About This Program
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Admissions Contact

Rachel Ahlmeyer
Graduate Recruiter and Admissions Coordinator
School of Physical Education, Performance, and Sport Leadership
rahlmeyer@springfieldcollege.edu
(413) 748-3383 
Make an appointment 

Program Contact

Kathy Mangano
Graduate Coordinator
Department of Physical Education and Health Education
(413) 748-3147
kmangano@springfield.edu

Curriculum and Delivery

Start Dates and Duration

  • Start in September (Fall semester) and January (Spring semester)
  • Courses are offered full-time
  • Complete in 4 semesters (pending prerequisites are met)

Paying for Your Education

Career Opportunities

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Springfield College Students playing wheelchair basketball

If it’s a rewarding career you’re after, the MEd/MS in Physical Education: Adapted Physical Education at Springfield College can help get you there. Our program is one of few master’s programs in the country to qualify licensed teachers to sit for the exam leading to national certification as a Certified Adapted Physical Educator (CAPE).

Through this graduate track, you’ll be prepared to work with individuals with special needs who wish to engage in physical activities. You also will be equipped to develop and manage prescriptive programs for patients with disabilities who require specialized activities. 

All graduate students in the concentration will learn core concepts related to designing, implementing, and assessing within adapted physical education programs.  The curriculum provides an interdisciplinary approach with students selecting from a menu of courses in physical education, special education, health promotion, exercise science, psychology, and counseling. Fieldwork with emphasis on public school adapted physical education programs, with additional placements in recreational, geriatric, clinical, and social agencies, will prepare you to start and succeed in your career.

Students entering the adapted physical education concentration who have not earned an undergraduate degree in physical education, and who wish to attain teacher certification, must also satisfy the requirements for the physical education teacher licensure program.

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How to Apply:

Admissions Requirements
  1. Complete the FREE online application: Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials and instructions for submitting supplemental materials as listed below.

  2. Essay: In two to three double-spaced pages, please describe significant life experiences that have contributed to your interest in your field, your understanding of this field, your occupational objectives, and why you have chosen Springfield College. 

  3. Resume: Please include any college activities, out-of-school leadership experiences, work history, and community involvement to support your interest in or qualifications for graduate study. 

  4. Two letters of recommendation: Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.

  5. Transcripts: An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu or mailed to the college address: 

Springfield College
Office of Graduate Admissions
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109

International Applicants

In addition to the above admissions requirements, all international applicants from non-English speaking countries are required to submit:

  • Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS: Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to our language requirements for more information on acceptable tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and conditional acceptance. If your undergraduate degree was earned in the United States and you successfully completed college-level English, we will consider English language proficiency met.
  • Please note: Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For this we recommend SpanTran, with its customized portal for Springfield College applicants. World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. are also recommended for your credential evaluations.

The Office of International Admissions can assist you with questions you may have about enrolling at Springfield College as an international student by emailing intladmissions@springfieldcollege.edu.

Application Deadlines

Domestic Students:

  • Application Deadline: January 15

  • Supporting Materials Deadline: February 1

International Students:

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: May 1

Alum Testimonial

Brittni Upchurch ’13, G’15

"As a Springfield College student I met some incredible folks with whom I was able to build long standing relationships. Fortunately, my relationships with colleagues, staff, and faculty didn't end after graduation.

Being given the opportunity to intern with a truly talented Adapted Physical Education teacher (and fellow Springfield Graduate) in the field made a big difference.  She provided me with incredible insight and allowed me to experience as much as possible prior to my graduation."

 

Brittni Upchurch

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