Physical Education, MA, and Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization

Admission Requirements—Domestic Applicants

The university graduate and program admission requirements below must be met before an application is considered complete.

• Graduate application for admission
• $45 nonrefundable application fee
• Official transcripts from all institutions leading to and awarding the applicant’s bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and all postbaccalaureate study
  
  
  An official transcript is one that Azusa Pacific University receives unopened in an envelope sealed by the former institution and that bears the official seal of the college or university. A cumulative minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade-point average on the posted degree is required for regular admission status. Provisional admittance may be granted to individuals with a lower GPA if competency can be shown through multiple measures.
• Two recommendations submitted by principals, district administrators, professors, or employers who have current knowledge of the applicant’s academic ability and potential
• Résumé or statement of experience including the most relevant work and volunteer experience
• Personal Statement of 1-2 pages describing how you anticipate that APU’s master’s degree will enable you to achieve your short- and long-term professional goals.
• Proof of Single Subject Credential in Physical Education, Education Specialist Credential, or Multiple Subject Credential. Those who supply an Education Specialist or Multiple Subject credential must also meet the additional prerequisite of 12 upper-division units in kinesiology and physical education, including motor learning and development and structural kinesiology, or proof of passage of CSET in physical education.

Send official transcripts to:

What to Expect

After all admission materials have been received by the Student Services Center, the faculty or department chair reviews the applicant’s file. The applicant is notified in writing of the admission decision.

Admission Requirements—International Applicants

Azusa Pacific University is authorized under federal law by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services and the U.S. Department of State to enroll nonimmigrant, alien undergraduate and graduate students. APU issues and administers both the I-20 and DS 2019 (F-1 and J-1 status documents respectively).

To apply for a graduate program at APU, the following requirements must be fulfilled in addition to meeting the domestic applicant and program-specific admission requirements specified above.

International applicants must also:

• Demonstrate proficiency in English through a placement test with the Academic Success Center, or through a TOEFL/IELTS score that meets program-specific requirements. Refer to APU’s English proficiency requirements to learn more. Request that official test scores be sent to APU. All other forms of proof indicated in the English proficiency requirements must be submitted directly to International Services.
• Provide a Graduate Affidavit of Financial Support (PDF) and a bank statement from within the last six months proving financial ability to pay for education costs through personal, family, or sponsor resources.
• Submit a copy of a valid passport showing biographical data, including your name, country of citizenship, date of birth, and other legal information.
• Get foreign transcripts evaluated. International credentials (transcripts, certificates, diplomas, and degrees) must be evaluated by a foreign transcript evaluation agency. View our policy and a list of approved Foreign Transcript Evaluation Agencies.

Send official transcripts to:

What to Expect

After all admission materials have been received by the Student Services Center, the faculty or department chair reviews the applicant’s file. The applicant is notified in writing of the admission decision.

Many financial aid options are available to make your adapted physical education with master’s program affordable.

Graduate Physical Education Programs

View a complete list of university fees.

All stated financial information is subject to change. Contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020  for more information.

Financial Aid

Several types of financial aid are available to graduate students. The resources range from federal loans and state grants to, for some graduate programs, fellowships and scholarships. For details about financial aid available for your program, please contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020.

Military Benefits

Military members—and in some cases their spouses and dependents—qualify for financial assistance covering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, so you can be confident that you’ll receive the benefits and flexibility you need to complete your education.

Physical Education Scholarships

Kyle Ian MacDonald Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is in honor of Kyle Ian MacDonald, MS ’15, a graduate of APU’s MS in Physical Education program. The intent of this scholarship is to financially support students in the pursuit of teaching and mentoring students through coaching, physical education, exercise science, and sport management. Awards range from $2,500-$2,800. To apply, fill out the Kyle Ian MacDonald Memorial Scholarship Application (PDF) by August 1 and email the completed form to [email protected].

Physical Education MOU Partner Discounts

Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) are agreements between Azusa Pacific University and various entities (such as cities, counties, and businesses) that allow for employees of those entities, their spouses, and their children (up to age 26) to receive a tuition discount for select Azusa Pacific programs. MOUs are a great way for employers to promote the professional development and advancement of their employees.

The School of Education and the School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences offer a 10 percent tuition discount for eligible employees of the following districts, counties, and charter schools who will start in a graduate education program through the School of Education or a graduate physical education program through the School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences.

Please note: The School of Education’s doctoral program (Ed.D. in Educational Leadership) is not eligible for any MOU discount. The discount cannot be combined with other institutional aid.

School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences Alumni Tuition Discounts

APU’s School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences (BAS) offers an alumni tuition discount for APU alumni starting in the following graduate programs:

• Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization
• Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)
• Master of Arts in Physical Education
• Master of Science in Child Life
• Master of Science in Physical Education
• Master of Science in Research Psychology and Data Analysis
• Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with Specialization in Children and Adolescents

Students must be in good academic standing and maintain satisfactory academic progress with a minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0. Students must be enrolled at least half-time. If qualifications are met, the discount may be renewed each term. APU will pay $500 per term (up to $2,000 over the course of the program). This discount cannot be combined with other institutional aid. Contact Student Financial Services for complete eligibility details.

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

Program Requirements

If you have questions, we’re here to help! Connect with a representative who can walk you through the program details and application process.

Contact Your Admissions Representative

Additional Program Contact

Greg Bellinder, M.S., program coordinator and assistant professor, [email protected], (626) 815-6176

Student Services Center

Contact (626) 812-3016 or [email protected], and visit apu.edu/ssc for details on the admissions process, financial aid, and class registration.

International Services

International students should contact +1-626-812-3055 or [email protected], and visit apu.edu/international/.

• Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) 
• The Master of Arts in Physical Education and Single Subject Teaching Credential is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)
• National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), which is transitioning to the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

The adapted physical education program at APU was a remarkable experience. These professionals provided incredible feedback during student teaching experience that allowed me to flourish as a future adapted PE specialist. During the program, I participated in mock IEP meetings, which gave me the opportunity to understand the importance of the IEP meeting and how to best support the student as well as other team members. I was also able to learn about task analysis and how to modify activities for students based on their ability levels. This field has taught me patience, endurance, and flexibility. I have become a better teacher and a better person because I am able to learn from my students on a daily basis.

Shirley Jean, M.A. ’12

Adapted Physical Education Specialist, San Bernardino City Unified School District Owner of Jean Inclusive Wellness

Through the Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization program at APU, I gained a deeper understanding of education codes, laws, and rights pertaining to students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. APU’s program also prepared me for performing assessments, writing goals and objectives, and attending IEP meetings. I also learned about the many disabilities that I might encounter as an adapted PE teacher and how to create lessons and activities based on the student’s individual needs. It is very rewarding when you see a student make progress toward their goals.

Kristy Puckett, M.A. ’15

Adapted Physical Education Specialist

One of the most positive aspects of my experience as an APU graduate student in the adapted physical education program was the relationships that I built with my classmates as well as my professors. Two professors in particular were very supportive and helped me improve and grow in my professional practice. Sharing in both personal and professional experiences were the key positive influences in completing the program.

Johnny Wiley, M.A. ’18

Adapted Physical Education Teacher, Los Angeles Unified School District