Physical and Health Education at Houghton
Whether you are planning a career in teaching or in physical
fitness, Houghton’s majors in physical and health education will provide the
preparation needed. Students in both options of study – K-12
teacher certification and physical fitness – gain solid
classroom knowledge as well as extensive hands-on experience.
The Department of Physical Education also houses minors in
physical education (15.5 credit hours), Athletic Training (16
credit hours), Pre-Physical Therapy (16 credits), and Sports
Ministry (18 hours). Members of the physical education
faculty offer diverse educational and experiential
backgrounds, including teaching, research, athletic training,
coaching, and fitness. They exemplify servant-scholarship and
encourage students to do the same.
The K-12 teacher certification option prepares students to teach elementary and secondary physical education, is approved by the New York Department of Education, and is recognized by most other states. The major includes extensive coursework in science-based courses, teaching methods, educational curricula, and activity courses. Students apply textbook knowledge to actual elementary, secondary, inclusive, and urban classroom settings through formalized practicum experiences prior to the senior year student teaching experience. This major fulfills the requirements to register as a coach of interscholastic sports in New York. Students in this option may further strengthen their credentials by obtaining lifeguarding and water safety instruction certifications as well as specified coursework that may be used to apply toward certification in Health. Those interested in more advanced outdoor pursuits can enhance their educational opportunities in ropes course and rock climbing instruction as well as wilderness and outdoor adventure activities.
The dual certification program in health and physical education prepares students to teach both Health and Physical Education (grades K-12). In addition to coursework in physical education and health, courses are also taken from the Psychology, Biology and Chemistry departments.
The physical fitness option prepares students to work in health/fitness clubs, corporate fitness programs, and YMCAs. 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.
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, three racquetball courts, fitness center, weight room, the George R. Wells Natatorium, an auxiliary gymnasium featuring an indoor climbing wall, faculty offices, and classrooms. 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.
