Physical Education Teaching

Adapted Physical Education emphasis overview

Distance Learners

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Physical Education Teaching with Adapted Physical Education emphasis (MS)

The Physical Education Teaching with Adapted Physical Education (APE) emphasis (MS) is a practitioner oriented program designed for teachers seeking additional expertise in a number of areas:

Evidence-based content knowledge
Technology skills
Clinical experience in PK-12 physical education for students with disabilities in general and/or specially designed classes

Our graduates are equipped to perform consultation, leadership and supervision roles in APE for school districts and other agencies. Graduates of this program have also progressed on to doctoral study and become faculty at higher education institutions.

Program overview

What does an APE professional do?

APE professionals provide an important area of expertise for the school districts in which they work. Here are just a few of the contributions our students make in the professional world.

Professional contributions:

Serve as traveling APE teachers
Collaborate with special education personnel and educational staff
Teach PK-12 students with disabilities
Assess development for IEP implementation & evaluation

Funding opportunities

There are a number of funding opportunities available to provide financial assistance for graduate students. Find out more about these options on our program's financial aid information webpage.

FINANCIAL AID INFO (click here)

Options for program completion

There are a few different approaches a student may take when progressing through this program.

Full-Time, On Campus - Academic Year and Summer Terms
- 12-14 credit hours - Fall and Spring semesters
- 6-9 credit hours - Summer semesters
- Program runs: Summer, Fall, Spring, Summer
- Allows for degree completion and eligibility for employment within one year of program start

Part-Time, On-Campus - various terms
- Attend part-time on an intermittent basis in various semesters
- Degree completion over a span of 3-5 years

Program curriculum

Our 36 credit program curriculum combines advanced study of general physical education with specialized APE course work.

Course content includes:

Assessment and program evaluation
Instructional models & teaching strategies
APE leadership development
Disability impacts on physical & motor performance

Students entering our program with an existing Wisconsin teaching license have the option of adding on the 860 supplementary teaching license. Contact Dr. Brock McMullen if you are interested in this option.

Practicum experience

School-based practicum/clinical experiences
Prepare graduates to provide leadership for PK-12 APE service delivery.

Center on Disability Health and Adapted Physical Activity (CDHAPA) program
Our graduate students obtain additional practical experiences working in the on-campus CDHAPA program serving persons with disabilities.

Student project profiles

Our students select a thesis or non-thesis option. Thesis students complete courses in research methods and statistics along with a thesis project. Students choosing the non-thesis option complete courses in research methods and assessment in addition to completing a project. The work of a few of our students is highlighted below.

Graduate Project