2021-2022 Student Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Student Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]


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Recreation Studies, A.S.



Contact Information

Program Requirements

Typical Program

Degree/Certificate:    Associate in Science
HEGIS Code:            5506
SUNY Code:             2008
Major Code:             REC

The Career

Recreation Studies is one of the fastest growing professions that offers opportunities for employment in commercial, public sector, not-for-profit and even military career options. Recreation Studies degrees offer attractive employment opportunities in many diverse fields.  Students of Recreation Studies will learn to research and analyze existing programs and services in an effort to enhance them. They will acquire skills to motivate participants of fitness, recreational and leisure activities. Our students receive a well-rounded liberal arts education combined with an extensive internship experience that develops professional competencies for entering a thriving job market. Students with this degree are immediately employable in the recreation industry and the program has positioned our graduates with local, regional and national organizations. 

The NCCC Approach

The program has a balanced approach of classroom and in-the-field experience, creating a  dynamic experiential learning environment.  Our program also offers top notch internship opportunities with some of the biggest and best organizations in New York State.  Recreation Studies’ students can also receive a certification as a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Council on Strength and Fitness. Our students receive a well-rounded educational experience with additional elective courses that allow our students the flexibility to design and explore opportunities specific to individual educational and professional goals. 

Admissions

Students admitted in fall, spring and summer.  Due to the sequencing of courses, it may take more than four semesters of full-time study (15-17 credits per semester) if a student begins this program in a spring or summer semester.

Articulation Agreements

Paul Smith College
SUNY College at Brockport
SUNY College at Cortland

Facilities

The Recreation Studies program is housed in the Athletics Building. A two-and-half year renovation of these facilities includes a 2,500 square foot fitness center, Olympic-size pool, two gymnasiums, dance studios, racquetball and squash courts. The NCCC Athletics & Intramural/Recreation Department is comprised of 11 athletic teams and numerous intramural and recreation programs and events. The NCCC Health Education Center offers health improvement opportunities for adolescents and adults in the community. Our technology, aimed at the professional development of our students, is exemplary. Smart technology classrooms, 30 wireless laptops for individual work stations and cutting edge health and wellness assessment tools have proven to enhance learning and comprehensively prepare students for transfer to upper-level institutions.

Program Goals and Objectives

  • To assist students with the successful transfer to related bachelors degree program
  • To provide an understanding of the various career tracks and professional requirements for a variety of jobs in the field
  • To develop students’ knowledge about the sociological, philosophical, physiological, historical and psychological aspects of recreation studies
  • To assist students in meeting ten of ten General Education requirements
  • To provide an understanding of the operation of computer systems and related pedagogical recreation issues
  • To develop students’ understanding and acquisition of knowledge, skills, and characteristics which define responsible and successful leaders in the field of recreation

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, the student will:

  • Develop a philosophy about the field of recreation studies
  • Customize his/her professional education course work to facilitate transfer-articulation to a baccalaureate school of choice
  • Broaden his/her general education background through course work in humanities, social sciences, mathematics, fine arts and life sciences
  • Acquire the necessary skills and knowledge in recreation studies courses to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program in recreation studies or related field
  • Demonstrate an understanding of computers and their basic functioning
  • Communicate effectively with others

Program Requirements (REC)


  1. A total of at least 62-credit hours with a minimum curriculum grade-point average of 2.0. Academic Foundations courses do not count toward the degree.
  2. Recreation Studies: A minimum of 16-credit hours to include:
    REC 200 - Foundations of Recreation 
    REC 225 - Programming in Parks, Recreation, Leisure Service 
    REC 250 - Leadership 
       
    ___  ___     Physical Education electives (Choose three courses from HPE 135 , HPE 179 , PED 126 , PED 132 , PED 140 , or  )
    ___  ___     HED/PED/HPE Elective(s) by advisement
  3. Electives by advisement: A minimum of 15-credit hours to include: 
    BUS ___    Business  elective OR
    PSY 210 - Lifespan Developmental Psychology  
    BUS ___    Business  elective OR
    PSY 250 - Abnormal Psychology  
    CIS 100 - Introduction to Computer Applications 
    ___  ___  - General Education elective to meet 2 of the 3 areas: AH, OW, or WC
    ___  ___ -  General Education elective to meet 2 of the 3 areas:  AH, OW, or WC
  4. Social Sciences: A minimum of 3-credit hours to include:
    PSY 110 - Introduction to Psychology  
  5. Mathematics: A minimum of 3-credit hours to include:
    MAT 164 - Introduction to Statistics  
  6. Science: A minimum of 7-credit hours to include:
    BIO 117 - Human Biology  
      
    HPE 260 - Personal Trainer 
                       OR
    BIO 109 - General Biology I  
    BIO 109L - General Biology I Lab  
    BIO 136 - Contemporary Environmental Issues 
                       OR
    BIO 109 - General Biology I  
    BIO 109L - General Biology I Lab   
    BIO 102 - Introduction to Plant Biology  
    BIO 102L - Introduction to Plant Biology Lab  
                       OR
    BIO 109 - General Biology I  
    BIO 109L - General Biology I Lab  
    ___  ___  Science elective by advisement
  7. Arts Elective: A minimum of 3-credit hours to include:
    ___  ___   Arts (AR) General Education elective
  8. Humanities: A minimum of 6-credit hours to include:
    ___  ___    Foreign language  elective
    PHI 149 - Introduction to Philosophy  
  9. Basic Communication:  A minimum of 9-credit hours to include:
    ENG 101 - Writing I 
    ENG 102 - Writing II & Introduction to Literature 
    ___  ___   Basic Communication (Oral) General Education elective 

Typical Program


First Semester


Total Credit Hours: 15


Total Credit Hours: 15


Total Credit Hours: 16


Total Credit Hours: 16


Scholarship Opportunities


There are several scholarships available to NCCC students. Scholarship deadline dates vary each semester.  For more information, please visit the scholarship webpage at www.niagaracc.suny.edu/scholarships. The NCCC Scholarship Office is located within the Financial Aid Complex, A-114 or by phone (716) 614-6205.