Rockland Community College has reorganized its Human Performance Studies degree tracks for students interested in pursuing degrees in Sports, Recreation, Physical Education and Exercise Science. The realignment is in response to shifting demands in the fitness fields for students well-equipped to master responsibilities in those disciplines.
The College has been offering an Associate of Science program in Human Performance Studies since 2007. This program is now more specifically tailored for student interest in the fitness fields with a solid academic foundation for transfer to a four-year institution. The new tracks, slated to debut in the Fall 2019 semester, are: Physical Education; Exercise and Sports Science; and Sports and Recreation Leadership. Previously, tracks were offered for General Studies (geared toward Physical Education), Exercise Science, Athletic Training, and Recreation and Leisure Studies.
“While doing advising [one-on-one advisement by RCC Exercise and Human Performance professionals], many students tell us they want to do something in the sports field but are not sure just what to do,” said Professor Patti Zodda, Chair of RCC’s Exercise and Human Performance Department. “These tracks allow students a chance to explore various options within the fitness field before making a commitment to a four-year institution.”
The Physical Education track enables students interested in working toward a career as a Physical Education teacher to start at RCC by taking the required math, science and liberal arts courses as well as introductory courses in the Physical Education field.
The Exercise and Sports Science track caters to students interested in entering the field of Athletic Training, Nutrition or Exercise Science. Since the Athletic Training degree will be moving to a masters-level degree in 2021, students who wish to pursue this discipline are encouraged to major in Exercise Science at the undergraduate level. By starting at RCC, students can receive a strong science foundation as well as targeted fitness courses related to the exercise science field. Students also have the opportunity to participate in an internship and finish the program with a Fitness Specialist Certificate.
RCC’s newest track in the Human Performance Studies program is Sports and Recreation Leadership. This track is intended for students who want to further their education in areas such as Sports Management or Recreation and Leisure Studies. The track may be more appealing to students who want to work in the sports and recreation industry but are not necessarily strong in the science and math fields. Combining Sports Management and Recreation under one umbrella, with the option to major in one or both disciplines, is becoming a widespread practice at four-year institutions, Professor Zodda said.
Some of the courses being offered in the Fall 2019 semester, which begins September 3, include: Programming in Parks, Recreation and Leisure; Introduction to Physical Education; Community Health and Wellness; Nutrition and Sports Performance; and Introduction to Exercise Science.
“We believe this restructuring of the Human Performance Studies tracks responds to the changing demands in the fitness fields for highly qualified students who seek a career in Sports, Recreation, Physical Education and Exercise Science,” said Professor Zodda.
The Exercise and Human Performance Department offers one-on-one advisement and mentoring to ensure students are in the appropriate track related to their field of interest.
For more information, please contact Professor Patti Zodda at pzodda@sunyrockland.edu.
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