Physical Education and Exercise Science

Careers in Physical Fitness

New York is facing a statewide 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—urgently need certified teachers. 

Where Our Graduates Work

Program graduates work as teachers and coaches in school districts across New York, including:

• Ontario County (Bloomfield, Canandaigua, Geneva, Victor)
• Monroe County (Churchville-Chili, Fairport, Greece, Rochester)
• Wayne County (Gananda, Lyons, Newark)
• Others (Penn Yan, South Seneca)

Transfer to a Bachelor’s Degree Program

The Physical Education and Exercise Science A.S. degree prepares you to transfer to a related bachelor’s degree program. You'll take classes that align with the requirements of a future college major.

FLCC partners with other colleges to make your transfer path easier:

• Transfer Agreements outline how FLCC classes and credits transfer to a partner college.
• Joint Admissions Agreements admit you to FLCC and a transfer school at the same time.

Our advisors will help you select courses that fit your goals and make the most of your credits when you transfer.

View Transfer Options

Where Our Students Transfer

Students in our Physical Education and Exercise Science program go on to earn a bachelor's degree from colleges such as:

• Canisius University
• 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

Physical Education and Exercise Science Courses

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

• BIO 172 - Human Anatomy & Physiology II
• 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 212 - Health
• HPE 227 - Physiology of Exercise
• NS 115 - Introduction to Nutrition

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

View Full Curriculum