Adapted Physical Education

The concentration in Adapted Physical Education is designed to prepare students to assist persons with special needs so that they may safely and successfully engage in programs of physical activities suited to their interests and capacities. Students will also prepare to assist in prescriptive programs for the amelioration of disabilities with certain patients requiring specialized physical activity.

The purposes and objectives of adapted physical education are to:

Aid in adjustment and resocialization.
Contribute to security by increasing the ability to meet demands of daily living.
Protect individuals from undue demands and exercise beyond their tolerance.
Develop strength, endurance, and coordination for daily living.
Develop skill in appropriate games, sports, and rhythms.
Aid in self-correction of conditions that can be improved or removed.

The College maintains affiliations with schools, agencies, and hospitals wherein appropriate field training experiences are provided.

All candidates for this concentration are expected to have an undergraduate background in physical education and, where their educational background is deficient, are required to make up such deficiencies in addition to pursuing the regular graduate program.

Undergraduate prerequisite: Physical Education Teaching License or Certificate.

Physical Education and Health Studies

Springfield College offers programs of study in physical education leading to the master’s degree, the Certificate of Advanced Study, and the doctorate.

At the master’s level the candidate may earn a master of science, a master of education, or a master of physical education degree by pursuing and successfully completing a program of study in one of the following areas of concentration: Adapted Physical Education; Advanced Level Coaching; Athletic Administration; Sport Studies; or Physical Education Teacher Licensure. The physical education programs also include concentrated work in Sport Management and Sport and Exercise Psychology. These concentrations are listed under Sport Management and Recreation and Exercise Science and Sport Studies on p.65 and p.33, respectively.

The requirements for admission are as follows:

A bachelor’s degree with satisfactory record from an accredited college or university.
An undergraduate major in physical education equivalent to that offered at Springfield College. If this preparation is incomplete, it must be made up by study in addition to master’s degree requirements.
Evidence of personal and professional qualities that show promise of outstanding educational and social leadership.
Submission of Graduate Record Examination scores taken within five years of the date of application.

For persons wishing to serve in supervisory and administrative positions, a program is available which leads to a Certificate of Advanced Study in Physical Education.

In recognition of completion of the highest level of formal academic preparation, the doctor of physical education degree is awarded to highly selected and well-qualified persons who successfully complete this program.

It is the student’s responsibility to meet with his or her advisor to ensure that all requirements are met. For more information contact Dr. Stephen Coulon at (413) 748-3029 or scoulon@spfldcol.edu.

Basic Program

Minimum of thirty-six s.h. of graduate credit.

* Please note: Successful completion of the Comprehensive Examination is required with this option.

Candidates in the Adapted Physical Education program are eligible for the M.Ed., M.P.E., or M.S. Degree in accordance with Plan A or Plan B (refer to master’s degree requirements)