Spring 2026 Update 
    
    Dec 05, 2025  
Spring 2026 Update

Physical Education, M.A. (Professional)


NY State Program Code: 41884

HEGIS Code: 0835.00

CIP Code: 13.1314

(30 Credits)

Won Seok Chey, Program Director
Woodruff Hall, Room 164
p - (516) 877-4262
f - (516) 877-4258
e - wschey@adelphi.edu

The Master of Arts in Physical Education Teaching (professional) program prepares students to teach Pre-K to 12 physical education in schools. Students acquire the knowledge, skills, and confidence to conduct a developmentally appropriate, comprehensive Physical Education Program. Teachers will have the opportunity to complete a capstone project to refine their teaching practice. The program offers a plan of study for students who already hold a valid New York State initial/provisional teacher certification in physical education and obtain professional certification after completion.

The specialization in Teaching Adapted Physical Education  prepares teachers as specialists in adapted physical education to serve as leaders in a variety of school-based environments working with students with disabilities. Through their coursework students learn to apply knowledge of the characteristics, considerations, and movement abilities of common impairments to meet the needs, limitations, and capacities of students with disabilities. Within the program is an exciting experiential learning option for students is participating in Camp Abilities Long Island, a developmental sport camp for children who are visually impaired, blind and deaf-blind, teaching them to be physical active and improve their ability to master specific sports, recreational and social activities. 

Previous course work and experiences are evaluated with respect to their comparability with required coursework; however, the M.A. in physical education (professional) degree requires a minimum of 30 graduate credits.

Students may be able to transfer up to 6 credits of non-Adelphi graduate level courses and/or up to 9 credits of Adelphi graduate level courses to the program upon advisor’s approval, not to exceed 9 total transfer credits. Physical Education Co-requisite Core Content and Pedagogical Core courses are waived if they meet the program requirements. Co-requisite core content and pedagogical core classes are not included in the 30-credit minimum.

Additional coursework may be necessary where a student’s background in identified content areas is found to be lacking or weak (e.g., general education core in liberal arts and sciences).

Pedagogical Core (if needed)


Courses (or equivalent) NYS required for teacher certification if needed. Courses are waived if already taken as an undergraduate at Adelphi University or a related university.

Physical Education Core Content Required (6 credits)


Grade Requirements


  •     Minimum 3.00 Major GPA required
  •     Minimum C grade required in major undergraduate courses and B- in all courses 500 level or above.

MA in Physical Education (Professional) Options


(24 credits)

Choice of courses is determined by the following options:

Option 1: Students who choose an MA in Physical Education without a Specialization need 24 elective credits (called Physical Education Electives)

Option 2: Students who choose a specialization in Teaching Adapted Physical Education need 12 credits of required specialization courses and 12 elective courses

Option 1: Physical Education Electives


(24 credits)

Students will complete 24 credits of electives based upon advisement.

Option 2: Specialization in Teaching Adapted Physical Education


(24 credits)

Students who choose a specialization in Teaching Adapted Physical Education need 12 Core credits and 12 elective credits.