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APU’s Master of Arts in Physical Education with Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization is designed for candidates who already possess one of three teaching credentials: Single Subject in Physical Education, Multiple Subject, or Education Specialist. Graduates of the program are eligible to teach general or adapted physical education at the community college level. Candidates who add the authorization to a Single Subject Physical Education Credential are eligible to teach in K-12 districts as adapted physical educators, as general physical educators, or in hybrid positions. Candidates who add the authorization to a Multiple Subject Credential are eligible to teach in K-12 districts in a general education classroom or serve as adapted physical educators. Candidates who add the authorization to an Education Specialist Credential are eligible to teach specially designed academic instruction or serve as adapted physical educators in K-12 districts. See below for additional requirements for candidates who hold a Multiple Subject or Education Specialist credential.

The combined master’s degree and added authorization program delivers a comprehensive educational package. Graduates gain a marketable specialty in adapted physical education that allows for expanded employment opportunities and the skills to make a difference in the lives of diverse students.

The School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences also offers the Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization without a master’s degree.

Designed for the Working Professional

The blended model of the adapted physical education coursework enables candidates to engage online with colleagues and faculty during the week, and in person at the main campus every other Saturday during the Fall I and II terms. Candidates engage with faculty and colleagues synchronously online during the Spring I and II terms. Courses for the MA in Physical Education degree can be completed face-to-face at the Azusa campus or entirely online.

Program Highlights

• Graduate with your degree in as little as 18–24 months.
• Benefit from a blend of relevant coursework, scholarly research, and practical training in the field.
• Study alongside expert faculty who bring their experience to the learning environment.
• Earn your degree from a top Christian university dedicated to God First since 1899.

Additional Requirements for Candidates with a Multiple Subject or Education Specialist Credential

To demonstrate subject matter competence in physical education, candidates who hold either a Multiple Subject or an Education Specialist Credential have two options:

• (Recommended Option) Complete 12 units of upper-division and/or graduate coursework in motor development, kinesiology, and other relevant physical education topics, as determined and approved by the APEAA program coordinator or director.
  • This coursework must be completed as a prerequisite to admission to the APEAA program.
  • All coursework is subject to approval by the program coordinator or director.
  • All coursework must be passed with a grade of B or better.

OR

• (Acceptable Option) Provide evidence of passing all three subtests of the CTC-approved California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) in Physical Education prior to admission to the APEAA program.

Professional Accreditation

APU’s School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences values the importance of developing programs of distinction and academic integrity. The university is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Azusa Pacific University offers teacher education programs approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), authorizing elementary and secondary school teaching, and the National Council for the Accreditation for Teacher Education (NCATE), which is transitioning to the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

University Reputation

U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges 2023 edition named Azusa Pacific to its list of top national universities and several other significant lists, including First-Year Experiences and Top Performers on Social Mobility. The Princeton Review designated APU as 1 of 126 institutions in the “Best Western Colleges” section of its 2023 Best Colleges guide. APU’s School of Nursing was named a top nursing school in California for 2023 by College Factual and Niche. APU was included as a top-100 degree producer by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). Azusa Pacific is also a Military Friendly School and Yellow Ribbon University, serving more than 500 military-connected students and families, and is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as an R2 Doctoral Research University.