Master of Science in Lifelong Wellness through Innovative Leadership
Program Overview
Master of Science in Lifelong Wellness through Innovative Leadership
The Master of Science in Lifelong Wellness through Innovative Leadership offers a forward-thinking curriculum designed to equip professionals with the tools to foster both physical and holistic wellness across the lifespan. Students may choose one of two concentrations:
- Adapted Physical Activity
- School Wellness Education
Through the School Wellness Education concentration, students also have the option to earn K–12 Health and Physical Education Teacher Certification.
Adapted Physical Activity (APA) Concentration
Why Adapted Physical Activity and SRU?
At Slippery Rock University, the Adapted Physical Activity (APA) concentration is the only program of its kind in the United States welcoming candidates from diverse backgrounds—physical education, exercise science, recreational therapy, special education, athletic training, and related fields. If you're passionate about creating and leading programs that help people with disabilities stay active and healthy, this degree will empower you to reinvent the future.
How SRU Prepares APA Graduates
The APA curriculum equips students to advocate for, design, and deliver opportunities that promote health and activity for persons with disabilities across the lifespan. Students will gain expertise in:
- Health Promotion & Nutrition: Strategies to improve health outcomes and quality of life
- Vocational & Independent Living Services: Supporting competitive integrated employment and independent living
- Advocacy & Leadership: Championing accessibility and inclusion in schools, community agencies, and beyond
Hands-On Experience
Students engage directly with individuals of all ages and abilities through:
- Kids in Action: After-school activities for children (ages 5–12) with autism and their siblings
- Transition Achievement Program (TAP): Job training, life skills, and fitness for high school students with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Interscholastic Unified Sports (IUS): Coaching PIAA-sanctioned Special Olympics teams in partnership with regional schools
- Veterans with Disabilities (VETS): Designing and leading activities for veterans at the VA hospital in Butler
- Rock Life: Mentoring college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Plus opportunities in vision-impaired sports, Pre-K inclusion, and more
Career Pathways
Graduates stand out in roles such as:
- Adapted Physical Education Specialists in K–12 districts
- Advanced Recreation Therapy Professionals
- Health Promotion Coordinators at community agencies or fitness centers
- Inclusive Sports & Recreation Program Directors
- Independent consultants developing new disability-focused activity initiatives
Program Highlights
- 30-credit master's — classes offered fall, spring, and summer
- 100% online with flexible pacing for working professionals
School Wellness Education (SWE) Concentration
Why School Wellness Education and SRU?
The School Wellness Education (SWE) concentration prepares health and physical education professionals to transition to a wellness education model, enhance existing wellness programs, and lead positive change in their classroom, school, and broader community.
Program Outcomes
Graduates will be able to:
- Align Curriculum with National Standards — Integrate SHAPE America and CDC guidelines into K–12 health and physical education.
- Design Personalized Learning Experiences — Tailor wellness instruction to meet the unique needs of diverse learners.
- Leverage Educational Technology — Utilize digital tools and platforms to engage students and track progress.
- Build School-to-Community Partnerships — Apply the WSCC (Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child) model to foster collaboration between schools, families, and local organizations.
Program Highlights
- 30-credit-hour curriculum, designed for working professionals with flexible pacing
- 100% online courses, accessible from anywhere
- Fall and Spring core courses, with additional offerings in Winter and Summer terms
School Wellness Education (SWE) Concentration - Teaching Certification
Teaching Certification in K–12 Health and Physical Education
As part of the Lifelong Wellness through Innovative Leadership (LLW) graduate program, career changers and current educators can pursue K–12 initial teaching certification in Health and Physical Education.
This Teaching Certification Pathway is ideal for individuals who:
- Are seeking a career change into teaching
- Already hold a bachelor's degree or master's degree in another area
- Are not currently pursuing a graduate degree but wish to become certified to teach Health and Physical Education
Through the School Wellness Education (SWE) concentration, students complete:
- A minimum of 15 credits in SWE coursework (identical to the master's curriculum)
- A Field Experience course
- A full-semester Student Teaching placement (if required)
Program Highlights
- Individual advising on the additional coursework, field experiences, and student teaching required to earn HPE teaching certification
- Minimum of 24 credit hours curriculum (5 classes plus student teaching), designed for working professionals with flexible pacing
- 100% online courses, accessible from anywhere
- Required in-person Field and Student Teaching, location approved by the PHE department
- Fall and Spring courses, with additional offerings in Winter and Summer terms