Adapted Physical Education emphasis overview
A page within Physical Education Teaching
Physical Education Teaching with Adapted Physical Education emphasis (MS)
The Physical Education Teaching with Adapted Physical Education (APE) emphasis (MS) is a practitioner oriented program designed for teachers seeking additional expertise in a number of areas:
- Evidence-based content knowledge
- Technology skills
- Clinical experience in PK-12 physical education for students with disabilities in general and/or specially designed classes
Our graduates are equipped to perform consultation, leadership and supervision roles in APE for school districts and other agencies. Graduates of this program have also progressed on to doctoral study and become faculty at higher education institutions.

Program overview
APE professionals provide an important area of expertise for the school districts in which they work. Here are just a few of the contributions our students make in the professional world.
Professional contributions:
- Serve as traveling APE teachers
- Collaborate with special education personnel and educational staff
- Teach PK-12 students with disabilities
- Assess development for IEP implementation & evaluation

There are a number of funding opportunities available to provide financial assistance for graduate students. Find out more about these options on our program's financial aid information webpage.

There are a few different approaches a student may take when progressing through this program.
- Full-Time, On Campus - Academic Year and Summer Terms
- 12-14 credit hours - Fall and Spring semesters
- 6-9 credit hours - Summer semesters
- Program runs: Summer, Fall, Spring, Summer
- Allows for degree completion and eligibility for employment within one year of program start
- Part-Time, On-Campus - various terms
- Attend part-time on an intermittent basis in various semesters
- Degree completion over a span of 3-5 years
Our 36 credit program curriculum combines advanced study of general physical education with specialized APE course work.
Course content includes:
- Assessment and program evaluation
- Instructional models & teaching strategies
- APE leadership development
- Disability impacts on physical & motor performance
Students entering our program with an existing Wisconsin teaching license have the option of adding on the 860 supplementary teaching license. Contact Dr. Brock McMullen if you are interested in this option.

