a 33-credit program for teachers who already have New York state teacher licenses in K12 certification in physical education. The MA in Physical Activity Studies is also a 33-credit program, designed for students who do not hold a teaching license and want to better include people with disabilities in non-school settings.

Program Details

• The program prepares teachers as specialists in providing adapted physical education instruction and intervention in a variety of school-based settings.
• Through specific coursework, students 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.
• The program offers enriching and rewarding hands-on learning options, such as Camp Abilities Long Island, a developmental sports program for children who are visually impaired, blind, or deaf-blind.

Hands-On Learning Opportunities

• Camp Abilities Long Island: teaching sports and activities to children who are blind, visually impaired, or deaf-blind
• Internships in public schools (both elementary and secondary school 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 of those who are blind and visually impaired
• Long Island Bombers: beep baseball team practices
• Rosemary Kennedy School, Nassau County BOCES
• New York City Special Education Schools, District 75
• Cross Island YMCA, Bellerose, Queens, New York

Career Outcomes

• Adapted physical education (APE) teacher
• Elementary physical education and APE teacher
• Physical education teacher
• Organizations where graduates have been employed include:
  • James E. Allen Junior/Senior High School, Western Suffolk BOCES, New York
  • New Hyde Park-Garden City Park School District, New York
  • Oyster Bay High School, New York
  • White Plains Public School District, New York
  • J.H.S. 194 William H. Carr, Queens, New York
  • The Charles A. Dorsey Community School P.S. 67, Brooklyn, New York
  • Great Neck School District, New York
  • Emolior Academy, a middle school in the Bronx, New York
  • Suffolk County Community College, New York
  • Hillcrest High School, Queens, New York
  • St. Rose of Lima Catholic Academy, Rockaway Beach, New York

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)
• Course-by-course evaluation: All graduate applicants with undergraduate-level work completed outside of the United States will be required to send a course-by-course evaluation of their academic work prepared by a NACES member organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Getting a Master's Degree in Adapted Physical Education Worth It?

Pursuing a master's degree in adapted physical education enhances career prospects and provides the knowledge and skills needed to successfully include students with varying abilities in all class activities.

How Long Does It Take to Get an MA in Adapted Physical Education?

The master's degree in adapted physical education offers flexible scheduling. Most students complete the program in approximately two years by taking one or two classes per semester.

How Can a Master's Degree in Adapted Physical Education Help My Career?

Adelphi's master's degree in adapted physical education is tailored for licensed physical education teachers who want to specialize in teaching students with disabilities. The degree puts students on the path to achieve the Certified Adapted Physical Education (CAPE) national certification and makes them eligible for their New York state professional teaching license.

Is the Adapted Physical Education Program Taught Online or In Person?

The adapted physical education graduate program is taught in person with some classes offered online, emphasizing practical, hands-on experience working with students with disabilities.

Can I Do a Dual Program Focusing on Teaching Adapted Physical Education and Earning an Initial License in Teaching Health Education?

Yes, Adelphi University offers a dual program in teaching adapted physical education and completing an initial New York state license to teach Health Education K-12 at the graduate level.

Do I Need a Master's Degree in Adapted Physical Education if I Already Have a Master's Degree in Another Subject?

If you already have a master's degree but still want to advance your career with adapted physical education, Adelphi offers a Graduate Certificate in Adapted Physical Education.

Related Programs

• Adapted Physical Education (Certificate)
• Physical Activity Studies (MA)
• Exercise Science (MS)
• Physical Education (MA)
• Sport-Based Youth Development (Specialization)
• Autism & Severe or Multiple Disabilities (Advanced Certificate)
• Autism Spectrum Disorders (Advanced Certificate)