Kinesiology: Adapted Physical Education (M.S.)

https://chhs.unh.edu/kinesiology/program/ms/kinesiology-adapted-physical-education

The Adapted Physical Education graduate program is an interdisciplinary program that aims to develop highly qualified adapted physical education teachers with a diverse skill set to allow graduates of this program to effectively instruct, assess, and develop meaningful relationships with students with disabilities to provide them a quality physical education experience. The coursework in this program promotes the practical applications of interdisciplinary collaboration between adapted physical educators, special educators, related service providers, and parents to improve service delivery and outcomes for students with disabilities. This program also includes numerous field work opportunities with individuals with disabilities to improve their health, psychomotor skills, and well-being. This program is a competency-based graduate program based within the Adapted Physical Education National Standards (APENS). The APENS outlines 15 standards to guide the professional preparation of APE teachers. Using these standards to guide the development of this graduate program option, students will be provided the information and experiences necessary for national certification.

The APE option comprises of a minimum of 32 credits of coursework and fieldwork, and a capstone experience in the form of a research thesis or an applied research project

Required Courses
RMP 992Research Methods in Recreation Management and Policy3
or RMP 824 Research, Evaluation, and Data-Driven Decisions
or KIN 901 Analysis of Professional Literature
KIN 895Advanced Studies (Adapted Physical Education)2
EDUC 881Introduction to Statistics: Inquiry, Analysis, and Decision Making4
KIN 881Introduction to Adapted Physical Education4
KIN 842Advanced Assessment in Adapted Physical Activity4
RMP 820Adaptive Sport Facilitation for Recreation Therapy and Related Professions3
or EDUC 850 Introduction to Disability in Inclusive Schools and Communities
RMP 840Therapeutic Recreation Service Delivery in Community Settings3
Capstone
Select one of the following:
KIN 899Master's Thesis (Thesis Students)6
KIN 895Advanced Studies (Non-Thesis Students)4
Electives
Select one to two courses from the following:
EDUC 856Advocating for Diverse and Inclusive Family-School-Community Partnerships4
EDUC 839Equitable Assessment and Individualized Educational Planning: Building Access and Agency4
EDUC 956Developing Positive Behavior Supports to Ensure Success for All Learners4
EDUC 818Critical Social Justice in and Beyond Education4
KIN 841Social Issues in Contemporary Sports4
KIN 865Advanced Topics in Coaching4
OT 832Introduction to AT Design and Fabrication2

Students attain the following outcomes upon completion of the program: 

  • Graduates will be able to use current APE literature and evidence-based practices to deliver high quality APE services.
  • Graduates will be involved in a 100+ hours of practicum experiences during their program where they work with individuals with disabilities.
  • Graduates will develop positive attitudes and dispositions towards individuals with disabilities.
  • Graduate will be able to effectively collaborative with a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Graduates will have the knowledge and skills to effectively implement the following: (a) Universal Design for Learning principles, (b) IEP development and process, (c) assistive technology, (d) behavior management, (e) formative and summative assessments, and (f) transition planning.
  • Graduates will be able to read, synthesize, and apply APE research to their APE service delivery to students with disabilities.
  • Graduates will be able to understand how special education legislation mandates impacts APE service delivery.
  • Graduates will be able to understand the unique physical and learning attributes associated with specific disabilities and develop a physical education program tailored to the specific needs of that disability.