Curriculum adapted eb
ESS: Physical Education Teaching - Adapted Physical Education Emphasis - Master of Science
Admission
Candidates for the Physical Education Teaching - Adapted Physical Education Emphasis program must meet the following minimum admission requirements:
- Meet all UWL graduate admission requirements
- Have completed or be enrolled in a physical education teacher preparation program1
- Complete a successful criminal background check (initiated by UWL - see below)
1 | The Physical Education Teaching - Adapted Physical Education Emphasis program does not lead to endorsement for a Physical Education teaching license. Candidates accepted to the program must provide evidence to the program director that they hold a Physical Education teaching license prior to the end of the fall term (second term of coursework). Candidates who are not able to do so will be dismissed from the program, and tuition is not reimbursable. |
Criminal background check
The WI Department of Public Instruction (DPI) requires that candidates for admission to a teacher education, administration, or pupil services program successfully pass a criminal background check (CBC) as one criterion for admission (PI 34.018(2)). By applying for admission to one of these programs, candidates agree to provide the necessary personal information to UWL in order to initiate their CBC and to complete their portion of the process prior to the deadline specified in their admission letter. Teacher candidates are responsible for all costs associated with their criminal background check(s).
Certification option
Candidates in the Physical Education Teaching - Adapted Physical Education Emphasis program may elect to certify their program and receive UWL endorsement for a Wisconsin Adapted Physical Education teaching license. In order to certify the program, candidates must:
- Indicate their choice to certify their program by the end of the fall semester (second term of coursework).
- Complete all Physical Education Teaching - Adapted Physical Education Emphasis program requirements.
- Hold a Wisconsin Physical Education (PE) teaching license. Candidates holding a PE license from another state may apply for a WI PE license through the Department of Public Instruction (a fee may apply). Interested candidates should contact the SOE Teacher Certification Officer.
Candidates who complete the Physical Education Teaching - Adapted Physical Education Emphasis program without certifying their program will not be eligible for UWL endorsement for a WI Adapted Physical Education teaching license.
Curriculum
36-39 credits
Category A - research
-
Thesis option
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
ESS 730 | Research Methods for Exercise and Sport Science | 3 |
ESS 735 | Statistics for Exercise and Sport Science | 3 |
ESS 799 | Research: Master's Thesis | 6 |
Total Credits | 12 |
-
Non-thesis option
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
ESS 730 | Research Methods for Exercise and Sport Science | 3 |
ESS 736 | Critical Analysis Project: Adapted Physical Education | 3 |
Total Credits | 6 |
Category B - core requirements
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
ESS 725 | Diversity in the Physical Activity Setting | 2 |
ESS 727 | Planning for Effective Instruction in Physical Education | 2 |
ESS 737 | Curriculum Design in Physical Education | 2 |
ESS 759 | Analysis and Supervision of Physical Education | 3 |
ESS 765 | Adventure Education for Physical Educators | 3 |
ESS 771 | Current Issues in Physical Education | 2-3 |
Total Credits | 14 |
Category C - adapted physical education teaching requirements
Thesis option: 13 credits
Non-thesis option: 16 credits
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
ESS 530 | Disability and Physical Activity Implications | 3 |
ESS 535 | Sport for Persons with Disabilities | 1 |
ESS 536 | Assessment in Adapted Physical Education | 3 |
ESS 537 | Teaching and Service Delivery Models in Adapted Physical Education | 3 |
ESS 787 | Clinical Internship in Adapted Physical Education | 3 |
Elective (required for non-thesis option only) 2 | 3 |
2 | Consult with program director for appropriate coursework. |
University graduate degree requirements
After being admitted to the program of one's choice, candidates for a graduate degree must:
- Complete any preliminary course work and deficiencies.
- Complete all courses and other program requirements, including residence requirements prescribed for the degree desired in the respective school or college within a seven-year period from the date of initial enrollment, with the exception of students enrolled in the Student Affairs Administration and Leadership Ed.D. (SAA Ed.D.) graduate program. SAA Ed.D. students must complete all degree requirements within ten years from the time of initial enrollment in the graduate program.
- Earn a minimum of 30 credits for a master's degree; 54 credits for a doctorate or post-master's degree. Earn at least one-half of the minimum number of credits required in the program in graduate-only level courses (700, 800, 900, and non-slash 600 level courses). Some UWL graduate programs require more than 30 graduate credits. Please review the individual program requirements listed in the catalog for the exact number of credits required.
- Earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00.
- Satisfy dissertation, thesis, seminar paper, terminal/graduate projects and internships, or comprehensive examination, where applicable. A dissertation or thesis approved by the committee must be submitted to Graduate Studies for editorial review and approval by the Dean of Graduate & Extended Learning. The recommended initial submission date for review is two weeks before commencement. Ordinarily, a seminar paper or project report does not have to be approved by the Dean of Graduate & Extended Learning. However, if the seminar paper or project report is to be archived in Murphy Library, the student must follow the same rules as they apply to the dissertation/thesis requiring approval from the Dean of Graduate & Extended Learning. For further research/dissertation/thesis guidelines, see Graduate & Extended Learning.
- File a completed "Intent to Graduate" form online via the WINGS Student Center immediately following registration for the final semester or summer term in residence. December graduates and winter intersession should file by May 1. May and summer graduates should file by December 1.
- Pay the graduation fee and remove all other indebtedness to the university. Payment of graduation fees does not imply readiness for graduation and does not take the place of applying for graduation.
- Complete all requirements within 30 days after the official ending date of a term in order for a degree to be awarded for that term. (See #5 above for separate deadline for written capstone experience.)
School-based practicum/clinical experiences
Prepare graduates to provide leadership for PK-12 APE service delivery.
Center on Disability Health and Adapted Physical Activity (CDHAPA) program
Our graduate students obtain additional practical experiences working in the on-campus CDHAPA program serving persons with disabilities.

Our students select a thesis or non-thesis option. Thesis students complete courses in research methods and statistics along with a thesis project. Students choosing the non-thesis option complete courses in research methods and assessment in addition to completing a project. The work of a few of our students is highlighted below.
Graduate Project
Lauren Bach
Modifications and Adaptations for Successful Inclusion in Aquatics for Individuals with Visual Impairment
Graduate Project
Rhyanne Hartwig
Implementing Self-Protection Units in Adapted Physical Education
Graduate Project
Quinton White
Parent perceptions of extracurricular sport programs for high school students with disabilities.
Contact our Adapted Physical Education Teaching emphasis coordinator
Assistant Professor
215 Mitchell Hall
bmcmullen@uwlax.edu
608.785.8167
Specialty areas:
Adapted Physical Education and Physical Education Teacher Preparation