Specialization in Developmental Adapted Physical Education (DAPE) offers Master's degree opportunities leading to Minnesota teacher licensure in DAPE (P–12). Minnesota State University, Mankato was the first institution of higher education in Minnesota to offer DAPE licensure and has licensed over half of the DAPE–licensed physical education teachers in Minnesota. In addition to pursuing DAPE licensure, students in the DAPE program take electives in the Physical Education Pedagogy Program.
Graduate study leading to Minnesota DAPE licensure first requires student to have earned an undergraduate teaching degree and license in K–12 physical education.
Descriptions of courses listed below are available on the Graduate Bulletins page.
Graduate–Level DAPE Licensure Course of Study
- Thesis Plan — 30–31
- Alternate Plan Paper — 34–36
A maximum of 15 hours of DAPE licensure courses can count toward MA or MS degree because over 50% of coursework must be 600–level (not counting thesis or other options). If student already has DAPE licensure, DAPE coursework will consist of 600–level courses in Physical Education Pedagogy (Online).
Required Core for Teacher Licensure in DAPE (minimum 18–19 credits)
- HP 511 – Developmental Adapted Physical Education (3)
(Students should take this course first — within the past 5 years)
- HP 512 – Assessment in Adapted Physical Education (2)
- HP 513 – Lifespan Motor Development (2)
- HP 521 – Teaching Sport to Individuals with Disabilities (2)
- HP 522 – Teaching Adapted Aquatics (2)
- HP 545 – Teaching Students with Cognitive and Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities (3)
- HP 571 – Consulting Techniques in Developmental/Adapted Physical Education (3)
(prerequisites: HP 511, HP 512, and HP 545)
- HP 698 – Internship in Developmental Adapted Physical Education (1–2)
(prerequisites: HP 511 and HP 545)
- SPED 605 – Introduction to the Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children and Youth (3)
To receive DAPE Teacher Licensure, student must pass Praxis II exam in Special Education: Core Knowledge.
Required Human Performance Core Courses (6 credits)
- HP 610 – Statistical Methods in Physical Education (3)
- HP 630 – Techniques of Research (3)
Required Thesis or Alternate Plan Paper
- HP 694 – Alternate Plan Paper (1–2)
- HP 699 – Thesis (3–4)
Recommended Electives in Physical Education Pedagogy (PEP)—Online
- HP 612 – Inclusive Physical Education
- HP 620 – Typical and Atypical Motor Development Across the Lifespan
- HP 623 – Current Issues in Physical Education and Adapted Physical Education
- HP 658 – Authentic Assessment in Physical Education
Adapted physical education concepts are infused in the PEP curriculum.
For Further DAPE–Specific Information, Contact:
Dr. Sherry Folsom–Meek, Coordinator.
