About the Program

The online Graduate Certificate in Adapted Physical Education provides physical education teachers with the knowledge, skills, and practical experiences needed to meet the needs of students with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. 

This program cultivates a community of educators engaged in meaningful collaboration to support students of all abilities in obtaining the full benefit of free public education as well as appropriate access to general education programming.

Learning Outcomes

Upon earning a Graduate Certificate in Adapted Physical Education, students will be able to:

• Develop a robust understanding of legislation directly impacting individuals with disabilities
• Conduct accurate and comprehensive assessments of motor skill performance
• Design lessons centered on the principles of Universal Design for Learning
• Participate in extensive practical experiences by providing direct assessment and instruction to PK-12 students with disabilities

The Graduate Certificate in Adapted Physical Education is designed for practicing teachers. It features a series of courses built to enhance the use of age- and developmentally-appropriate, evidence-based practices for physical education classes.

In addition to practicing teachers in PK-12 schools, this certificate is appropriate for people in careers such as adaptive sports instructors, wilderness therapists, athletic administrators, and youth program managers.

This certificate meets the coursework requirements for the Maine Department of Education’s Adapted Physical Education (515) endorsement. 

Earning a certification or endorsement in other states through this program may be very simple. For information, please visit your state’s Department of Education. Specific information regarding Maine certification is available through the Maine Department of Education.

This program will prepare students to be eligible for licensure within the State of Maine. Visit the UMS State Authorization & Licensure page to learn more about the licensure requirements in other states and territories, in addition to the contact information needed to inquire further into the licensure requirements associated with this program.