Master of Arts in Physical Education: Special Physical Education

Special Physical Education
Advisor:
Jiabei Zhang
Room 1043 Student Recreation Center

The Master of Arts in Special (Adapted) Physical Education is an exciting program structured in a way that allows students to develop a sound professional philosophy, acquire research skills, and increase professional competencies through the completion of a program primarily online. The program prepares teachers to provide quality special (adapted) physical education for K-12 children with disabilities in the least restrictive, most appropriate and inclusive environments. Program includes 36 credit hours to complete degree with up to 27 credit hours online through WMU and at least 9 credit hours through student’s local institution with prior program approval. Program graduate is endorsed to teach physical education for children with disabilities with a valid teaching certificate in physical education or special education (depending on the certification process in state of residence). Students can choose a thesis or non-thesis internship option. This program is currently funded by U.S. Department of Education. Qualified students accepted into this program will receive financial supports with free tuition. Contact Dr. Jiabel Zhang at ZHANGJ@wmich.edu for application forms.

Coursework required for Master of Arts in Physical Education: Special (Adapted) Physical Education:

Core (6 credit hours)

HPHE 6900 - Research Procedures in Human Performance and Health Education Credits: 3 hrs.
HPHE 6920 - Analytical Techniques in Human Performance and Health Education Credits: 3 hrs.

Emphasis (18 credit hours)

Physical Education Majors

HPHE 6210 - Physical Activities for Exceptional Children Credits: 3 hrs.
HPHE 6220 - Programming in Special Physical Education Credits: 3 hrs.
HPHE 6250 - Assessment in Special Physical Education Credits: 3 hrs.
SPED 5300 - Introduction to Special Education Credits: 3 hours
SPED 6610 - Collaboration and Consultation in Special Education Credits: 3 hours

Special Education Majors

HPHE 6210 - Physical Activities for Exceptional Children Credits: 3 hrs.
HPHE 6220 - Programming in Special Physical Education Credits: 3 hrs.
HPHE 6250 - Assessment in Special Physical Education Credits: 3 hrs.
HPHE 6400 - Instructional Materials in Physical Education Credits: 3 hrs.
HPHE 6410 - Teaching and Supervision Skills in Physical Education Credits: 3 hrs.
HPHE 6450 - Curriculum Development in Human Performance and Health Education Credits: 3 hrs.

electives (6 credit hours)

HPHE 6420 - Human Growth and Motor Development Credits: 3 hrs.
HPHE 6430 - Physical Skill Acquisition and Motor Learning Credits: 3 hrs.
HPHE 6450 - Curriculum Development in Human Performance and Health Education Credits: 3 hrs.
HPHE 6910 - Psychological Preparation and Mental Training for Sport and Physical Activity Credits: 3 hours
HPHE 6930 - Sociology of Sport and Physical Activity Credits: 3 hours

Capstone (6 or 9 credit hours)

HPHE 7120 - Professional Field Experience Credits: 1 to 12 hours
(3 credit hours needed)
HPHE 7100 - Independent Research Credits: 2 to 6 hours
(3 Credit hours needed)
OR
HPHE 7000 - Master’s Thesis Credits: 1 to 6 hours
(6 credit hours needed)
3 elective hours only if taking HPHE 7000.