Empower Movement. Promote Inclusion. Advance Your Career.

Unlock your potential with our Graduate Certificate in Adapted Physical and Health Education—a specialized program designed for educators and health professionals committed to inclusive wellness. Whether you're a physical education teacher, health education teacher, special educator, therapist, or coach, this certificate equips you with the skills to design and deliver physical education and/or health programming for students with disabilities.  Specialize in adapted physical and health education and become a leader in inclusive physical and health promotion. With a curriculum grounded in kinesiology, special education, disability studies, and skills-based health education, you’ll be prepared to make a measurable impact in schools, community programs, and therapeutic settings.

Why Choose Our Program?

Career Prospects

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, special education teachers—who often collaborate with adapted physical educators—earned a median annual wage of $64,270[1]. While overall employment in special education is projected to remain steady through 2033, demand for professionals with specialized training in adapted physical education is expected to grow due to increasing awareness of inclusive practices and legal mandates for individualized education [1] [2].

Competitive Salaries
 
Adapted physical education specialists may earn slightly more than general physical education teachers due to their advanced training and certification[2]. Salaries vary by region and setting, with higher earnings in districts that prioritize inclusive education and therapeutic services.

Program Highlights

• Designed for professionals in physical education, health education, special education, kinesiology, and health sciences 
• Focus on motor development, inclusive fitness, and individualized instruction 
• Training in comprehensive program design and interdisciplinary collaboration 
• Satisfies requirements for national adapted physical education certification
• Courses in summer and winter at a fixed tuition rate
• Flexible format to support working educators and therapists 
• Can be applied toward continuing education or advanced licensure

How This Certificate Enhances Your Career

This graduate certificate is more than a credential—it’s a commitment to inclusive education and lifelong wellness. Whether you’re expanding your role in schools or transitioning into therapeutic or community-based settings, this program will help you:

• Strengthen Instructional Expertise: Learn to assess and support students with diverse learning and educational attributes.
• Advance Toward Certification: Fulfill coursework requirements for adapted physical education endorsement or continuing education credits.
• Improve Student Outcomes: Design inclusive programs that promote physical and health literacy, academic achievement, confidence, and social-emotional growth.
• Expand Your Role: Position yourself for leadership in inclusive education, wellness programming, or therapeutic recreation.
• Collaborate Across Disciplines: Work effectively with educators, school personnel, and families to support holistic development.

Join a community of professionals dedicated to making movement, health and wellness accessible for all. Your journey to becoming a leader in adapted physical and health education starts here.
[1]: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Special Education Teachers 
[2]: Careers in the USA – Adapted Physical Education Specialists

Next Steps
     

     
Contact Us
     
laughlinm3@SouthernCT.edu

College of Health and Human Services

Beyond the Classroom

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Events

Take a look at events scheduled for prospective and current graduate students.
 

Application Requirements

Application Submission
Application Fee ($50)
Official Transcripts
Personal Statement

Cost of Program

Use our Paying for College Calculator to estimate the cost of your program.

Virtual Tour



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Join us and see firsthand why our institution is the perfect place to start your graduate journey. Whether you're interested in cutting-edge research or a supportive and inclusive community, our virtual tour has it all.