Undergraduate Certificate in Adapted Physical Education
The undergraduate certificate in Adapted Physical Education (APE) prepares students to teach physical education to individuals with disabilities, focusing on assessment, individualized instruction, and collaboration with educational professionals. The program covers key areas such as motor development, anatomy, biomechanics, and the legal framework surrounding adapted physical education. Students will gain practical skills in adapting curricula, using assistive devices, and creating inclusive learning environments that promote lifelong participation in fitness, sports, and recreation for individuals with disabilities.
What you'll learn
Students will gain knowledge of the causes and effects of disabilities, learn to assess physical education skills, and collaborate with education professionals. They will develop skills in using various assessments and understand relevant federal and state legislation. The program focuses on understanding the psychomotor, cognitive, and affective characteristics of learners, and adapting teaching methods to meet diverse needs. Students will also study anatomy, kinesiology, and biomechanics related to motor control and sensory integration. Students will learn to adapt physical education curricula for students with disabilities in areas such as fitness, motor skills, aquatic skills, and lifetime sports. The program also covers the use of assistive and mobility devices to create inclusive learning opportunities, promoting lifelong participation in community recreation and sports.
Course Requirements
The Undergraduate Certificate in Adapted Physical Education offers two pathways:
Accelerated Pathway
Requires 12 credit hours in Adapted Physical Education and includes a 200-hour practicum, during which candidates must demonstrate successful teaching of adapted physical education.
Traditional Pathway
Requires 21 credit hours, including at least 12 credits in Adapted Physical Education, 4 credits in Special Education, elective coursework, and a 60-hour practicum, during which candidates must demonstrate successful teaching of adapted physical education.
All coursework must comply with the academic procedures of the College of Education and the University. To meet graduation requirements, students must earn a grade of ‘C’ or better in all courses, with a minimum overall GPA of 2.5.
Curriculum
Traditional Pathway
| Courses | Cr. Hrs. |
|---|---|
| HPE 6400 Physical Activity in Pediatric Disabilities | 3 |
| HPE 6410 Teaching Adapted Physical Activity | 3 |
| HPE 6420 Teaching Aquatics to Special Populations | 3 |
| HPE 6430 Physical Activity Assessment in Special Populations | 3 |
| SED 5000 History, Philosophy and Ethics of Teaching Students with Disabilities | 2 |
| SED 5010 Inclusive Teaching | 3 |
| Plus Electives in KIN, HPE, SAM | |
| Plus 60 hours APE Practicum | |
Accelerated Pathway
| Courses | Cr. Hrs. |
|---|---|
| HPE 6400 Physical Activity in Pediatric Disabilities | 3 |
| HPE 6410 Teaching Adapted Physical Activity | 3 |
| HPE 6420 Teaching Aquatics to Special Populatons | 3 |
| HPE 6430 Physical Activity Assessment in Special Populations | 3 |
| Plus 200 hours APE Practicum | |
| Plus passing the Adapted Physical Education National Standard (APENS) certification exam | |
Admission requirements
Must apply to undergraduate admissions, Undergraduate Certificate in Adapted Physical Education. It is required that candidates have earned:
- Bachelor’s transcript and,
- Upload a copy of a valid teacher certificate in Special Education (listed endorsements below), Physical Education or Health and Physical Education
- Special Education, with one of the following endorsements:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (SV)
- Cognitive Impairment (SA)
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SL)
- Emotional Impairment (SE)
- Learning Disabilities (SM)
- Physical or Other Health Impairment (SC)
- Speech and Language Impairment (SB)
- Visual Impairment (SK)
OR
- Physical Education, or Health and Physical Education (MC), And
- And the passing of criminal history questions.
Contact
Leah Ketcheson
Associate Professor and Program Coordinator,
Health and Physical Education
313--577-8739
leah.ketcheson@wayne.edu
Kinesiology Health and Sport Studies
Phone: 313-577-4249