Physical Education & Fitness Studies (A.S.)

The Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Physical Education and Fitness Studies is suitable for students whose career goals include areas within the broad fitness and wellness specialty areas. The degree program prepares students for transfer into a bachelor’s degree program in physical education, but also provides preparation for bachelor’s degrees in coaching, wellness studies, fitness instruction, athletic training, or other fitness/health-related fields. Graduates also acquire job readiness skills that utilize analytical and applied wellness-related competencies, which enable them to become employable as fitness leaders within the community.

The curriculum emphasizes professionalism, health awareness, wellness lifestyle, and fitness leadership by providing background knowledge and skills that form the foundation of these fields. Foundational courses within the degree provide students with opportunities to develop lesson plans, demonstrate activity leadership skills, conduct fitness assessments, create appropriate exercise programs, and acquire basic knowledge of sport histories, rules, and strategies. A strong focus of the program includes instilling the value of physical activity in students by infusing exercise knowledge and experience into a variety of required physical activity classes. In addition to improved fitness, successful students gain insightful and practical information through their studies in personal health, human anatomy and physiology (I and II), foundations of physical education and kinesiology, and exercise physiology.

Mission Statement

The Physical Education and Fitness Studies A.S. degree prepares graduates with a theoretical and practical knowledge base that transfers into four-year institutions offering degrees in physical education, exercise science, health education, athletic training and other wellness-oriented fields. Graduates looking to secure careers in the fitness field upon graduation acquire job readiness skills that utilize analytical and applied wellness-related competencies, which enable them to become fitness leaders within the community.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Communicate introductory content knowledge in the areas of physical education, wellness, and exercise leadership.
2. Identify career choices related to Physical Education and Fitness Studies.
3. Demonstrate wellness literacy through skillful participation and performance reflection/assessment in fitness education content areas.
4. Examine the cultural, social, psychological, environmental, and economic issues that influence wellness and impact individuals within the global community.
5. Exhibit professionalism through practices that utilize pedagogical strategies that create safe and developmentally appropriate fitness learning environments.
6. Seek opportunities for continued professional development and expanded physical activities that support the development of physically literate individuals.

Options