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. It should also be noted that the Physical Education Studies program is closely linked to other NRRS programs, in particular the Adventure Recreation and the Recreation and Sports Management concentrations.

Students who successfully complete the Physical Education Studies program at SUNY Delhi receive an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree. These students will also have completed each of the ten General Education requirements mandated by the State University. 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 New York State. Beginning with the fall 2007 semester, freshman applicants to this program will be considered for dual admission to both SUNY Delhi and SUNY Cortland, and accepted students will receive two admissions letters, one from each school. This program guarantees that students who complete the A.S. degree in Physical Education Studies at Delhi with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 will be guaranteed admission into the Bachelor of Science in Education, Physical Education program at SUNY Cortland. This dual admission program is available to 25 students annually.   

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, Lifeguard Training, and Water Safety Instruction. Students may also pursue additional certifications relative to other Natural Resource Recreation and Sports program concentrations, such as the New York State Coaching Certificate.

Additional information about the Physical Education Studies program, the dual admission program with SUNY Cortland, and the other Natural Resource Recreation and Sports program options can be found by visiting the program website at http://www.delhi.edu/academics/parks/.

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 considerable individual contact between instructors and students. This one-on-one, hands-on atmosphere is the cornerstone of the program.

The NRRS program faculty 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.

Educational Resources

The main campus at SUNY Delhi has excellent recreational facilities. The Clark Field House, which opened in the spring of 2004, houses the Floyd L. Maines Arena, the College's gymnasium, and the CADI Fitness Center. Adjacent to the Clark Field House is a mini-dome air structure that houses tennis and basketball courts, an indoor track, and an indoor driving range. Kunsela Hall is home to the College's indoor pool and two racquetball courts. Also located on the main campus are outdoor tennis and basketball courts as well as various athletic fields used for academics, athletics, and intramurals alike.

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 two 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 185-acre John Lennox Demonstration Forest, the oldest conifer plantation of its type in New York State.

Curriculum

SUNY Curriculum Code: 1485

First Semester

Second Semester

Third Semester

Fourth Semester

Degree Requirement: 66 credit hours

Admissions 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 philosophy, history, scope, and significance of the recreation movement.
2. Select the appropriate sport, game, or outdoor activity for various situations in a recreational setting.
3. Plan and supervise recreation programs for governmental, non-profit, and commercial agencies.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Demonstrate a thorough grounding in the theory and application of several specific areas of the physical education discipline, including but not limited to racquet sports, swimming, personal fitness, dance, self-defense, and team sports.
7. Recognize and respond to emergencies by making appropriate decisions regarding first-aid care.
8. Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts of the life sciences.
9. Display a thorough understanding of human anatomy and physiology.
10. Develop and lead a physical education/recreation activity.