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Adapted Physical Education, M.S.

College of Education

Make a difference in the lives of children with and without disabilities by maximizing physical, intellectual and emotional development in general physical education settings.

Designed for busy professionals as an avenue to adapted physical educator certification/credentials (requirements vary by state), you'll learn to support individualized education plans through universally designed curricular strategies from a developmental perspective and feel confident teaching students of varying abilities.

Program Highlights

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    For Busy Schedules

    Complete this 100 percent online degree, designed for working educators, on your time and in one to two years.

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    Special Tuition Rates

    Pay reduced tuition rates if you are a certified South Carolina teacher; out-of-state students pay regular in-state tuition rates.

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    Exam Preparation

    Qualify to seek the Certified adapted physical educator credential, certificate or endorsement in some states.

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    Grow Your Goals

    Pursue a degree designed for in-service educators in physical education, special education, recreation and therapies.

What You’ll Study

Complete courses in universal design for learning in physical education, and develop a command of the subject. Gain experience evaluating and assessing adapted curriculum plans to meet a student's unique needs. Complete an action research project in adapted physical education, and understand how to meet legal mandates effectively.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

  • Teaching

    Foster learning by conveying knowledge, skills and concepts to students

    Physical Activity

    Participating in exercises, sports or movement to promote fitness, health and overall well-being

    Human Health

    Fostering well-being, preventing diseases and optimizing physical, mental and social aspects of individuals' well-being

  • Curriculum Planning

    Designing educational programs, courses and learning experiences that align with educational standards

    Program Evaluation

    Assessing effectiveness, efficiency and impact in achieving intended outcomes

    Teamwork

    Working collaboratively with others to achieve a shared goal or objective

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

Potential Careers

  • Physical Educator
  • Adapted Physical Educator
  • Athletic Coach
  • Recreation Coordinator
  • Special Educator

Workplace Settings

  • Education
  • Physical Therapy
  • Recreational Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Kinesiology

Advanced Degrees

Advance your career or options with post-graduate education.

I'm learning things that apply to my current students while I am teaching them. If I see something that I think would work, I can try it out the next day in class and use my experiences to frame my knowledge in my classes.

Courtney Dolan
Portrait of Courtney Dolan

Is USC Right For You?

There are many reasons we could be your ideal university. There's the award-winning academics, the globally modeled student life, and abundance of study abroad and experiential learning options. Take a closer look at what USC could mean for you.

Degree content is provided for informational purposes only. The Academic Bulletin is the source of record for all degree information.
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