Focus on Physical Education Studies

Courtney Rozell switched to the Physical Education Studies major to help her pursue a sports-focused career.

Courtney Rozell switched to the Physical Education Studies major to help her pursue a sports-focused career.

Physical Education Studies degree prepares students for multiple careers

Courtney Rozell turned her love of athletics into a career.

At Whitehall High School, Rozell participated in soccer, basketball, bobsledding, softball and cheering.

“I basically played two sports a season,” Rozell said.

She enrolled at SUNY Adirondack to pursue a liberal arts degree, but her younger brother inspired her to switch majors.

“He is learning to play sports, and working with him made me realize my true passion is for sports and education,” said Rozell, who volunteers as a Pee Wee basketball and softball referee in her free time.

The college’s Physical Education Studies degree aligned with Rozell’s newfound goals.

The associate of science degree program prepares students to become leaders in athletic teaching and coaching. The curriculum meets the SUNY General Education requirements and the SUNY Seamless Transfer Physical Education pathway. Upon graduation, students can transfer to a four-year college or university, including SUNY Cortland, SUNY Brockport, SUNY Potsdam, SUNY Canton and Castleton University.

“I think the Physical Education Studies degree program offers so many opportunities for students in the many fields associated with physical education,” said Daniel Dennett, associate professor of physical education. “Students can choose areas related to health science, including physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy, orthopedics, exercise physiologist, fitness specialist and many more. Another focus is education, including teaching physical education, health education, strength and conditioning or becoming a nutrition specialist.”

Dennett views the degree as a complement to the college’s athletics program.

“Many athletes have the desire to pursue their sport of choice and play at the collegiate level, and we can provide that opportunity for them here at SUNY Adirondack. A number of our athletes have continued their education after graduation and transferred into the physical education and sports management degree pathways to continue their success as student-athletes,” he said.

According to Rozell, who transferred to Castleton College after graduation in 2019, the curriculum has prepared her for the next step toward a career.

“I like how the teachers get you into real life experiences, including bringing in guest speakers,” she said. “They make it as real as possible to make sure you are comfortable in your own shoes when you are out there in the real world.”