Physical Education & Exercise Science

Associate in Science (A.S.)

The benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle are hard to overstate. With a degree in Physical Education and Exercise Science, you can turn your passion for wellness into a career in teaching, coaching, fitness, physical therapy, or health education.

Career Outlook: Physical Education Teacher

New York is facing a state-wide teacher shortage and needs approximately 180,000 new teachers over the next decade to meet workforce needs. The U.S. Department of Education identified Health and Physical Fitness as one of 17 subject areas in need of more qualified educators. Rural school districts — including most of western New York — have an urgent need for certified teachers. New York teachers are among the highest paid public educators in the country, with an average salary of $61,000.

A.S. Program Overview

Take the first step toward a career in teaching and coaching with our transfer-friendly Physical Education and Exercise Science program. Learn how to evaluate one's physical fitness and use that information to enhance the performance of students and athletes. Coursework focuses on physiology, training and conditioning techniques, and health education.

By the end of the program, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how physical activity impacts human development and our quality of life. You'll also be well on your way to becoming an educator and mentor, ready to make a positive impact in your community.

Earn Required Safety Certifications

Program coursework prepares you to earn these valuable safety certifications:

Learn From Our Community Partners

Gain experience in coaching and physical education by working with our community partners in a variety of professional settings.

Some of our industry collaborations and real-world experiences include:

• Facilitating an adapted physical education program at Midlakes BOCES
• Leading ropes course exercises at our East Hill Campus
• Participating in a water safety course at the local YMCA
• Teaching students how to bowl at Roseland Bowl
• Providing golf lessons at Victor Hills Golf Club
• Visiting kinesiology and exercise science departments at four-year colleges

Professional Athletic Facilities

Many of your courses will take place in our athletic facilities. Learn about exercise science in our fitness center, gym, and outdoor facilities — including turf fields, tennis courts, a logging sports area, and more.

As a future coach, you'll also have countless opportunities to support the Lakers. Become an NJCAA student athlete, participate in intramurals, or help out with game day management via our work study program.

View Our Athletic Facilities

A.S. Program Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

All students graduating from the A.S. Physical Education and Exercise Science program will be able to:

• Observe and evaluate patterns of movement related to sport, exercise, and fitness.
• Analyze a situation to prevent or evaluate a physical injury.
• Advocate for a lifetime of physical activity using their knowledge or wellness.
• Describe fundamental concepts, skills, and certifications essential to the physical education and exercise science fields.

Seamless Transfer Opportunities

This program prepares you to continue your physical education and exercise science education at a four-year college or university. Some regional institutions with related programs include:

Four-Year Career Pathways

Program alumni have careers as teachers and coaches in school districts all across New York. This includes locations in Ontario County (Bloomfield, Canandaigua, Geneva, Victor), Monroe County (Churchville-Chili, Fairport, Greece, Rochester), and Wayne County (Gananda, Lyons, Newark), among others (Penn Yan, South Seneca).

Careers in this field include:

Low-Cost Tuition and Scholarship Opportunities

Earn a quality education at an affordable rate. With our low cost-per-credit and general scholarship opportunities, you can maximize your potential with minimal debt. 80% of students are awarded scholarships or financial aid that help with the cost of college.

Faculty

Physical Education and Exercise Science faculty hold advanced degrees in health and physical education. They have extensive coaching and teaching experience at a variety of grade levels. Faculty also have specialized knowledge in adaptive physical education, coaching certification, and fitness and wellness.