The Field

The Physical Education Studies program at SUNY Delhi prepares students for either immediate post-graduation careers in sports- and recreation-related fields or for transfer to baccalaureate programs in physical education. The primary intent is to prepare students for transfer to baccalaureate programs in physical-education-related endeavors such as teaching, athletic training, exercise science, sports management, or coaching. For those students wishing to continue on for a bachelor's degree, the program has developed tremendous rapport with many four-year colleges and universities, both in and out of state. This is illustrated by the program's 96% placement record following graduation (October 1999, Program Review). Affiliated with Delhi's Natural Resource Recreation and Sports (NRRS) program, the Physical Education Studies program aims to address the needs of a larger, more diverse population by coupling theoretical and philosophical application with practical experience.

Students who successfully complete the Physical Education Studies program at SUNY Delhi receive an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree, which requires more general education coursework than other NRRS options. It should also be noted that the Physical Education Studies program is closely linked to other NRRS program concentrations, in particular the Adventure Recreation and the Recreation and Sports Management concentrations.

In addition to the A.S. degree, the Physical Education Studies program also affords students the opportunity to gain various certifications, such as American Red Cross certifications in First Aid and CPR, Life Guard Training, and Water Safety Instruction. Students may also pursue additional certifications relative to other Natural Resource Recreation and Sports program concentrations.

For more information on the Physical Education Studies program, or any of the Natural Resource Recreation and Sports program options, please visit on the World Wide Web at http://parks.delhi.edu.

Educational Resources

The main campus has excellent recreational facilities. Farrell Hall is home to the College's gymnasium, weight rooms, theater, art rooms, and commuter lounge. An indoor pool and racquetball courts are located in adjacent Kunsela Hall. The campus also has several outdoor soccer, baseball, and softball fields. Also located on the main campus are an air structure (which houses tennis and basketball courts, an indoor track, and an indoor driving range), outdoor tennis courts, and an outdoor track. Currently the campus is constructing a new Athletic Complex which will also be a venue for many physical education and recreational opportunities.

The lower campus includes an 18-hole golf course with practice putting green and driving range, two fishing streams, picnic area, and hiking and horseback riding trails. Adjacent to the lower campus is the Catskill Outdoor Education Center, a 50-acre interpretive center that includes 2 miles of trails, a small amphitheater, an outdoor classroom, and various sitting and picnic areas.

Other educational resources at the program's disposal are a 100-acre arboretum that acts as a natural laboratory featuring special woodland interpretive trails and wildlife planting trails, and the John Lennox Demonstration Forest, the oldest conifer plantation of its type in New York State, covering about 185 acres.

The Instructional Program

The core courses of the Physical Education Studies program emphasize theoretical and practical application of park, recreation, leisure, physical education, and natural resource management. Small class sizes allow for more individual contact between instructors and students. This one-on-one, hands-on atmosphere is the cornerstone of the program. Additional hands-on experience comes from the Catskill Outdoor Education Corps (COEC). This AmeriCorps project provides Physical Education Studies students with an outstanding amount of instructional and resource support. The COEC also allows students the opportunity to gain valuable field-related experience through various community service projects such as trail development and outdoor education programming.

Program faculty also view student advisement as one of their most important responsibilities. Students can fully develop the coursework necessary for their program while at the same time addressing individual interests and needs through consultation with their faculty advisor.

Physical Education Studies

A.S. Degree

SUNY Curriculum Code: 1485

First Semester

Second Semester

Third Semester

Fourth Semester

Degree Requirement: 69 credit hours

Admission Requirements: Applicants must have a high school diploma and have completed Mathematics Course A and one year of biology (preferably Regents level or equivalent).

Program Objectives

A graduate of the Physical Education Studies A.S. program should be able to:

1. Discuss the academic and career opportunities available in the field of park and outdoor recreation management and have a working knowledge of how to utilize these opportunities.
2. Discuss the philosophy, history, scope, and significance of the park and outdoor recreation movement.
3. Select the appropriate sport, game, or outdoor activity for various situations in a park and/or recreational setting.
4. Plan and supervise recreation programs for governmental, non-profit, and commercial agencies.
5. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of park and recreation administration.
6. Understand and apply the principles of fitness in terms of cardiovascular endurance, proper weight control, and strength and flexibility through the design of individualized fitness programs.
7. Address quality-of-life issues through knowledge of the basics of personal well-being, including the concepts of self-responsibility, social support networks, and a sense of community.
8. Demonstrate a thorough grounding in the theory and application of several specific areas of the physical education discipline, some of which might be: racquetball, swimming, weight training, volleyball, cross country skiing, golf, badminton, tennis, and team sports.
9. Recognize and respond to emergencies by making appropriate decisions regarding first-aid care.
10. Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts of the life sciences.
11. Demonstrate an understanding of evolution and adaptation, theories concerning the origin of life, taxonomy, anatomy and physiology of the vertebrate body, animal behavior, and the fundamentals of ecology.
12. Display a thorough understanding of human anatomy and physiology.
13. Demonstrate a basic understanding of cultural anthropology with an awareness of human cultural diversity as well as similarity.
14. Develop and lead a physical education/recreation activity.
15. Satisfy the educational requirements to be certified as a Recreational Associate with the National Recreation and Park Association.
16. Plan a budget for a physical education/recreation program and/or facility.
17. Develop a risk management plan for a physical education/recreation program and/or facility.