2025-2026 Student Catalog 
    
    Mar 12, 2025  
2025-2026 Student Catalog

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Physical Education Studies, A.S.



Contact Information

Program Requirements

Typical Program

Degree/Certificate:    Associate in Science
HEGIS Code:            5299.30
SUNY Code:             1485
Major Code:             PED

The Career

This two-year program is designed to give students the knowledge, skills and experiences that will prepare them for transfer to a baccalaureate program for fields such as teacher preparation (physical education and/or health studies), athletic training, coaching and exercise science. In addition, through the context of the Nursing, Physical and Allied Health Division, we offer a 3-credit hour Personal Trainer course with the option of sitting for the certification exam through the National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF).

The SUNY Niagara Approach

Performance course work includes classes in first aid, dance, invasion sports, net and wall sports, lifetime activities, personal performance activities, and target sports. Knowledge and skill acquisition stressing theory and practice to develop competencies and proficiencies will be the focus of the experiences. The life science component of anatomy and physiology prepares students for baccalaureate-level required sciences. In addition, students will complete requirements in SUNY general education areas to prepare them for life experiences in a changing society. Through the advisement process faculty will work individually with students to assist in course selection based upon transfer and vocational interest.

Admission

Students admitted in fall, spring and summer.

Because of the sequencing of courses, it may take more than four semesters of full-time study if a student begins this program in a spring or summer semester.

Dual Admissions & Articulation Agreements

Canisius University (Dual Admissions)
Sage College of Albany (Articulation Agreement)
SUNY College at Brockport (Articulation Agreement)
SUNY College at Cortland (Articulation Agreement)

Program Goals and Objectives

  • Prepare students for transfer into a teacher preparation program at a four-year institution
  • Facilitate the completion of 10 of 10 General Education Requirements

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, students will:

  • Demonstrate the skills and knowledge gained by successful completion of physical education activity coursework
  • Incorporate the New York State Teaching Standards into unit plans daily lesson plans
  • Incorporate the SHAPE America National Standards & Guidelines for Initial Physical Education Teacher Education in peer and preschool student instruction 
  • Complete a satisfactory teaching portfolio

Program Requirements (PED)


  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. Health and Physical Education: A minimum of 22-credit hours to include:
    HPE 115 - Country/Folk Dance  
    HPE 123 - Co-Ed Gymnastics-Tumbling  
    HPE 135 - Adventure Education  
    HPE 157 - Badminton  
    HPE 179 - Soccer Skills and Theory  
    HPE 180 - Basketball Skills and Theory  
    HPE 225 - Kinesiology/Exercise & Sport  
    HPE 260 - Personal Trainer  
    HPE 212 - Motor Behavior  
    HPE 213L - Motor Behavior Lab  
    ___ ___  Health/Physical Education electives  
  3. Natural Science & Scientific Reasoning (NSCI) - General Education: A minimum of 9-credit hours of NSCI classes and 1 elective credit to include:
    BIO 213 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I 
      
    BIO 214 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II 
      
                               OR
    BIO 117 - Human Biology  
    BIO 117L - Human Biology Lab  
    BIO 213 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I  
    BIO 213L - Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab  
    ___ ___  Health Physical Education elective (1 Cr.)
  4. Communication - General Education: A minimum of 9-credit hours to include:
    ENG 101 - Writing I * (COMW)
    ENG 102 - Writing II & Introduction to Literature  (COMW)
    SPE 101  -  Foundations of Communication  (COMO) OR 
    SPE 102  -  Public Speaking  (COMO)  OR
    SPE 103  -  Interpersonal Communication  (COMO)
  5. Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning (MATH) General Education/Computer Electives: A minimum of 6-credit hours to include: *
    MAT ___  Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning (MATH) General Education  elective
    CIS  ___  Computer elective
  6. General Education Electives: A minimum of 6-credit hours to include:
    ___ ___ Arts General Education  elective
    ___ ___ General Education  elective chosen from Humanities (HUMN), World History & Global Awareness (GLBL) or US History & CIvic Engagement (USCV)
  7. Social Science - General Education: A minimum of 3-credit hours to include:
    PSY 110 - Introduction to Psychology  
  8. World Language (WLNG) - General Education: A minimum of 3-credit hours to include:
    ___ ___  World Language General Education  elective
  9. Diversity: Equity, Inclusion & Social Justice (DVRS) General Education: A minimum of 3-credit hours to include:
    HPE 136  -  Foundations of Physical Education  

Typical Program


 

Total Credit Hours: 15


 

Second Semester


 

Total Credit Hours: 16


Third Semester


 

Total Credit Hours: 15


Fourth Semester


 

Total Credit Hours: 16


Facilities


Housed within the Athletics Building, is a state of-the-art Health Education Center (HEC). A 2,500 square foot fitness center includes the latest Cybex equipment and a number of the most popular cardiovascular machines currently on the market. In addition, the SUNY Niagara Athletics facility houses an Olympic-sized pool, two gymnasiums, dance studio, racquetball and squash courts.

The SUNY Niagara Athletics & Intramural/Recreation Department is comprised of 11 athletic teams and numerous intramural and recreation programs and events. Our technology, enhancing the professional development of our students, is exemplary. Classes are supported by the most up-to-date Learning Management System offered within the SUNY system, and the instructors create a rigorous learning environment by sharing the most contemporary theories and practices with students.

The Personal Trainer course provides in-depth, hands-on training that can lead to a national certification as a personal trainer. Students can also gain First Aid, CPR & AED certifications as well as seek out an opportunity to become certified as a Sport Nutritionist.

Scholarship Opportunities


There are several scholarships available to SUNY Niagara students. Scholarship deadline dates vary each semester.  For more information, please visit the scholarship webpage at www.niagaracc.suny.edu/scholarships. The SUNY Niagara Foundation/Scholarship Office is located within the Foundation Office, A-265 or by phone (716) 614-5910.