Program Overview

Graduate Certificate in Adapted Physical Activity

The Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation offers a Graduate Certificate in Adapted Physical Activity.

Why Study This Program?

The Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Coaching, and Doctor of Philosophy. The areas available for study are:

• Adapted Physical Activity
• Coaching Studies and Sport Psychology
• Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine
• Neuroscience and Movement
• Physiology
• Recreation, Sport and Tourism
• Sociocultural

The deadline for applications is February 1. Normally, students are expected to start their program in September.

Entrance Requirements

The Facultys minimum admission requirements for the masters thesis and course-based programs are a four-year baccalaureate degree, or its academic equivalent, in physical education, kinesiology, recreation, or another related degree, with a minimum admission grade point average of 3.0 on most 4.0 grading systems or B on most letter grading systems, based on the most recent two years of full-time study (or equivalent).

The Facultys minimum admission requirements for the doctoral program are a masters degree, or its academic equivalent, with a thesis in physical education, kinesiology, recreation, or another related degree, with a minimum admission grade point average of 3.0 on most 4.0 grading systems or B on most letter grading systems, based on the most recent two years of full-time study (or equivalent).

Where applicable, candidates must meet the minimum English Language Requirements set by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.

Program Requirements

The Facultys minimum admission requirements are an undergraduate degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. A degree in Kinesiology or a related field is considered an asset but not required. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.

The undergraduate degree can be in any discipline, and some experience working in an adapted or recreation setting will be considered an asset.

A minimum of 1 year of relevant work experience is also required. Note: relevant work experience includes but is not limited to individuals working in education, physical education, allied health, sport, recreation, dance, fitness, creative arts, nutrition, medicine, rehabilitation (among other sectors).

Where applicable, applicants must meet the minimum GPS English Language Requirement.

Applicants are also required to submit the following:

• Current resume/curriculum vitae
• One professional letter of reference
• One letter of intent

Applicants who do not meet the minimum academic requirement but have considerable relevant professional experience may also be admissible. Individuals who feel that this situation applies to them are encouraged to discuss their status.

Course Work

Students are required to complete four 3-unit courses for a total of 12 units. Students must complete four of the following:

• KSR 717 - Critical Survey of Key Topics in Adapted Physical Activity
• KSR 718 - Program Evaluation and Assessment
• KSR 719 - Being a Reflexive Practitioner
• KSR 720 - Accessible Design for APA
• KSR 721 - Instructional Approaches & Programming Models
• KSR 722 - Coaching Athletes Experiencing Disability
• KSR 723 - Integrating Disability Perspectives into APA Practice
• KSR 724 - Trauma Informed Practice

Length of Program

The maximum time to complete the graduate certificate as set by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies is four years.

Laddering

Students who complete the certificate in good standing may be able to use the courses from the certificate to receive advanced standing in the Master of Arts or Master of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Studies in Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation. Completion of the certificate does not guarantee admission to a masters degree program. The certificate may be used for both the basis of admission and laddered into the course-based master degree.

Courses

Graduate courses can be found in Course Listings, under the following headings:

• Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation (KSR)

Tuition and Fees

A number of graduate assistantships and scholarships are available each year to graduate students.

Scholarships and Financial Support

The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies administers over $29 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for graduate students, as well as financial and loan advising. Additional scholarships are also available for specific faculties and programs.