Human Performance and Health Education

Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in Adapted Physical Education (APE) and Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS)

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Courses

Overview

The Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate is designed for educators seeking advanced preparation to teach children with severe disabilities through a flexible, fully online format. This program is intentionally structured to support the development of professional competencies while accommodating the demands of working professionals. Coursework focuses on preparing teachers to deliver high-quality Adapted Physical Education (APE) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) services for K–12 students with severe disabilities across adapted physical education and special education settings.

Through an integrated, interdisciplinary approach, students strengthen skills in instructional planning, behavior support, collaboration, and inclusive practice. The curriculum consists of 27 credit hours, completed across nine courses, and emphasizes practical application grounded in current research and best practices. Graduates of the program are equipped to enhance educational access, promote positive learning environments, and effectively support students with complex needs in diverse school contexts. This certificate provides a meaningful pathway for educators committed to inclusive, evidence-based practice.

Why apply?

Endorsement-Ready Preparation: Complete a program that leads to endorsement in Adapted Physical Education and/or PBIS for eligible, certified teachers.
Dual Skill Set: Build expertise in both adapted physical education and positive behavioral supports to better serve students with severe disabilities.
Designed for Practicing Educators: Ideal for current physical education teachers and special educators seeking specialized, career-enhancing training.
Fully Online Format: Complete all coursework online while continuing to work in K–12 settings.
Applied, Practice-Focused Training: Gain skills that can be immediately applied in physical education and special education classrooms.

Program of Study

Students in this interdisciplinary graduate certificate complete coursework that integrates adapted physical education and positive behavioral interventions to support children with severe disabilities. The program emphasizes instructional design, assessment, and curriculum development in adapted physical education alongside training in behavior analysis, school-wide and intensive behavioral supports, and effective classroom management strategies. Students also engage in applied learning experiences that connect theory to practice in K–12 educational settings, strengthening skills in collaboration, data-informed decision-making, and inclusive service delivery. All coursework is completed in a fully online format and is designed to build practical, evidence-based competencies that can be immediately applied in adapted physical education and special education classrooms.

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