Physical Education Programs-Basic Overview

Select the program that you are interested in for more information:

• Physical Education - Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S. Ed)

  This undergraduate major program is designed to prepare preservice physical education teachers to be scholarly, highly skilled, reflective practitioners able to meet the needs of students with a diversity of needs, experiences, cultural backgrounds, disabilities, and special abilities in all grades. The program focuses attention on the acquisition of knowledge and skills that enable the preservice teacher to develop and implement effective, innovative physical education programs that meet the New York State Learning Standards in schools. Successful completion of all program requirements will lead to the University’s recommendation for Initial Certification in physical education.

• Physical Education – Master of Science (M.S.)

  This program is designed to prepare individuals without previous professional education to meet New York state initial teacher certification in grades preschool through 12 physical education. This is a comprehensive program providing course work and field experiences across a variety of school settings. Graduates from this program are eligible for professional certification after two years of successful teaching experience and an approved mentoring relationship as described by the New York State Education Department Regulations.

• Physical Education – Master of Arts (M.A.)

  The master of arts in physical education is designed to provide professional certification for teachers who possess New York state initial/provisional certification in physical education. The 31-semester hour program is designed with a content-pedagogy linkage to liberal arts and sciences, and two specializations options:

  1. Adventure Education
  2. Strength and Conditioning

  The program supports and reflects the New York State Learning Standards for Health, Physical Education, and Home Economics, and is aligned with NASPE Advanced Standards for graduate degree programs in physical education, and with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS, 1999).

• Adventure Education – Advanced Certificate

  This 15-semester hour program is intended for teachers, counselors and other educators seeking in-depth theory, practical knowledge, and skills that will enable them to develop and lead educational programs using adventure activities in school, recreational, corporate, and other settings. To provide quality experiences for people in various contexts, teachers and other leaders need to become better informed about selecting and leading adventure activities, theories underpinning the goals and processes of adventure education, and safety, management, and technical issues related to facilities and equipment for adventure education programs. Interdisciplinary learning drawn from physical education, environmental sciences, health and survival practices, critical thinking, decision-making, conflict resolution, as well as reflection and problem solving make adventure education a powerful approach for K-12 education occupations such as, but not limited to:

  • Elementary, middle or secondary school teachers
  • Special education preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle or secondary school teachers
  • Self-enrichment education teachers
  • Health educators
  • Adaptive physical education specialists
  • Post-secondary education and vocational education teachers

• 5 Year Dual Degree Program in Physical Education and Health

  The dual degree program in Health and Physical Education is a 155-credit program that leads to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Physical Education & Health  and a Master of Science (M.S.)  in Health & Physical Education as well as New York State Certification to teach both PK – 12 Health and Physical Education. Dual certification in health and physical education  is the preferred credential for many school districts looking to hire either health or physical education teachers.