Adapted Physical Education (Undergraduate Certificate)
In Michigan, candidates must first be certified in Health and Physical Education (HPE) or Special Education (SPED) before adding an APE endorsement to their teaching certificate.
The Traditional Route (open to teacher candidates or teachers of HPE or SPED) involves completing a 21-credit course sequence over two years. After fulfilling the credit requirements, completers can apply for the APE endorsement to be added to their teaching certificates.
The Accelerated Route (open only to teachers of HPE) consists of four APE-specific courses, each with embedded clinical experiences. Cohorts will complete this sequence within one year and, upon completion, will sit for the APENS (Adapted Physical Education National Standards) exam. After successfully passing the exam and completing their clinical hours, completers will be eligible to apply for the APE endorsement. The primary audience for this certificate includes teachers already endorsed in HPE and who wish to add the APE endorsement.
Graduation Requirements
Students must complete the required credit hours outlined in the Traditional or Accelerated Routes. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required to earn the undergraduate certificate, and no grade below a C will be accepted for any course. The Traditional Route is designed to be completed over 2 years, while the Accelerated Route is intended to be finished within 1 year.
Adapted Physical Education K-12
The program is offered in two routes.
1) Traditional Route
The Traditional Route is for teacher candidates or certified teachers of either Health and Physical Education (HPE) or Special Education (SPED) and requires completion of a minimum of 21 credit hours in APE coursework as listed below.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SED 5000 | History, Philosophy, and Ethics of Teaching Students with Disabilities | 2 |
| SED 5080 | Supportive Environments, Engaged Learning | 2 |
| TED 2220 | Foundations III: Foundations of Inclusive Schooling | 2 |
| HPE 6400 | Physical Activity in Pediatric Disabilities (Additional courses required for the Adapted PE Concentration:) | 3 |
| HPE 6410 | Teaching Adapted Physical Activity and Sport | 3 |
| HPE 6420 | Teaching Aquatics to Special Populations | 3 |
| HPE 6430 | Physical Activity Assessment in Special Populations | 3 |
| HPE 6440 | Leadership Training and Practicum in Adapted Physical Education | 3 |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
2) Accelerated Route
The Accelerated Route is only for teachers of Health and Physical Education (HPE) and requires completion of a minimum of 12 credit hours in APE coursework as listed below. Students receiving tuition support through grant funding for this program may need to complete an additional course requiring at least 15 credit hours (required by the Grand Funding agency).
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HPE 6400 | Physical Activity in Pediatric Disabilities (Additional courses required for the Adapted PE Concentration:) | 3 |
| HPE 6410 | Teaching Adapted Physical Activity and Sport | 3 |
| HPE 6420 | Teaching Aquatics to Special Populations | 3 |
| HPE 6430 | Physical Activity Assessment in Special Populations | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
| For students that are grant funded, an additional course is required: | ||
| HPE 6440 | Leadership Training and Practicum in Adapted Physical Education | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 | |