Physical Education & Exercise Science

Career Outlook

New York is facing a state-wide teacher shortage and needs approximately 180,000 new teachers over the next decade to meet workforce needs. The U.S. Department of Education identified Health and Physical Fitness as one of 17 subject areas in need of more qualified educators. Rural school districts—including most of western New York—have an urgent need for certified teachers. New York teachers are among the highest-paid public educators in the country, with an average salary of $61,000.

Careers in this field include:

• Athletic Coach
• Health Educator
• Physical Education Teacher
• Physical Therapist
• Recreation and Leisure Management
• Strength and Conditioning Specialist

Curious about career pathways in this field? Check out Career Coach to learn more about industry job growth, education requirements, earning potential, and more. 

Where Our Graduates Work

Program alumni have careers as teachers and coaches in school districts all across New York. This includes locations in Ontario County (Bloomfield, Canandaigua, Geneva, Victor), Monroe County (Churchville-Chili, Fairport, Greece, Rochester), and Wayne County (Gananda, Lyons, Newark), among others (Penn Yan, South Seneca).

Smooth Transfer to a Four-Year College

If you're considering a bachelor’s degree after FLCC, our academic advisors will help you connect with four-year schools and explore transfer options. We'll assist you in selecting courses that efficiently meet the requirements for both FLCC and your future college.

• Joint Admissions Agreements: These allow first-year students to gain admission to both FLCC and participating four-year schools at the same time. Gain peace of mind knowing your next step is set while you complete your associate degree with us.
• Transfer Articulation Agreements: These partnerships ensure your credits from FLCC will transfer directly and seamlessly to a partner four-year school. You can enter a bachelor’s program with full junior standing, saving you time and money.

VIEW TRANSFER AGREEMENTS

Where Our Students Transfer

Many students in our Physical Education & Exercise Science program go on to complete a four-year degree at colleges such as:

• Canisius College
• Ithaca College
• Roberts Wesleyan University
• St. Bonaventure University
• SUNY Brockport
• SUNY Cortland
• Syracuse University

Earn Required Safety Certifications

Program coursework prepares you to earn these valuable safety certifications:

• Adult, Infant, Child CPR
• Basic Life Support
• Child Abuse Mandated Reporter
• New York State Coaching
• Responding to Emergencies
• SAVE (Safe Schools Against Violence in Education)

Learn From Our Community Partners

Gain experience in coaching and physical education by working with our community partners in a variety of professional settings.

Some of our industry collaborations and real-world experiences include:

• Facilitating an adapted physical education program at Midlakes BOCES
• Leading ropes course exercises at our East Hill Campus
• Participating in a water safety course at the local YMCA
• Teaching students how to bowl at Roseland Bowl
• Providing golf lessons at Victor Hills Golf Club
• Visiting kinesiology and exercise science departments at four-year colleges

Sample Courses

Visit our academic catalog for a complete listing of program requirements, including prerequisites, general education requirements, electives, and a sample schedule.

View Full Curriculum

Sample core courses you'll take in this program include:

• HPE 110 - Physical Conditioning
• HPE 117 - Basic Weight Training
• HPE 136 - Introduction to Adventure Learning
• HPE 187 - Intro to Physical Education & Coaching
• HPE 190 - Care & Prevention of Athletic Injuries
• HPE 227 - Physiology of Exercise
• NS 115 - Introduction to Nutrition