Academic Programs
and Majors

Physical Education Major

Physical Education   (Fitness Option)

Physical Education (Teaching Option)

Sports Ministry

Future Preparation

Department Faculty

Physical Education at Houghton

Houghton offers a major in physical education leading to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. The program includes three options of study: physical education, teacher certification and physical fitness. Students in all three options gain solid classroom knowledge as well as extensive hands-on experience. Houghton also offers minors in physical education (16 credit hours) and athletic training (15 credit hours). Many students choose a physical education minor in order to complete courses required for New York State coaching certification. Members of the physical education faculty offer diverse educational and experiential backgrounds, including research, training, coaching, and fitness. They exemplify servant-scholarship and encourage students to do the same.

The teacher certification option prepares students to teach elementary and high school physical education. The major consists of 37 hours in physical education and 30 hours in education courses (including student teaching). Students apply textbook knowledge to actual elementary and high school classroom settings through 100 hours of practical experience prior to the senior year student teaching experience. Students in this option may strengthen their credentials by obtaining swimming certifications, such as lifeguarding and water safety instruction, and outdoor education experience. Houghton's program provides outdoor education opportunities in ropes course and rock climbing instruction as well as wilderness and outdoor adventure activities. Students in this option are considered to have an education minor, but may choose an additional minor as well. 

The physical fitness option prepares students to work in fitness centers or corporate fitness programs. Students learn the physiology of fitness programs and program design. During their educational experience at Houghton, students work as one-on-one fitness instructors with college students and community members to apply and develop their skills. Students in this option are encouraged to obtain ASCM or ACE fitness instructor certification during their time at Houghton. Students in this option must also choose a minor in another subject area.

A minor in sports ministry includes 18 credit hours in educational ministries, physical education, and theology coursework.

Broadening Your Educational Opportunities

Our 1,300-acre campus provides easy access to a variety of sports and recreational activities.  The Nielsen Physical Education Center contains three basketball courts, an indoor running track, four racquetball courts, faculty offices, classrooms, seminar rooms, the George R. Wells Natatorium, and an auxiliary gymnasium featuring an indoor climbing wall.

Our 386-acre equestrian center includes barns, stalls, pastures, an indoor arena, an outdoor stadium and arena, space for student-owned horses, and several outstanding college-owned lesson horses.  In addition, three soccer fields, a field hockey field, and eight-lane all-weather track were constructed in 1998.  We also have downhill and cross-country skiing facilities on campus, as well as one of the best initiatives courses in the northeastern United States.