Adapted Physical Education, MA

Degree and Certification: Completing the program earns a Master’s Degree and eligibility for the State of Michigan K-12 P.E. for Students with Disabilities (SP) Endorsement.

Global Learning Opportunities: Students are encouraged to broaden their perspectives through study abroad programs, including Discover Croatia and Venice, Italy: Educational System, Sport, and Culture and Education and Health in China and Korea.

Flexible Online Format: All coursework is delivered online, allowing students to balance professional and personal commitments while advancing their expertise.

Inclusive Skill Development: Gain the knowledge and practical experience needed to teach students with disabilities across diverse physical education activities and environments.

Career Impact: Graduates leave prepared to make a meaningful difference in K-12 physical education and beyond, promoting inclusive, high-quality learning experiences for all students.

In the Master of Arts in Adapted Physical Education program, students develop a strong professional foundation in inclusive physical education while building advanced skills in research, assessment, and program development. The curriculum emphasizes teaching K-12 children with disabilities in the least restrictive and most supportive environments, fostering competencies in designing and delivering effective, engaging, and developmentally appropriate physical education experiences. Students also explore strategies for collaboration, consultation, and behavioral support, preparing them to work effectively with diverse learners and educational teams. With opportunities to pursue a thesis or applied internship, the program balances theoretical knowledge with practical experience, equipping graduates to implement inclusive practices, advocate for students with disabilities, and make meaningful contributions to physical education and adapted sport programs.

• Assistantships in this department
• Assistantships
• Tuition and fees
• Cost of attendance
• Scholarships
• Grants
• Loans
• Employer-paid tuition
• Military and veterans

This program is ideal for current physical education teachers who want to provide high-quality adapted physical education for students with disabilities in inclusive, supportive, and developmentally appropriate settings.

WMU’s streamlined online graduate application system allows both domestic and international students to submit all required materials in one place. Applicants for the M.A. in Physical Education with an adapted physical education concentration are encouraged to include program-specific information and bookmark the application details for easy reference.

Out-of-State Applicants: Non-Michigan residents should check with their state’s Department of Education to confirm endorsement requirements for teaching adapted physical education, as approvals may vary by state.

Graduates are also prepared to collaborate with general and content-area educators, supporting diverse learners—including ESL students—and ensuring all students have meaningful access to physical education.

The shortage of professionals in Adapted Physical Education, including school teachers and college professors, has been chronic and significant for many years. This shortage has been documented not only based on the number of professional positions funded by schools and universities, but also based on the number of students with disabilities who need adapted physical education services. The further information concerning this shortage can be found in the following research articles completed by the Director and advisor of this federally funded online master’s degree program.

• Work with individuals with disabilities who want to engage in physical activities.
• Develop and manage programs for patients with disabilities who require specialized activities.
• Successfully include children with disabilities in general physical education classes.